The gardens at Vision Australia’s Kooyong site will be transformed into a sensory experience for people who are blind or low vision thanks to renowned horticulturalist, John Arnott.
More than 200 plants will be donated to Vision Australia and turned into a sensory garden by John Arnott and a team from the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, as well as staff and volunteers from Vision Australia.
The planting working bee will be held on Friday, September 13 from 10am.
Plants such as the native mint bush, tree violet, and sweet wattle have been selected for the garden for their robust and hardy nature, but are also ideal for their touch and smell.
The idea came from John’s involvement with Vision Australia Radio, where he is a regular on ‘Pokeys Garden’, a garden show hosted by Vision Australia’s John Poke.
“We have a sensory garden at our Enfield site in Sydney and it is very popular. I often talked to John about the potential of the Kooyong site, and he always took a keen interest in helping us develop it. This is going to be fantastic for everyone who visits Vision Australia,” he said.
Mr Arnott has worked in public gardens all of his working life. His notable achievements include Melbourne Zoo, the Geelong Botanic Gardens, and currently, he is the Manager Horticulture at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Stephen Jolley, who works at Vision Australia and is also blind, said a sensory garden will be a welcomed addition to the Kooyong site.
“The nose is of great help to those of us who can’t see because of what it tells us about the environment. Visitors to the Kooyong site will associate the friendly, relaxed atmosphere here with the attractive perfumes from the garden. As I, and my colleagues, walk into work each day, it will be nice to be greeted by the aromas of this new landmark,” he said
Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services.
What: A plant working bee at Vision Australia
Where: 454 Glenferrie Road,Kooyong Vic 3144
When: September 13, 2013
Time: 10am
Media are welcome to attend.
Media enquiries : Rebecca McLean, Communications Advisor, [email protected] or 0428496105.