Garden Centre is stripped bare…

We have all heard of things that strip plants bare, but stripping bare with plants is a new trend for a Midlands Garden Centre – but all in a good cause

Staff at Notcutts Garden Centre in Shirley near Solihull were keen to support the work of the nearby John Taylor Hospice in Erdington, Birmingham.

Manager Julian Ranson thought that a musical trip to Amarillo in the style of Tony Christie and Peter Kay was all that they had in mind – and gladly volunteered his services for a fundraising DVD. Little did he realise that bedding plants were not the only things blooming in every corner of one of the largest garden centres in the Midlands.

Manager Peter said,
‘I couldn’t believe it when the staff proudly showed me their photos of their prize exhibits! But I had to see the funny side – and believe me there were some funny sides - and backs and fronts!

Mary Harrison, Cleaning Supervisor at the garden centre spent 9 gruelling months - working on some nights until 3am, assembling the DVD and the photos in order to raise funds for the Hospice. She said,
‘One of our employees has a relative who has been cared for by the Hospice and we felt that we should try and put something back. The staff and the Manager of Notcutts have been fantastic sports and we have raised over £250 for the Hospice.

A spokesman for the League of Friends at the Hospice commented.
‘ As one of the lesser known charities, we rely on the voluntary efforts of supporters and we are really grateful to the staff of the garden centre for their efforts – which seemed to entail considerable risk – particularly in the hardy shrub section !’

The League of Friends of the John Taylor Hospice in Birmingham can be contacted via the web site on www.johntaylorhospicelof.org.uk or by ringing 0121 373 2440.

ENDS
The League of Friends contributes over £200,000 pa for the care and comfort of patients at the John Taylor Hospice.

The Hospice is based in Erdington, Birmingham and covers a population of
over 400,000 people. It has 23 beds and treats hundreds of people in their own homes.

Issued by: Ray Woods on behalf of the League of Friends of John Taylor Hospice
Mobile: 07967 686230

Contact: Mary Harrison at Notcutts on 0121 744 4501.