Baring All For Perennial On World Naked Gardening Day
Having recently completed the Dirty Dozen Races, raising over £5K for UK horticulture’s trade charity Perennial, and not content with sitting back on their laurels, the Twitter formed #GrubbyGardeners are back.
Eight hardy members of the 15 strong team celebrated World Naked Gardening Day in style by posing naked at the world famous Roof Gardens in Kensington.
Head Gardener of The Roof Gardens, David Lewis, said: “Perennial supports horticulturists, young and old, who need support, advice and assistance in times of crisis. The charity is 175 years old this year and yet not many people – even in the trade – have heard about it. The Grubby Gardeners are doing all we can to raise awareness and money for this brilliant cause.”
Michael Perry, Grubby Gardeners founder, gardening expert and presenter, is thrilled that the team is still coming up with fundraising ideas and is determined to reach the target of £20K in 2014. Speaking about getting back to nature with the team, he said: “The team has formed a real bond and we’re united in our aim to raise as much money as we can for Perennial this year.
“The shoot at The Roof Gardens was one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities and we had brilliant fun setting up the pictures. World Naked Gardening Day seemed a great opportunity to encourage donations and we’re looking forward to seeing the #gardeningselfie results!”
Celebrating 175 years in 2014, Perennial is keen to raise its profile in order to reach more horticulturists who need help than ever before. A new website now makes it easier for people seeking help to get in touch with the charity and there are special events and fundraising activities happening throughout the year to raise a £175,000 target this year.
Laura Garnett, Volunteer Support Officer at Perennial, said: “We are delighted with the Grubby Gardeners’ continued commitment to Perennial and their fundraising target. Many of our clients are vulnerable horticulturists who turn to us, often as a last resort, when facing hardship or trauma.
“The Grubby Gardeners have bared all to raise funds for us to help more people than ever this year – we hope the message is clear that Perennial is here to help anyone who works or has worked in horticulture.”
To donate text GRUB89 to 70070 or visit www.perennial.org.uk to find out more.