touch me, taste me, smell me

Former Olympic champion Linford Christie opened Specsavers Opticians Ôgarden for the visually impairedÕ at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show on Monday (July 1). It is the first garden specially designed for visually impaired people at the world famous event. The one-time 100 metre Olympic winner, who is also a keen horticulturist, was delighted to have been asked to help open the area aimed at blind and visually impaired visitors to the show. ÔThis garden is a fantastic project,Õ he said. ÔThe ideas and concepts that have been encorporated will hopefully bring a great deal of pleasure and enjoyment to visually impaired people, as well as sighted visitors.Õ Created after research and consultation with focus groups with visually impaired people, key factors were identified to make a garden enjoyable and accessible to those with all levels of visual impairment. The garden has a simple layout, divided by wide and easy to navigate pathways and incorporates features such as tactile sculptures and built-in seating. The area Ð one of 23 show gardens at this yearÕs event Ð is planted with a Ôtouch me, taste me, smell meÕ theme.