People’s Choice Award at Gardening Scotland 2014
Gardening Scotland 2014 is taking place at the Royal Highland Showground this weekend. A stunning show garden that commemorates the centenary of the First World War has won the prestigious I Dig It People’s Choice Award there.
The Lost Gardeners of the Great War has been developed for Scotland’s national gardening and outdoor living show in association with veterans’ charities Poppyscotland – the charity partner of the 2014 show, and Erskine. As well as receiving this accolade the garden received a Silver Gilt award from the Royal Horticultural Society.
The garden, devised by Jayne Whitehead of Ivy Maud Design, is envisaged as a corner of pre-war walled garden, left untouched since its gardeners went off to war, where poppies and other wild flowers have long since grown. Twenty tonnes of stone have been carefully built into the wall of the garden by the talented and dedicated members of the West of Scotland Dry Stone Walling Association.
Poppyscotland’s origins are linked to the First World War and, with events and activities taking place to mark the start of the commemorations, the charity believes the garden will raise awareness of the many sacrifices made and highlight the organisation’s work with veterans and their families today.
Speaking of the charity’s involvement in Gardening Scotland, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising Colin Flinn said: “We are delighted that the show garden has been voted the public’s favourite. In a simple but very poignant way the garden conveys the impact of the First World War on communities and families all over Scotland. However, the sad reality is that veterans and their families still need our help today and, through the garden, we hope to raise awareness of the support we provide as well as raising much-needed funds to continue to deliver our services.”
As well as the show garden, there is a Poppyscotland retail unit and information stand. Supporters can sign up to Poppyscotland’s new and unique fundraising activity Tea & Toast, which encourages people to get together and raise funds by hosting their own event, whether it be with a mug and a slice of white or a china cup and a toasted sweet treat.
Gardening Scotland runs from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1 June at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. More info fromwww.gardeningscotland.com
