Following last year's success with the Perennial Garden 'With Love' by Richard Miers winning the RHS People’s Choice Award, Perennial is returning to the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Over 50 people were directly involved in the creation of the winning garden last year, showcasing a fraction of all those working in horticulture that the charity supports and cares for, who shape, nurture, and protect our beautiful gardens and green spaces across the UK.

However, the Perennial presence will be a little different this year as they will be appearing in the Grand Pavilion, where you can join the team on their exhibit in the Discovery Zone for an Alan Titchmarsh-led audio visual experience, to learn about the charity and how they help those who work with plants, trees, flowers, or grass.

Beautifully created with plants, designed to demonstrate the diversity and interest that can be created in a vertical garden, the stand will include new ‘Plants for Perennial’ varieties; Dianthus Pink Celebration, Nemesia Peaches and Cream, Clematis Prince George, and Salvia Cuello in both white and pink forms. All have been produced in collaboration with four wholesale nurseries to raise funds to support for the work that Perennial does, and it will be the first time that the plants will all be appearing together.

“Perennial has taken a different approach this year.” says Director of Marketing and Fundraising, Anita Bates. “In order to reach as many people as possible so they know we are here for them; we are always adapting. We're looking forward to telling our story, launching our new ‘Plants for Perennial’ varieties, and showcasing some of the people we are proud to support. If you’re attending Chelsea Flower Show, do drop by exhibit 004 and meet the team.”

Read more about Perennial’s Chelsea presence this year at perennial.org.uk/chelsea

As the UK’s only charity helping all those working in, and retired from horticulture, Perennial is always on hand to offer support, information and advice and there is plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved. Visit perennial.org.uk  

Lord’s hosts exclusive tour to celebrate its grounds with Perennial

Lord’s the ‘home of cricket’ in London is hosting a unique opportunity to meet its head groundsman and walk on its hallowed turf.

On 5 July, visitors will go behind the scenes with Lord’s highly respected Head Groundsman Karl McDermott to learn the science and secrets of groundskeeping and behold its collection of cricket related art and memorabilia. The exclusive event showcases the grounds and impeccable work of grounds and turf specialists, in support of Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture.

Karl McDermott is known for producing top quality international and domestic pitches at World Cup level. He says: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see all the iconic parts of the grounds and experience some of the most inspiring views in sports. Visitors will walk the pitch and discover the secrets behind keeping the hallowed turf in such pristine condition. This is an extraordinary experience that gives back to the horticultural community.”

Gardens, parks and sporting grounds bring joy to so many, but working in horticulture can be tough. Sadly, many people who work with plants, trees, flowers or grass, and their families, are struggling. To help, the charity Perennial provides free information, advice and support through its website, helpdesk and UK wide team.

Perennial helped Craig, 31, who had worked in grounds maintenance for 10 years. He put his back out during a shift at work and was signed off. Perennial arranged an initial physiotherapy assessment and then referred Craig for face-to-face physio treatment based on his diagnosis. Craig’s back pain improved after physio treatment and he is much happier now as a result. Craig says: “Not being able to do my job was hard to accept and triggered a lot of anxiety and depression. I’m so grateful for the physio sessions for my back pain, they’ve really helped me.”

Perennial’s work with worldclass sporting venues like Lord’s offers unforgettable experiences that many sports fans dream of. The charity is calling for more sporting venues to celebrate grounds people by hosting an exclusive tour.

Perennial Events Manager, Chris Crooker says: “Sporting venues have the opportunity to recognise their grounds people and give back to all those who look after green spaces by hosting a unique and memorable experience that will both delight and educate fans and garden lovers.”

To host an exclusive sports tour for Perennial contact events@perennial.org.uk

Or, to book the Lord’s tour visit perennial.org.uk/lords-cricket-ground