Gardeners line up for charity question time

A panel of gardening experts are teaming up to raise funds for green-fingered adults with learning disabilities.

The question and answer event in Whichford offers an opportunity for anyone with an interest in gardening to pick the brains of an expert panel. Guests will have 90 minutes to receive advice on all their gardening queries during the lively and interactive session chaired by Stefan Buczacki. The prominent horticulturist has authored over 60 books and broadcasted on Radio 4 Gardener’s Question Time for 12 years.

Panellists include Jane Perrone, writer, former gardening editor for The Guardian and host of popular podcast On The Ledge. Jane brings specialist knowledge of house plants to the event. Also on the panel is Sarah Malleson, Head Gardener at Hidcote Manor’s National Trust garden, and Paul Williams, an author and expert on container gardening, garden design and plantsmanship with over 35 years of gardening experience. Completing the line-up is Royal Horticultural Society Advisor and Pershore College lecturer Duncan Coombs.

Taking place on 27 September in the grounds of Whichford Pottery, the event also includes an auction and raffle with plenty of prizes up for grabs. Guests will have the chance to find out more about the work Hft does supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible, as well as enjoying canapes made and served by some of the adults it supports.

Locally the charity provides person-centred services ranging from flexible day support to supported living at home – from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day. The event is aiming to raise £15,000 which is set to go towards building a new conservatory at an Hft service in Moreton in Marsh. The residents there take great pride in their home and, together with Hft support workers, have recently transformed their garden into a glorious space complete with a path, pergola and an area in which to reflect. The new garden has encouraged new wildlife in and residents are now enjoying regular birdwatching.

Lisa Harrison, Divisional Fundraising Manager, said: “This is a unique opportunity to quiz our brilliant panel of experts! We’re delighted that these prolific gardeners are taking time out of their busy schedules to answer the public’s burning horticultural questions for a great cause.

“To have the extra space that a conservatory at our Moreton service would provide would mean everyone has the opportunity to watch the wildlife together and offer some much needed space for quiet time, so we’re hoping to raise as much money as possible for this amazing project.”

Tickets are priced at £30 and are available at https://secure.artezglobal.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=46262 or from Lisa Harrison on 07554 408157