YOU can still enjoy gardening even if you can’t see very well.

That’s the heartening message from keen gardener Anna Tylor, who is severely sight impaired.

The 60-year-old shared her passion for nature at the RHS Tatton Show, where a sensory border was sponsored by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Anna, the charity’s chairman, who loves growing fruit, herbs and vegetables, said: “I have a congenital condition and am severely sight impaired but I’ve worked all my life.

"I grew up in a big old-fashioned garden in the countryside.

“Now I grow a lot of food in my own small garden, it is jam packed. I absolutely love it.

“For me, my garden is connected with food because I cook and am a big foodie.

“Last year I harvested 20 kilos of grapes. I’ve got a flowering kiwi, potatoes, crab apples and 30 different tomato plants.

“I love producing things from my garden and make a lot of preserves.”

The key to success when your vision is impaired, she said, is to use a simple system so you know where everything is.

“I map out my garden,” said Anna.

“I use a colour code and spray paint things like corners of steps and garden tools bright pink so I can see them.”

After undergoing surgery for breast cancer last year, she found sanctuary being surrounded by her plants.

“When I started chemotherapy I was very hot and tired,” said Anna.

“I spent a lot of time in my garden. It absorbed me and gave me a distraction.

“I decided to sleep in the garden. I spent the entire summer sleeping outside.”

The show garden ‘Seeing Through The Senses’ embraced vivid colours and aromatic and auditory plants.”

Chester and District Standard: Anna Tylor admires the RNIB sensory garden at the RHS Tatton Flower ShowAnna Tylor admires the RNIB sensory garden at the RHS Tatton Flower Show (Image: Newsquest)

“I’m hugely excited about this beautiful border,” said Anna.

“Living with sight loss does not mean you have to give up gardening.

“I have developed my own techniques for identifying plants and growing them.

“Just have a go, take small steps.

“Very slowly, you will think of a way to get round any challenges.

“I feel marvellous when I’m in my garden, calm and at peace.

“Washed in nature, I love that.”