Squire’s garden centre has presented an award to Wokingham In Need’s Wokingham Hospital sensory garden initiative.
The awards seek 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, highlighting the need for funds by groups who are championing horticulture for the benefit of their local community.
Awards totaling £5,500 will give valuable financial support and practical advice from Squire’s horticulturalists.
Nine groups have now been presented with their awards of Squire’s vouchers so they can choose plants, tools and other gardening supplies.
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.
“Equally, 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.”
“We are really looking forward to following the journey of our projects over the coming months, and supporting where we can.”
Sue Jackson, founder of Wokingham In Need, added: “Wokingham In Need is delighted to have been chosen to receive a Love Where You Live Award for 2024, and thanks to 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, and the donation will enable us to make this area amazing to help the wellbeing of all that visit.”