In a commendable show of support for the horticultural industry charity, Perennial, garden centres have played a pivotal role by embracing two exclusive salvias introduced by Wyevale Nurseries in November 2023.
Unveiled at the 2022 Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) National Plant Show and subsequently made available for retail sale during the summer, these distinctive plants have contributed to a substantial £1,600 in funds raised for Perennial.
Colin Stanley, the Retail Sales Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This year we’ve sold 4,000 of our two new salvias – Salvia gregii Cuello Pink and Salvia gregii Cuello White – to garden centres, who, in turn, sold them to gardeners. It’s a wonderful achievement and we’re delighted to have been involved with this fundraising initiative.
“Everyone who purchased a plant has helped to raise essential funds and awareness for Perennial, which supports all those who work with plants, trees, flowers or grass, whether working or retired, and their families. As part of this special Plant for Perennial promotion, our salvias were branded with a Perennial linked picture label and came in taupe kerbside recyclable pots too”
Perennial stands as the UK’s sole charity devoted to assisting individuals within the horticultural community, including those employed in garden centres. Offering free advice, information, and support for issues ranging from health concerns to bereavement and financial management, the charity plays a crucial role in the industry.
The two salvias introduced this year, Salvia gregii Cuello Pink and Salvia gregii Cuello White, mark their presence with early summer to late autumn flowering, bush-like growth, wildlife-friendly attributes, hardiness to -5°C, and a height and spread of 70-80cm.
Available for order with deliveries scheduled for 2024, the sales of these salvias through garden centres will continue to contribute 40 pence from each plant sold to Perennial, furthering their commitment to the charity.
Colin Stanley highlighted the collaborative effort behind the Plant for Perennial scheme, involving four major wholesale nurseries in Hereford and Worcester. “Plant for Perennial is a collaborative scheme between the charity and four major wholesale nurseries in Hereford and Worcester, including us. The initiative is designed to raise awareness and funds to help build better lives for all those in this industry.
“We’re very keen to promote Perennial’s work, especially since it’s closely linked with Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) and we’ve colleagues who are members of this organisation”
The collective efforts of Wyevale Nurseries and the three other commercial growers have resulted in a diverse range of plants being sold to fundraise for Perennial. This collaboration underscores their commitment to supporting the charity and raising awareness about the vital services it provides to the commercial horticultural sector.
The 2023 plant selection featured not only the two salvias from Wyevale Nurseries but also Dianthus ‘Pink Celebration’ from Allensmore Nurseries, Nemesia ‘Peaches and Cream’ from The Bransford Webbs Plant Company, and Clematis ‘Prince George’ from New Leaf Plants.
Phil Swainston, Corporate Partnership Manager at Perennial, praised the collaboration, stating, “Plants for Perennial is an exciting collaboration between four renowned nurseries to highlight the services we provide to the commercial horticultural sector and to spread the word that we are here to help in a wonderful, eye-catching way. It was also a great fundraiser for us too”
For more information about Wyevale Nurseries, please contact 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk. To learn more about Perennial and its services, visit www.perennial.org.uk.
