Time to use grey matter
Turn a neglected space in your area into a real oasis with help from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Greening Grey Britain Fund, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
THE GREENING Grey Britain campaign was launched by the RHS in 2015 after a survey they conducted found some alarming trends in the reduction of plants in front gardens across the nation. Results showed that nearly three times as many front gardens had been paved over compared to the previous ten years, while over five million had no plants at all at the front of their properties.
The loss of plants and green spaces, particularly in inner cities, has a profound impact on the wider environment. Reduced interaction with nature and green spaces has also been proven to be detrimental to our health and wellbeing.
The aim of the ongoing campaign is to reverse this trend and in doing so protect homes from flooding, combat pollution by improving air quality, reduce heatwaves and help reintroduce a greater diversity of wildlife.
The Greening Grey Britain community funding programme connects seasoned community gardeners with a younger generation of green-fingered enthusiasts.
The RHS, supported by M&G Investments, are offering a number of community groups hands-on support, plus up to £500 worth of plants and materials to transform an unloved area of their community.
Projects can be tailored to the needs of the area and the people who live there.
Applicants must show their transformations fit into at least one of the following themes: 1) Grow for
Daffodil Day at Taylors Bulbs
Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PP, Wednesday, April 10
As part of their centenary celebrations, Taylors Bulbs will be holding a Daffodil Day in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society.
Visitors will be able to see
400 varieties of daffodils growing on the trial fields and listen to informative talks about daffodils and other bulbs.
Bookings can be made at: Taylors-bulbs.com. £5 per person, which includes a light lunch and refreshments.
People; a garden that helps promote better health and wellbeing. 2) Grow for the Planet; a garden that helps address local environmental issues. 3) Grow for Wildlife; a space which will boost local biodiversity.
Groups must either take part through Britain in Bloom, It’s Your Neighbourhood, be registered as an RHS-affiliated society or be involved with the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. Projects must be partnership-based and intergenerational, so applications should show how young people will be involved.
Submit applications to the Greening Grey Britain Fund by February 28.
INFORMATION:
Rhs.org.uk/ get-involved/community-gardening/ news/articles/ggb-with-communities