2023’s edition stars the Grubby Gardeners
Following a two-year hiatus, and hot off the success of its RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden, horticultural charity, Perennial, is back with its cheeky Naked Gardening Calendar.
The calendar stars the Grubby Gardeners, formed in 2014 as a group of volunteers fundraising for Perennial, baring all for the charity. The Naked Gardening calendar is, as always, a bit of fun, but there is a serious message behind it, which is to raise funds and awareness of the services Perennial offers.
Anita Bates, director of marketing and fundraising from Perennial said: “A job in horticulture is hard, physical work. Despite the important contribution this makes to our collective well-being, jobs can be seasonal, attract low pay and people in horticulture do not always enjoy job security.
‘Helpdesk calls are increasing’
“Now, with the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, the spiralling cost of energy and in-work debt at a level never seen before, the calls to our helpdesk are increasing. Together we can help real people through this crisis, but we can’t do this without the support of our volunteers and fundraisers.
Landscaper Peter said: “Perennial was there for me in my hour of need and may well have saved my life. It sounds dramatic, but their calm guidance at a time when my life was in turmoil massively helped me.”
All profits from the sale will help Perennial to reach and support more people in the horticultural industry. The calendar is always popular with people looking for a charity option, and it makes a great stocking filler!
Naked Gardening calendar – Dedicated to helping gardeners
Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping those working in, or retired from, horticulture and their families. Advice is free and confidential, whatever the circumstances. Help includes:
- Accessing benefits and services
- Training and education or employment
- Advice to continue in their current role or find a new opportunity
- Coping with a disability, ill health, or homelessness
- Struggling with financial hardship
- Enduring social isolation, or mental health issues
- Dealing with bereavement.
To find out more about the Naked Gardening calendar, which costs £10, and the work that Perennial does, visit www.perennial.org.uk.
