Cornwall Blind Association - Improving the lives of visually impaired people

Visually impaired and fully-sighted, green-fingered enthusiasts alike are offered the chance to get all their questions answered at the Cornwall Blind Association annual Gardeners’ Question Forum on July 7 from 2pm.

With an esteemed panel of experts no question will be too prickly! Chairing the event and in the main firing line will be BBC Radio Cornwall's Tim Hubbard. One of the most popular presenters, Tim is the man to call during their garden call-in on Sunday mornings.

There will be a fantastic panel of experts to support Tim including Roger Wasley, Nursery Manager for the Eden Project - a firm favourite at Cornwall's most loved tourist attraction.

Roger started his career tending to the grounds at Buckingham Palace at 17 years old. Last year he was one of the judges on BBC Gardener of the Decade, making a special appearance on the TV screens of the nation.  He said: "I am delighted to be taking part in The Gardeners' Question Forum as it is a fantastic event for people to ask all the questions they want answered for their gardens.

"It's also great that we can focus on the aspects of a true sensory garden - meaning that visually impaired and blind people can get the most out of gardening."

Also on the panel will be Nigel Pascoe, Horticulture Manager, of family favourite Flambards. In charge of 35 acres of land, Nigel has proved his worth in the horticultural world and is a regular contributor to Gardenline on BBC Radio Cornwall.

Richard Moreton, Head Gardener at Trewidden Garden, Penzance, one of Cornwall's great, historic gardens brings a wealth of experience from his early training at Duchy College before he then relocated to learning all there is to know at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Local gardening personality, Tracy Wilson, adds some spice into the mix with her experience managing Duchy Nursery in Lostwithiel and her huge personal knowledge on plants and gardening. A regular speaker around the county, Tracy also helped judge the Cornwall Blind Association's plant naming competition.

Alistair Rivers, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Bronze medallist and Duchy College lecturer will also be sat at the table ready and waiting to impart his advice to Cornish gardeners.

Martin Pallet, Chief Executive of the Cornwall Blind Association, said: “This event is a celebration of gardening and the difference it makes to the lives of visually impaired people in Cornwall although it will be of wide interest to anyone at all interested in gardening.

“It will be fun and entertaining with some great questions. Many think that if you lose your sight you can't garden, but gardening is actually one of the top interests among visually impaired people in Cornwall.

“This event helps highlight the difference the charity is making to the lives of visually impaired people through gardening.”

The Cornwall Blind Association is a charity dedicated to helping visually impaired people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It has two flourishing gardening clubs in the county – with one of the members winning the Thrive National Blind Gardener of the Year award in 2009.

The event is being held at Duchy College Camborne on July 7 at 2pm - for more information and to get your questions in early please call Kerry Keast on 01872 266708.

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