People Go Potty for Plant Sale

Henley in Bloom, Henley Allotments Association and the Ways & Means Trust (Green Shoots Garden Centre) joined forces to put on a great Plant Sale on Saturday in Market Square,  From bedding plants, to vegetable seedlings, freshly picked rhubarb to herbs, there was an amazing array on sale for the public to buy.  Greenshoots is a charity based at Rotherfield Peppard and offers adults with recurring mental ill health or with a learning disability the opportunity to learn about horticulture.  The money raised from the Plant Sale is split between all three organisations.  Dave McEwan from the Henley Allotments Association said, “It’s a brilliant way to raise money from just excess plants that the allotment holders have grown and its great to join up with Henley in Bloom and Greenshoots.”

A beautiful wooden rowing boat was also on display on Saturday to promote a new initiative the ‘Henley Floral Flotilla’ which will be taking place next year as part of the Chelsea Fringe. The Chelsea Fringe is an alternative garden festival that is endorsed by the RHS and promotes an alternative and inclusive approach to flowers, gardens and gardening.  The festival takes place over a four week period in May and June both in and outside London, and this year features over 250 projects.  Organisers Jane Macfarlane Duckworth and Victoria Newton would love to hear from you if you’d like to help with planning the Henley event next year, growing the flowers for the display or taking part in the flotilla at any level from paddle boards to steamers!  You can contact them at jane88@hotmail.co.uk or 07725 040733.  For more details about the Chelsea Fringe go to www.chelseafringe.com