In 1983, the members of the Sands Point Garden Club created a special garden environment at the Helen Keller National Center, located in the village of Sands Point. With funding from garden club members and contributions from the surrounding Port Washington community, the garden was designed with help from Dr. Richard Iverson. Signage for the garden is in braille.
The space occupies a tranquil corner of the HKNC property, surrounded by fragrant viburnum, lilac and rose bushes. Various scented herbs are planted in waist-high tubs for easy reach, and accent flowers include tactile “lamb’s ear” (Stachys byzantine) and scented lavender.
The primary value of the garden is to engage the senses of smell and touch for the deaf/blind clients of the Helen Keller Center. Additional enjoyment is gained by picking the herbs and using them in culinary classes at the Center. The Sands Point Garden Club maintains the garden and sponsors an annual tour and tasting event in June, to show the clients some delicious ways to use the herbs that are growing in the garden.
For more information about the Sands Point Garden Club contact Georgia DeYoung, membership chair.
