Growing for colour, touch and perfume

Tactile plants bursting with colour and scent will make the sensory garden at the Bradbury Centre in Sansome Walk a haven for blind and deaf people.

It is being created by the Worcestershire Blind Association, an independent charity-based at the centre that supports about 3,000 vision impaired people.

Fund-raising and marketing manager Chris Onions said the aim is to provide a safe sanctuary where centre users can spend time with friends and the proposed site - a small paved area which borders the car park - has huge potential.

He said: "We're going to have to move the guide dog pen and the shed where we keep wood for woodwork classes, but we're going to make the most of it.

"We hope to be able to make it completely accessible for users and staff; somewhere people feel they can go, sit down and relax."

The centre is also used by the charities Deaf Direct and Sense, which is why staff are keen to include plants with colour, smell and texture.

Mr Onions said: "We have some landscaping to do before we can start planting.

"We actually have connections with a few people who have horticultural knowledge and they have been advising us on which plants are best.

"We're hoping to get some centre users involved, to form a gardening club, and have the whole thing up and running by summer."

The Bradbury Centre is described as the association's resource and social centre where people can take part in social activities such as cooking classes and computer training.

Mr Onions said: "Adults from all over Worcestershire use the centre. It's somewhere people can share time with each other.

"We support people who have sight impairment which is severely limiting and are registered blind, as well as those who have slight impairment but impedes on certain opportunities but does not stop them going about their day to day business."

For more information about the association or to help with the garden call Chris Onions on 01905 723245 or visit www.wabsight.org.uk