In 2017 the Blind Veterans UK sponsored a special garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The circular It’s All About Community Show Garden was created by celebrated designers Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Dan Bowyer and was designed with blind and visually impaired veterans in mind.
“The garden reflects a sense of community, exploring many different aspects of what Blind Veterans UK does – bringing people together, supporting passive and active therapy, providing vital life skills and independence, offering learning, training and recreation opportunities.” Andrew Fisher Tomlin
Essex Oak Frame built the reception centre for the garden, where the Countess of Wessex was greeted and learned about the concept behind the design and the work of Blind Veterans UK, and the stunning round structure, which featured beautiful carvings and provided a perfect frame for part of the willow vine sculpture which wrapped around the whole garden and was created by artist Tom Hare.
Visitors to the garden were escorted by blind veterans as they experienced the textures, colours and scents of the garden whilst discovering the array of sculptures and special features made by some of the blind veterans the charity supports.
“It is not the traditional idea of a ‘sensory’ garden for vision impairment, but celebrates the ability, activity and vibrancy of the blind veterans the charity supports. We are so proud to be working with Blind Veterans UK once again.”
Dan Bowyer
The garden was awarded a gold medal and an award for best construction. After the show it was dismantled and divided between the charity’s two main training and rehabilitation centres in Brighton and Llandudno, so blind veterans can enjoy the flowers, trees and incredible structures made by master craftsman for many years to come.
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