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Gardener Sean Canavan with dog Sparkie and his summer blooms |
| Neighbours salute blind gardener |
A BLIND gardener who planted flowers in a Kentish Town conservation area has been praised by neighbours and councillors who described him as inspirational.
Sean Canavan, 50, has planted hundreds of flowers around trees in Ryland Road, where he lives. He is often seen watering them and tending to them despite being completely blind.
Mr Canavan, who was a carpenter before he lost his sight seven years ago, said: “When I moved here I had come from a house with a very big garden, which I basically dug up and brought with me, but I didn’t have enough room so the plants sort of spilled over.”
His first planting was around the tree directly outside his home but now the flowers run the length of Ryland Road and cul-de-sac Perren Street, which runs off it.
Mr Canavan added: “Gardening had always been a hobby of mine. Even though I can’t see the flowers now I know what they look like and I like to do this for those who can.”
Neighbour Michael Gleeson, 41, who is training to become a barrister, said: “I think it’s fantastic. A person with civic values like this is so rare these days.
“It gives me a lot of pride. Kentish Town often feels like Camden Town’s poor cousin but now we have something they have not.”
Retired Anne Hearn agreed: “It’s a pleasure every morning. I’ve found it such an inspiration during these recent grey days.”
Social worker Gail Neill said: “They’re only flowers but it makes a difference when you smile every day.”
Another fan, Freddy Bedford, 34, said: “It works in different ways. It looks great and cheers up all the people who live here but it also makes people feel more pride in the area and has almost stopped littering and graffiti.”
Lib Dem councillor Jill Fraser said: “What Mr Canavan is doing is incredible. I think it’s wonderful for someone to act so selflessly in the public spirit. I hope he inspires others to follow suit.”
Published:
Thursday 2nd September 2004
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