Mr Fothergill’s, The RHS and The Lemon Tree Trust join forces to help camps
Syrian refugees in Northern Iraq are to receive 2,000 packets of flower and veg seeds from Mr Fothergill’s to brighten up their camps.
This is part of a project inspired by a WWI seed lift by the RHS to British PoWs in Germany. The RHS and The Lemon Tree Trust combined forces to help 200 Syrian families in Domiz and five neighbouring camps. Despite living in difficult circumstances, they hope to gain some joy from the benefits of gardening.
Harsh conditions for Syrian refugees
The package consists of varieties that would bring colour to the camps. They also had to cope with harsh conditions. The final selection included marigolds, sunflowers, peppers and cucumbers.
Rsearchers also received seeds at the University of Duhok. Those seeds tested grey water success rates for both edibles and ornamentals. In garden starter kits for community gardens and schools in Mosul, Iraq, 250 packets of seeds were planted in an earlier project.
The Lemon Tree Trust transforms refugee camps, using gardening as a powerful therapeutic tool. Experts address the issues of isolation and mental health, producing beauty, belonging, food security and promising economic stimulation.
Cultural identity
It pilots agricultural businesses and gardening initiatives in refugee communities, creating employment and restoring cultural identity, dignity and purpose.
Tim Jeffries, Mr Fothergill’s commercial director said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to help out the RHS and The Lemon Tree Trust by donating seeds. We hope that they will provide some pleasure for those living in the difficult conditions of the Domiz Camp.”
For more information about seeds, visit www.mr-fothergills.co.uk; on the Lemon Tree Trust’s activities, log on to lemontreetrust.org.
