The HTA is supporting The Real Poppy Campaign in its quest to encourage people to plant poppies ahead of the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One on August 4.

As part of the initiative the HTA will be giving away 60,000 packs of poppy seeds with one pack being given away with every purchase of a ‘limited edition’ poppy National Garden Gift Voucher in spring 2014. In addition a further 60,000 packs of poppy seeds will be donated to the campaign as part of their wider activities.

The seeds, grown and harvested in the UK, are being supplied by HTA member Thompson & Morgan.

HTA Director General Carol Paris comments: “We have been delighted to work with The Real Poppy Campaign over the past few months to develop this initiative to commemorate the anniversary of the start of World War One. The limited edition National Garden Gift Voucher and poppy seed giveaway are sure to capture the interest of the nation and we anticipate that many members will want to take part.”

The bright red Flanders poppies (Papaver rhoeas) also known as corn poppies, will be planted by thousands of people all across the nation during spring 2014 – for flowering late July/early August.

The 2014 Real Poppy Campaign is the brainchild of The Greenhithe (Kent) Royal British Legion.

Chairman Phil Berry said: “We would like to see the UK covered in real Flanders poppies during August 2014, just imagine thousands upon thousands of bright red poppies growing alongside motorways, hundreds in every garden, hedgerows, fields, window boxes - the entire nation covered in poppies.”

For further information about The Real Poppy Campaign (TRPC) visit: www.realpoppy.co.uk