Perennial and Scotland’s Gardens Scheme partnership continues to flourish as Gardening Scotland opens doors
Garden owners in Scotland helped raise an incredible £42,000 for Perennial in 2017 through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
The donation will cover over 50% of Perennial’s annual costs in Scotland, including keeping Perennial’s caseworker in Scotland on the road throughout 2018.
Perennial and Scotland’s Gardens Scheme are back at Gardening Scotland (1 – 3 June), celebrating their ongoing partnership, which began in 1970.
Perennial provides a lifeline to people during their most vulnerable and challenging times; people like Catherine who is now 62 and who has worked in horticulture for most of her life. In recent years she has suffered from severe and debilitating anxiety linked to a traumatic experience in her past. It has resulted in her total withdrawal from the medical profession and she finds it difficult to trust or be around anyone she doesn’t know. Catherine is unable to work and is receiving some statutory benefits. She is using her hard-earned savings, to supplement this income but is very worried about how long these will last.
Perennial is supporting Catherine by looking at re-housing options, giving her a range of financial planning advice, sorting out day to day problems that contribute to her anxiety and helping her access the internet. Progress is slow but steady and with regular visits Perennial is aiding her recovery, restoring routine and being there as a trusted friend.
Over 500 gardens are opening with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme in 2018, from country estates to cottage gardens, wildlife havens and gardens with a recycling ethos, to kitchen gardens and community allotments. There is something for everyone and every visit helps support Perennial’s work in Scotland.
Gardens are great places to unwind or to find inspiration for your own green space. Garden owners love to talk about their gardens so do take along your questions and enjoy meeting new friends. 2018 is a particularly special year for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme as it celebrates VisitScotland’s Year of Young People, with over 80 gardens hosting children’s activities. This will be reflected in this year’s stand at Gardening Scotland.
Beechgrove Garden presenter and Perennial Trustee, Carole Baxter, who will be at the show on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June, says: “The ongoing support we receive from all those who visit gardens open through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is crucial to safeguarding the support Perennial offers gardeners, tree surgeons, growers, groundsmen, greenkeepers and all horticulturists in Scotland. But in addition to the financial contribution, we rely on all those who love gardens in Scotland to continue to help us spread the word that Perennial is here for people should they ever need additional support.”
Terrill Dobson, National Organiser of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, says: “Our charity was established to raise funds for worthwhile causes by encouraging people to visit Scotland’s beautiful and diverse gardens. We’re delighted to continue helping Perennial as it offers fantastic grass roots support for horticultural professionals in real need.”
