Perennial, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting everyone facing challenges in horticulture, welcomes three new influential leaders to their Ambassador programme; which aims to raise awareness of how the charity can support people in all sectors of the industry. 

Ann-Marie Powell, Michael Buck and Carole Baxter join the charity to further its reach and engagement within garden design, nurseries and growers and land-based industries across Scotland.

Ann-Marie Powell is a multi-award-winning garden designer, television presenter, journalist and author, who divides her time between designing innovative gardens for clients and enthusing people about gardening through her books, television appearances and printed articles.

Ann-Marie says: “Supporting Perennial matters SO much. They're there for people in our industry when life gets really tough, and we'd be mad not to back them. It's an investment in our own world, and I'd like to think we'd all want someone in our corner if things went wrong. I'm really looking forward to helping spread the word about Perennial's services amongst fellow garden designers. There's a lot of pressure in this job (long hours, cashflow, the weather, the clients, the juggle), and plenty of people are quietly coping with far more than they let on.”

Michael Buck is Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nurseries. He has worked in the industry for over two decades and is passionate about plants and the industry in general, as well as supporting mental health in horticulture. Michael has collaborated on numerous domestic and international projects including an English country garden at the stunning Gardens By The Bay, Singapore and events such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where he has grown and supplied over 50 show gardens.

Michael says: “Perennial provides incredible support for people across the industry, particularly the provision they offer for mental health. I am looking forward to helping promote the amazing work of this charity and continuing the open dialogue around mental health.”

Carole Baxter was announced as Perennial’s Ambassador for Scotland at a recent industry event in Edinburgh, which included people from all sectors across Scotland. A highly respected gardener and TV presenter with a long career in horticulture, Carole has been a long-term supporter of Perennial - a Trustee between 2015 and 2024 and has continued to be actively involved ever since, attending shows and events across Scotland. Carole is passionate about supporting people when they face challenges, especially issues that are highly relevant to Scotland.

Carole says: "I’m looking forward to working with Perennial in this new capacity, reflecting their commitment to supporting people in Scotland, and alongside others in the horticulture industry, raising awareness of how the charity can provide a safety net when people need it."  

Carole, Ann-Marie and Michael join existing Perennial Ambassadors Mark Gregory, Angela Oliver and Steve Harper, representing landscaping, floristry and garden retail sectors.

Jamie Gault says, "Our Ambassador programme is growing which is fantastic news for everyone that works in the industry, helping us to reach more people so they can access the services that are there to support them. I am delighted that Carole, Ann-Marie and Michael have come on board to help us raise awareness and funds for our work. We are always there in a crisis, but we also aim to provide the support people need to prevent a problem becoming a crisis."

Perennial provides free, confidential advice and guidance to everyone working in horticulture, supporting with challenges such as finance, mental and physical health, career and employment, as well as life-changing issues such as bereavement and homelessness. By offering people the right support at the right time, Perennial helps to build better lives for all those in horticulture.

For more information about Perennial’s services visit perennial.org.uk/ways-we-help