by Holly Chapman | 04 Jun 26 | News
In celebration of cliptography, ClipFest 2026 will be held in Ichi-Coo park in Surrey, with all proceeds going directly to horticultural charity Perennial.
Cliptography is a more expressive concept of topiary which has a freeform approach to shaping plants and trees through pruning and clipping, guided by imagination rather than rigid rules or plant types.
Taking place on Saturday 13 June, ClipFest will host exhibitors and trade stands, scheduled events, live demonstrations and opportunities to have a go at clipping.
Live music will also commence later in the evening. Small Fakers, a tribute to Small Faces, will take to the stage.
Last year, the event raised £1,500 for Perennial, helping support people working across horticulture.
Tickets can be found online here.
by Holly Chapman | 30 May 25 | News
Findings from Perennial’s research conducted in 2024 with the University of Exeter’s Social Innovation Group (SIG) have been released to better understand the wellbeing of the horticulture industry.
The Wellbeing Research Report found that 52% of people experience a health condition and 83% of people scored low or average for their wellbeing.
Julia Hayne, director of services at Perennial explains the results highlight ‘urgent need’ for action across the industry, adding:
“It is essential that we develop an industry-wide understanding of the challenges people face through life and come together to identify real world solutions that make a long-term difference.”
Haynes urges the industry to help in achieving change. She says:
“As a charity we can’t do this alone – collaboration is essential if we want to achieve meaningful change.”
Perennial notes a few things the horticultural community can do; hosting discussions surrounding taking action, Perennial’s free advice and support, and taking part in Perennial’s free mental wellbeing webinars running until November.
The full report can be found here.
by Holly Chapman | 20 May 25 | News
The Pro Landscaper Hike has been moved to Monday 8 September to include a HMRC update for businesses briefing from new speaker Kim Sones, owner of landscape gardening accountancy firm, Sones Accountancy Services Ltd.
Starting at Denbies Wine Estate at 10am, a guide will take the group up to the Box Hill viewpoint before returning to the vineyard for a two course lunch.
Following lunch, there will be a talk from Sones, who many will recognise from her advice columns in Pro Landscaper magazine, before the vineyard tour and wine tasting.
Perennial’s partnership manager, Kate Cooney says the charity is proud to be part of this collaboration, adding:
“Every place sold will help Perennial continue its work providing life-changing support to individuals and families facing financial hardship, health challenges, or personal crisis within our industry.”
Tickets are £75 + VAT; £10 of each ticket purchased will also be donated to the horticultural charity Perennial.
For more information and to reserve your place, click here.
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 Holly Chapman | 07 May 25 | News
Perennial’s new ambassador scheme sees garden designer, landscaper and horticulturalist Mark Gregory as its first ambassador.
A voluntary role, Gregory will help the horticultural charity to raise awareness with the help of his expertise and networking skills.
Gregory, who has been an RHS ambassador since 2022, and is managing director of Landform Consultants in Surrey says he is “honoured and proud” to be part of the Perennial team.
“I can’t wait to use my industry expertise to support the vital work of the charity.”
Jamie Gault, chief executive of Perennial describes Gregory as “the ideal advocate,” and looks forward to working with him.
The partnership was announced at the launch of Landform Consultants’ new Glasshouse Collective; a percentage of earnings made from each event held at the outdoor showroom will be donated to the charity.
by The Pro Landscaper Team | 28 Apr 25 | News
Horticultural charity Perennial has been announced as Pro Landscaper Hike partner that will be held on 8 September.
Perennial’s partnership manager, Kate Cooney says the charity is proud to be part of this collaboration, adding:
“Every place sold will help Perennial continue its work providing life-changing support to individuals and families facing financial hardship, health challenges, or personal crisis within our industry.”
A guided hike to Box Hill, the event will end at Denbies wine estate for a vineyard tour, wine tasting and two course lunch.
The tickets are £75 + vat, including a £10 donation to the horticultural charity.
For more information and to reserve your place, click here.
Pro Landscaper is also hosting FutureScape Golf Challenge on 12 June, and Pro Landscaper Landscaping Leadership Forum on 26 June.
by Bethany Vann | 21 Jan 25 | News
Last week the horticulture industry came together for the third annual Perennial Partners Pie and Pint night in London.
Held at the Steam Wine Bar, Monument, London, the event raised £3,800 for the charity to aid in its work supporting people working in horticulture.
Perennial chief executive, Jamie Gault, expresses his appreciation:
“We are immensely grateful to the many Perennial Partners and their guests who supported the event. It was wonderful to see the community coming together to raise money and help us to continue our work to build better futures for people in horticulture and their families.”
David Dodd, owner of Pots and Pithoi and founder of The Outdoor Room brought cheers and laughter to all 96 attendees – nearly twice the number of attendees from previous years.
