Sensory Garden for the Blind in Morningside

In August 2008 Susan Wong, the very active chair of Morningside Community Council and a well known figure in our community, died. Susan had a number of health problems, not the least of which was blindness, but she spent her life working to improve conditions for others, particularly the disadvantaged by reason of health or disability.

Morningside Community Council has decided to commemorate Susan by developing a Sensory Garden within Morningside Park, to be enjoyed particularly by the blind and partially sighted. A substantial amount was raised by public subscription, and the Community Council then sought and received generous funding from two other bodies.

Karen Morrison, of Scottish Natural Heritage, said “In funding the Susan Wong Sensory Garden, Scottish Natural Heritage recognises the importance of all the senses being used to enjoy Scotland’s plants and their animal visitors.

The Sensory Garden in Morningside Park will be a resource for local schools and an attractive feature for local people to enjoy.” Edinburgh City Council Community Grants Fund also contributed. David Doig, Environmental Manager for the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership, said “The Susan Wong Sensory Garden is a fantastic addition to what is already a wonderful community park.

This addition enhances recent developments undertaken within the park following local consultation. The garden will be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages and we are particularly glad to be contributing to the enjoyment of those with sight problems.

Morningside Park is located between Morningside Drive and Balcarres Street with entrances from both. It benefits from the interest of an active group of Friends of the Park. A local landscape gardener, Stephen Ogilvie has been contracted to design and lay out the Sensory Garden. Work will begin in a few weeks and it will be completed by this summer