Supporters from across the horticultural industry came together in London for Perennial’s annual Dig Deep fundraising lunch, raising vital funds to support people working in horticulture and their families.
The event brought together horticultural businesses, professionals, supporters and friends on Friday 9 October to raise vital funds for the charity that supports everyone facing challenges in horticulture.
Hosted by horticultural celebrities James Alexander-Sinclair and Joe Swift, the event featured lively conversation, entertainment from magician David Redfearn, and a live auction, helping to raise over £46,500 to support Perennial’s vital work.
The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of Perennial’s Silver Shovel Spotlight Awards which were presented by Perennial’s President Alan Titchmarsh CBE VMH DL.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond to support Perennial through fundraising, sponsorship, expertise and practical help. The 2026 winners were Wright Landscapes, Bury Hill Landscape Supplies, Ben Pope, London Lawn Turf and longstanding Fullers Mill Garden volunteer Jude Law.
The fundraising comes at an important time for Perennial. Just one year into its ambition to double the number of people it supports within five years, nearly 20,000 horticulturalists have now accessed its preventative programmes – an increase of almost 12%. The charity is also supporting more people before they reach crisis, with 87% of those seeking help now supported at an earlier stage.
Jamie Gault, Perennial CEO, said: “Dig Deep is a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve when our industry gets behind its own. The continued support we receive from businesses and individuals is vital to enable us to be there for people when they need us. Demand for our services is growing, and we are looking to reach many more people working in horticulture and their families over the coming years. The generosity shown at Dig Deep will help us turn that ambition into action. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who sponsored, donated, fundraised, volunteered or joined us on the day.”
Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager at Blue Diamond Garden Centres, said: “Blue Diamond Garden Centres are delighted to be supporting Perennial as headline sponsor of this special charity lunch. Perennial’s vital work supports people who work in horticulture and their families when they need it most. As a business rooted in gardening and horticulture, we’re proud to play our part in supporting this important cause and helping raise awareness and funds for the invaluable work Perennial provides.”
Perennial would like to thank everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, provided prizes or helped make the event possible, including headline sponsor Blue Diamond Garden Centres, MorePeople, Russell Winteridge, Kingston Landscape Group, The Plantman & Co and the British Floristry Association.
The funds raised will help Perennial continue providing free, confidential support to people working in horticulture and their families, helping them tackle financial, health and life-changing challenges before small problems become crises.
To find out more about Perennial and how you can support its work, visit perennial.org.uk