Our very own commercial director, Luke Chaplin came away with the prize for ‘Best Joke of the Night’, and our team managed to place tenth out of 18 teams.
Perennial Partner and CEO of Southern Trident, Steve Harper comments:
“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring some of our customers along and connect with industry colleagues in a relaxed and friendly setting. Being a Perennial Partner means so much to us, as the charity plays a vital role in supporting the people who make our industry thrive. We encourage everyone to get involved with this incredible cause.” Steve Harper, CEO of Southern Trident
To find out more about becoming a Perennial Partner, visit perennial.org.uk/partners.
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 | 11 Oct 24 | News
Perennial marked its 185th year with the Dig Deep for Perennial Fundraising Lunch, to raise funds for its services at The Cumberland, in Marble Arch.
The event, on 4 October, gathered supporters and industry professionals, all united in their commitment to ensure a brighter future for those working in horticulture.
The funds ensure that Perennial, can continue to provide support for those who grow and care for the green spaces that enrich our lives and their families.
Hosted by James Alexander-Sinclair, the afternoon featured Perennial’s envelope raffle and an exciting live auction, led by Mark Head, the charity auctioneer.
Together, these fundraising activities raised an impressive £25,000, which will go directly towards ensuring the charity can continue to provide free information, advice and support to those in need.
Auction items and raffle prizes were generously donated by nearly 70 individuals and organisations, including Hever Castle, Sandringham Estate, Headingley Golf Club and The Wimbledon Foundation to name just a few.
One of the most meaningful moments of the afternoon was the Silver Shovel Spotlight Awards, where Perennial took the opportunity to recognise and thank a group of individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting the charity.
Perennial took the time to thank its most dedicated supporters, for both raising money and spreading its message.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to Jo Huffener, Peter Hill, Francesca Murray, Mark Taylor, Gillian Taylor, David Dodd, Deric Newman, and Paul Willavoys for their extraordinary efforts,” says Perennial.
Guests were also treated to an engaging Q&A session with James Alexander-Sinclair and Alan Titchmarsh, Perennial’s president of 20 years, who shared his reflections on how vital the charity’s support is to the individuals who make our gardens, parks, and green spaces flourish.
“We were thrilled to see so many of our friends and supporters come together for this special lunch, all united by a shared purpose – to help build brighter, more sustainable futures for those in horticulture and their families,” says Jamie Gault, Perennial chief executive.
“The funds raised today will directly support people who need it the most, ensuring that Perennial can continue to provide practical and emotional support to those who dedicate their lives to our industry.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed – you are making a real difference.”
Perennial recently teamed up with Grief Works, an app which helps people work through bereavement, to provide support to its members.
by Aidan Williams | 07 Oct 24 | News
Perennial have teamed up with Grief Works in an effort to help support those in horticulture facing bereavement.
Perennial arrived at Grief Works after deciding to research ways that they could support those facing one of life’s hardest challenges.
The charity felt the self-paced interactive programme, which could be accessed at any time, suited its community and would offer them the support needed during their journey with grief.
Perennial is the only charity dedicated to helping all those who work in horticulture lead better lives when it comes to money management, health and wellbeing, career success and day to day life.
Clare Downs, Head of Preventative Services, Perennial explains: “We wanted to offer free help and support that people working in horticulture could access and use in their own time and at their own pace.
“Life can feel very heavy at this time with lots of people relying on you whilst you deal with your own grief.
“Having this support at your fingertips means you can access the tools you need, when it suits you, which could help to elevate some of the pressure you might be facing.”
The Grief Works app offers a toolkit of advice and practical resources to help you process your grief, understand your emotions and move forward after loss.
Created by highly experienced grief psychotherapist Julia Samuel, MBE, the app has been designed to take you on a step-by-step journey, so you feel supported through your grief.
It aims to help you better understand what the ‘normal’ experiences of grief are, help you cope with your emotions and memories and explains the signs that might mean you would benefit from reaching out for more support.
More information about how Grief Works can help is available online, elsewhere Perennial are currently gearing up for a firewalk fundraiser later this month.
by Aidan Williams | 20 Aug 24 | News
Perennial, the horitcultural charity, are set for a firewalk fundraiser at Hever Castle to continue their work in supporting the community.
The walk will be at 3pm on the 18 October 2024, allowing guests to experience the castle’s grounds before they face the flames.
There will be expert firewalk instructors on hand to provide comprehensive training, before visitors walk across hot coals and blaze a trail for a good cause.
Eleanor Steele, community fundraiser at Perennial says: “We are delighted to host our second firewalk at such a prestigious and historic location,
“The firewalk is not just about the thrill of the challenge; it’s about coming together as a community to support those who nurture the landscapes and gardens we all cherish.
“We encourage everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening that promises to inspire and make a real difference.”
It costs £25 per person to register, with a fundraising target of £150, which will contribute to Perennial’s essential services.
