Mr Fothergill’s seeds to raise cash for the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Mr Fothergill’s is continuing to sell two varieties of flower seeds to raise cash for veterans. From every pack of Poppy Victoria Cross and Sweet Pea Scarlet Tunic sold, 25p goes to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The 75th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, 2020, was commemorated by Mr Fothergill’s with two special packets of seeds to raise money for the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Victory in Europe Day in 1945 ended nearly six years of war on the continent. It had cost the lives of millions and had brought huge suffering to entire countries.*
Poppy Victoria Cross (£2.15 for 250 seeds) makes a fitting remembrance symbol with its bold white ‘crosses’ across single red flowers.
VE Day 75th anniversary blooms
This poppy, a hardy annual, is very easy to grow and quick to flower from a spring sowing. It’s a form of Papaver somniferum that is ideal for informal borders and cottage garden settings. The distinctive ‘pepper-pot’ seed heads are also useful in dried arrangements when flowering ends. If carefully dried, they will last all winter.
Sweet Pea Scarlet Tunic (£2.40 for 20 seeds) was named in honour of the famous Chelsea Pensioners’ red coats. It is a delightful blend of red-shaded blooms. Sow seeds where you want them to flower – an outstanding mix of large flowers. It’s ideal for garden displays and as a cut flower. Read more about growing sweet peas.
Poppy Victoria Cross and Sweet Pea Scarlet Tunic are available to buy from selected garden centres, nurseries and DIY stores. You can also purchase them online at www.mr-fothergills.co.uk.
*World War Two officially ended on September 2, 1945. US General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s formal surrender aboard the battleship Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay.
Read more about VE Day 75th Anniversary: Dig for Victory campaign. You may also like the Armed Forces Memorial holm oaks too.
