Scented Gardens for the Blind
Helping the Visually Impaired Discover the Power of Fragrant Gardens
Oct 4, 2008
There are approximately ten million blind or visually impaired people living in the United States today; all of whom are unable to experience the simple visual pleasures of a garden. Helen Keller, as quoted in To Love This Life: Quotations by Helen Keller AFB Press 2000, indicates it is others who are actually blind “....for they have no idea how fair the flower is to the touch, nor do they appreciate its fragrance, which is the soul of the flower.”
To compensate for the 'loss' of one sense, other senses become more heightened. The most widely accepted theory in aromatherapy on how essential oils access the body is through inhalation by the nose, as it is the only sense which has a direct link to the brain. Smell is drawn in through the nose to the limbic part of the brain and triggers a response.
Fragrant Therapy in Gardens
A recognized therapy which now has significant value for the visually impaired is that of horticultural therapy; through schools and institutions the blind are learning to appreciate the fragrance of scented garden flowers and plants. Gardens are being developed to introduce the pleasure of fragrant aromas to the visually impaired, not just for visiting, but by becoming actively involved in the growing of the plants through various projects.
Gardens for the blind are being created in various forms; some use touch whereas others use fragrance to stimulate the senses. Scented flowers and plants are abundant in almost every garden but no where is it more important than in a garden created for the blind or visually impaired.
Plants and Flowers for a Scented Garden
There are a number of aromatic plants and flowers which can be used for a scented garden; some of the popular plants and flowers which are used in aromatherapy too (thus providing an even greater use of a scented garden) include lavender, rose, rosemary, geranium and thyme. There are a number of herbs such as peppermint, fennel, basil, coriander and parsley which are both aromatic and useful for culinary purposes.
Aromatic trees include orange, lemon, pine and cypress. The citrus trees are usually found in warmer climates whereas those trees such as pine and Christmas tree firs are found in colder climates; whether a scented garden is large or small there are any number of plants to choose from. Other fragrant plants and trees which can be used are Frangipini, Jasmine, Clematis, Honeysuckle, Sweet Pea, Hyacinth and Peony.
Fragrant Gardens created for the Blind
Several gardens in the USA have been created with the visually impaired in mind. They all feature signs in braille, fragrant and textured plants and are accessible. Some have water features such as fountains. Scented gardens the blind can visit include the Ethel Dupar Fragrance Garden in Seattle.
Originally inspired by a local business woman, Ethel Dupar, and her visit to a Scottish fragrant garden, the Dupar garden was opened in 1973 at the Seattle lighthouse. Unfortunately, the garden was forgotten about for years and fell into disarray. It is now being restored through the work of volunteers and has over fifty species of fragrant blooms, spices and herbs, as well as a sunken garden.
It is easy to appreciate the visual pleasures of a garden if it can be seen; however, the stimulation a scented garden provides to the nose demonstrates that gardens can also be enjoyed by those who are unable to see it. The fragrant plants and flowers provide a 'feel good' factor and can heal on a number of different levels in the aromatherapy world.
References:
Gardner, Jo Ann 2007 (Feb/March)The Herb Companion :Seeing with Other Senses: Gardens for the Blind USA: Ogden Publications Magazine
Lawless, Julia 2001 The Aromatherapy Garden London, UK: Kyle Cathie Ltd
Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, Ethel L Dupar Fragrance Garden, 2501 S. Plum Street, Seattle, WA 98114
For Further Reading on Scented Gardens:
Modern History of Scented Gardens
Ancient History of Scented Gardens