These include health and financial wellbeing and training and development programmes for individuals in the horticultural industry.
Nathan Day, from Plan & Plant who took part in Perennial’s 2023 firewalk, says: “Being able to challenge ourselves and prove that we can tackle anything was great, but to connect with like-minded peers was a lovely reminder that we are part of a wider endearing community.
“If you have the time or enthusiasm to help others, we highly recommend signing up for their next challenge!”
For more information and to register your business for the experience, visit perennial.org.uk/firewalk.
by Bethany Vann | 22 May 24 | News
Last week, the horticulture industry came together for a night of camaraderie and generosity at Party for Perennial, hosted at Core Bar in London.
Guests at the event, which was sponsored by Core Landscape Products, showed their support for the charity by purchasing raffle tickets and pledging their ongoing commitment.
Jamie Gault, Perennial’s chief executive, says the industry can always be “relied upon to pull together to make a difference to people in horticulture.”
Party for Perennial’s success was added to further by those who donated raffle prizes, which included a joint membership for The Newt, donated by Mostrim UK, a medium Veg trug, pledged by VegTrug Limited, and a Burgon and Ball garden essentials kit.
The charity extends its thanks to all those who sponsored, donated and attended, saying: “Together, we reaffirm our commitment to making a positive impact and providing assistance to those in need within the horticulture community.”
On 4 October Perennial will be hosting its Dig Deep Fundraising Lunch at the Cumberland, London, hosted by James Alexander-Sinclair, with special guest Alan Titchmarsh. More information on this can be found at perennial.org.uk/lunch
The horticultural charity recently published its largest survey to date, in a bid to gain insight into the wellbeing of those working in the industry. Access to the survey can be found at perennial.org.uk/survey
by Bethany Vann | 01 Mar 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Garden Design, Grounds Maintenance, News
Perennial strengthens its horticultural trade’s career game with a new career hub, helping those working in the sector build professional confidence.
SnapDragon is a free online tool available to anyone irregardless of experience, provided by Working Transitions to aid in professional development.
The tool offers career assessments, helping users to understand their strengths, motivations and aspirations, as well as e-learning programmes and tasks around areas of interest.
Keeping users up to date with the latest industry news, and a job search engine to follow companies of interest and apply to the latest jobs with a new CV built and checked through the hub.
Clare Downs, head of preventative services at Perennial encourages everyone to “take advantage of [the] new Career Hub and use it to understand more about themselves.”
She goes on to say the hub is the “go-to place for career support,” for everyone working with plants, trees, flowers or grass.
Explore Perennial’s new career hub today at perennial.org.uk/becareersmart.
by Bethany Vann | 09 Feb 24 | Domestic Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, News
A new digital resource to support those caring for someone within the horticultural community is now accessible through Perennial.
The free tool in collaboration with Carers UK is available online, offering personalised support and information, with hands-on guides and useful tools for everyone.
In an effort to help carers “build networks of support, find information relevant to their needs, stay resilient themselves and manage the care they give more effectively”, says the charity’s head of preventative services, Clare Downs.
She goes on to say the tool aims to be a “a supportive resource that provides practical, emotional and financial information.”
The Carers UK Digital Resource includes a care co-origination app called Jointly- enabling users to set up a ‘circle of care’ around the person they care for.
As well as ‘How to’ guides and resources covering topics like health and wellbeing, technology and work.
With five ‘About Me’ e-learning courses on building emotional resilience and finding support, a tailored advice guide and a financial planning tool.
To access the free resource, go to carersdigital.org and create a personal account using Perennial’s special free access code DGTL2211.
For more information head to perennial.org.uk/care
by Bethany Vann | 19 Dec 23 | Domestic Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, News
The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) has announced an additional tier to its member wellbeing provisions, with the appointment of three new mental health first aiders.
This initiative, supported by Charity partner, Perennial, reinforces the association’s ongoing commitment to member wellbeing, says the YPHA.
The newly appointed mental health first aiders are Adam Stewart, director of Utopia Landscapes, George Holmes, horticultural trainee at The MacRobert Trust, and Jess Dabell, brand manager at Meadow View Stone.
Each of them have undergone Mental Health First Aid training courses, hosted and funded by Perennial, with their availability via personal YPHA email addresses providing a confidential and accessible channel for members seeking support.
Their emails are as follows:
Adam Steward – AdamMHFA@ypha.org.uk
George Holmes – GeorgeMHFA@ypha.org.uk
Jess Dabell – JessMHFA@ypha.org.uk
Emily McCurrie, Perennial’s programme manager – health prevention says: “They’re contributing to a great area of need within the industry.
“The charity can’t do this alone and it’s encouraging to see industry workers taking ownership of the mental health agenda and being proactive in taking it forward.”
For more information on YPHA visit ypha.org.uk
For more information about Perennial visit perennial.org.uk
