Popular community activist remembered with sensory park

Susan Wong was chairwoman of Morningside Community Council and an active campaigner for the rights of the disabled and chronically sick.

Among her many health problems she was blind, so her community council colleagues decided that the creation of a sensory garden in Morningside Park would be a fitting memorial.

After months of fundraising and planning, work is now due to start on the garden.

Community council chairwoman Jean Thompson said:"Susan used to love exercising her dog in Morningside public park and it was felt fitting that the memorial should go there, and that rather than just a plain bench she be commemorated by a sensory garden which could be enjoyed by other people, both blind and sighted."

The garden, designed by local landscape gardener Stephen Ogilvie, will include a range of plants with attractive scents, along with several chosen to attract wildlife to the park.

Mrs Wong's sister, Judith Renilson, said: "Susan would be very touched. We've been very grateful for both the individuals and organisations who have made it possible."

The community council collected public donations for the project and also received funding from Scottish Natural Heritage and the city council.

Scottish Natural Heritage's Karen Morrison said: "The sensory garden in Morningside Park will be a resource for local schools and an attractive feature for local people to enjoy."

David Doig, environmental manager for the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership, said: "The Susan Wong Sensory Garden is a fantastic addition to what is already a wonderful community park."

Mrs Wong was chairwoman of the community council from 2001 until her death.

After her son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, she became an active member of the support group Parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder Adults, helping others in her situation.

She died in August 2008, aged 54, shortly after becoming ill with suspected lymphoma.