Bursting into action. You really can't avoid it at this time of year, what with gardens springing to life and better weather (we hope!) increasing the jobs available. And kicking off the new season is Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day on 18th March—now a major annual event for the horticultural industry.
Many of you know that Greenfingers, which creates and supports gardens at children's hospices, is one of our charity partners. We give a donation for every new member who signs up to the London Stone Trade Club, so if you haven't joined yet, take a look at the benefits here.
This year, Greenfingers is aiming to build five new hospice gardens. Two have already been started—at Earl Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight, where Matthew Wilson's 2015 Royal Bank of Canada garden from RHS Chelsea is being relocated, and at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, Sheffield, where two private garden spaces will vastly improve the outlook of bereavement suites that currently look out at an ugly car park.
The garden at Butterwick Hospice
Work in three further gardens later this year depends on sufficient funds being raised. Which is why Re-Leaf Day is so important.
There are plenty of opportunities to join in, so how about making your company part of an event that, not only involves garden centres around the country (perhaps you could link up with your local one to offer a talk or workshop?), but is inspiring raffles, quiz nights, car-washes and cake and book sales. Even the QVC shopping channel has special Garden Re-Leaf shows over the weekend of 19th March.
Starting the sponsored Thames walk last year. Image courtesy of Greenfingers.
Here are some ideas. You can find more details on the Garden Re-Leaf website:
A Garden Re-Leaf Quiz Night with customers, friends, family and colleagues
Greenfingers has two that you can register for: Family Fun for all or The Great Gardening Quiz, so you can show off your horticultural prowess.
The Great Garden Re-Leaf Walk
Take part in a sponsored twenty-mile walk starting at the Horticultural Trade Association in Theale, Berkshire (or, if you can't get there, sponsor someone else who's signed up).
Activity in a hospice garden. Image courtesy of Greenfingers.
Check out your local garden centre
Retailers around the country are taking part (find a list of those in your area on the Garden Re-Leaf website) so, apart from the many events that are being held, you might find that even buying a cup of coffee in the café will trigger a small donation.
Join London Stone Trade Club
And just in case you missed this at the top of the page, we give a donation with every new membership of our Trade Club. Join now. With lots of benefits and a profile page to advertise your business—all free—you can also get a warm glow from knowing you've prompted a donation to a worthy charity at the same time.
