Release Date: 15/08/2008
Gardeners wanting to spice up their plant assortment will have their wish come true on 23 August at the Garden Open Day at the Whitton Day Centre.
Dozens of plants donated by Kingston Garden Services and Thompsons Garden Centre Shepperton will be on sale at the charity event organised by the Council’s Access Project, the day centre for disabled people in Whitton at 111A Kneller Road, which will open its doors to its very own sensory garden.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Friends of the Neonatal Unit at St. George’s Hospital and the Access Project Amenities Fund.
Visitors will be able to buy plants ranging from Papillon lavenders and small-leaf trailing ivies to hostas, pond plants, aloes and assorted mints such as black peppermint, Moroccan and chocolate. Some of the plants have been grown by the Access Project’s gardening group.
As well as being able to boost their plant count, visitors will have the opportunity to be winners after entering the Pound raffle and take home prizes ranging from free tickets for the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, a Home Reflexology session and meals for two at some of the best local restaurants.
The day’s programme will also include reflexology taster sessions, crafts sales, security advice and information from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, refreshments and tasty handmade cakes donated by Age Concern Whitton.
The Access Project’s sensory garden has evolved over the last few years from a neglected patch of weed-infested grass to a tranquil space filled with cottage-garden plants and herbs chosen for their impact on the different senses.
The garden, which is open to visitors and has with wheelchair-accessible paths and raised beds, is managed on a shoe-string budget by a small group of service-users and staff, who raise additional funds for essentials by selling home-grown plants and vegetables.
Cllr Denise Carr, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said:
“This Garden Open Day promises to be a great event for families, plant lovers and all residents and visitors wanting a fun day out.
“This annual initiative has become very popular amongst local residents wanting to improve their green thumb, whilst supporting two charities that do so much for the welfare of disadvantaged sections of the local community.”
For more information on the Garden Open Day please contact Christine Bright, Assistant Manager for the Access Project, on 020 8898 3858.