A TRANQUIL garden in Wokingham will be growing nicely, all thanks to a donation from one of the borough’s garden centres.
Wokingham In Need opened a garden in Wokingham Hospital last year, aimed at supporting staff and patients at the Barkham Road site.
Now, Squire’s Garden Centres Wokingham has got behind the project as part of its Love Where you Live programme. This seeks to assist community gardening projects that educate, grow produce, or provide health and wellbeing benefits through horticulture.
More than 80 applications were received within a six-week period, with the nine winning entries receiving financial support and practical advice from Squire’s horticulturalists.
Using the Squire’s vouchers, they can choose plants, tools and other gardening supplies.
Initial meetings have also taken place with local Squire’s team members who will support projects with their expert advice.
As the spring gardening season gets underway, award winners will be making their proposed plans a reality, armed with additional funds and their teams of willing gardeners. Projects will culminate at the end of July, when award recipients will report back on their achievements.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of applications we received for our new Love Where you Live programme, supporting the communities close to our centres. E
“qually, it’s fantastic to see that there are so many keen supporters and groups with a really strong desire to enhance their local environment through the wonderful benefits horticulture delivers.
“Our centres are embedded in the communities we serve and this programme enables us to give back to the local area. It sits alongside many other initiatives such as our Charity of the Year programme and our work with local schools and groups to encourage the next generation of gardeners.
“The range of applications received certainly highlights the strong recognition of the health and wellbeing benefits plant brings – either through creating something pleasing for communities to enjoy or creating a shared spaces that brings individuals together.
“We are really looking forward to following the journey of our nine projects over the coming months and supporting where we can. We are sure they will deliver great benefits to local communities.”
The support has been welcomed by Sue Jackson, the founder of Wokingham In Need.
She said: “Wokingham In Need is delighted to have been chosen to receive a Love Where You Live Award for 2024 and thanks Squire’s Garden Centres for their wonderful support. This will help with our project at Wokingham Hospital Sensory Garden.
“This is a tranquil area that we have created for patients, staff and the community. The donation will enable us to make this area amazing to help the wellbeing of all that visit – we are truly grateful for your support and your team are so caring and you as a garden centre should be admired for your assistance in the local community.”
Squire’s Love Where You Live 2025 programme will open for applications later this year.
