by Holly Chapman | 08 May 25 | News, Supplier News
Perennial will host its Dig Deep Fundraising Lunch on Friday 10 October in London to celebrate supporters, colleagues and fundraisers.
The event is intended to celebrate the efforts of those fundraising for Perennial, a charity that provides a lifeline to those who dedicated their lives to growing and caring for green space.
Taking place at The Cumberland in London, the event features a three course meal, as well as fizz and wine from midday. Attendees will be joined by Perennial president, Alan Titshmarsh in a thank you toast.
Perennial will also host its Silver Shovel Spotlight Awards during the event, hosted by garden designer and TV gardener, Manoj Malde, and gardener and radio personality Matthew Biggs.
A raffle and live auction led by Mark Head will include a day’s consultancy with horticultural business consultant Neville Stein, an Exclusive Hotel Group package and a Wembley Stadium hospitality package.
Jamie Gault, Perennial’s chief executive comments:
“Our fundraising lunch and awards recognise all their wholehearted contributions and commitments and keeps up the momentum by raising even more funds.”
This year, Plantman & Co return in support of the fundraising lunch to provide floral centrepieces.
Tickets are £145 and can be purchased here: perennial.org.uk/lunch
Pro Landscaper is supporting Perennial with its hike in September, giving £10 for every ticket purchased. Find more information here.
by Aidan Williams | 22 Oct 24 | News
A group fundraisers, which included Eljays44’s very own Nina Mason, were led on a red-hot firewalk on Friday at Hever Castle, in aid of the horticultural charity Perennial.
The firewalk was hosted on the forecourt and participants were fully trained by expert instructors before they attempted to walk across hot coals.
The group were led by Neil Miller, the head gardener at Hever Castle who was enthusiastic for the occasion.
Miller says: “As a long-time supporter of Perennial, this event is an unforgettable experience and will help raise essential funds for such a meaningful cause.”
Our content director, Nina Mason, was among the walkers and has been preparing since September for the walk, with the event first announced two months ago.
“Walking over hot coals was an amazing experience. What a fantastic group of people too, all coming together to support such a remarkable charity, and the stunning backdrop of Hever Castle made it even better.
“There’s still time to donate, if you’re able to do so.”
Nina’s JustGiving page is open and currently exceeding her target and you can donate to it online.
Eleanor Steele, community fundraiser at Perennial, adds: “The firewalk is not just about the thrill; it’s about uniting the community in support of the people who care for our gardens and landscapes.
“We’re thrilled to host this at such a historic venue and encourage everyone to take part in this inspiring and impactful event.”
by Aidan Williams | 17 Sep 24 | News
Lee Connelly has smashed his charity target with his climb up Mount Snowdon, with £4725 raised to help schools to create their own gardens.
The initial target was £3,000 but this means that eight schools will be able to receive a full school gardening success package, some three more than the initial aim.
The School Gardening Success package is designed to provide schools with everything they need to create and maintain a thriving school garden, while integrating gardening into the curriculum.
The package consists of: garden kits to provide all of the essential gardening tools, seeds, and equipment needed to start their own garden, step-by-step lesson plans, ongoing support, tips to emphasize sustainable gardening practices and workshops and training.
“The climb was an unforgettable experience. Tackling Snowdon was no easy feat, especially with the unpredictable weather and challenging terrain, but every step was fueled by the knowledge that we were doing it for such an important cause,” says Connelly.
“The views were breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment at the summit was matched only by the pride we felt in knowing that this effort would give schools the chance to grow their own gardens and create a space for children to learn, grow, and thrive.”
For the climb he led a group of gardeners, educators and supporters up the Welsh mountain, where he left a book for a lucky adventurer.
Connelly, also known as the Skinny Jean Gardener, took on the 3,560ft climb in collaboration with the Bearded Growers, the horticultural radio show hosts.
Connelly adds: “This is more than just helping schools start a garden – it’s about empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge to lead healthier, more sustainable lives.”
If you want to donate further, then his JustGiving page for the climb is still open for another 13 days.
