Fragrant garden a delight for vision impaired nature lovers

People with vision impairment will be among those benefiting most from Manly Council’s new Ivanhoe Park Fragrant Garden.

The garden was formally opened in March by Manly Mayor, Councillor Jean Hay, and Convenor of the Manly Warringah Visually Impaired Support Group, Robert Hinds.

“The Ivanhoe Park Fragrant Garden has been created for the whole community to enjoy, but with a particular focus on the needs of people with vision impairment,” Councillor Hay said.

“The path up to the garden is designed for optimal accessibility and the garden flowerbeds are raised so that the plants may be both smelt and touched.

“But perhaps the most striking feature is the wonderful array of fragrances from the flowers and plants which greet you as you approach.”

The Fragrant Garden features a large variety of aromatic and scented plants including lavender, pineapple sage, lemon scented myrtle and tea tree, mint bush, jasmine, cherry pie, Mexican orange blossom and more.

“Already long regarded as one of the Northern Beaches’ most enchanting public gardens, Ivanhoe Park’s new Fragrant Garden now adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to the gardens for plant and nature lovers,” Councillor Hay said.

“It makes the park more inclusive and accessible to the entire community, in keeping with Council’s overall policy of optimising access to its public services and facilities.”