Over the years, The Budding Foundation (in close association with Tates of Sussex Garden Centres) has assisted and helped to fund hundreds of gardening and outdoor projects for Sussex schools and organisations. This has only been possible thanks (hugely) to everyone who has made donations and/or visited The Museum of Gardening and/or the Tates Santa's Grottos (at South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks and Old Barn Nursery, Dial Post) or perhaps they have donated old gardening equipment, fundraised, volunteered to wrap hundreds of Santa's presents or have bought Clive's book; 'Two Men Went To Mow'.
The importance of outdoor education and encouraging young people to appreciate nature cannot be underestimated as ultimately, they are the future and will be responsible for maintaining our fragile planet. It is also increasingly important to create and demonstrate ways for our young people to learn and remember to enjoy being in the fresh air instead of in front of screens and technology. Unfortunately, not all young people are lucky enough to have access to outdoor space and so schools and other organisations that offer these experiences are vital for their wellbeing. Gardens and sensory environments can provide safe havens or sanctuaries as well being fun places to play and hang out. The Budding Foundation & Museum of Gardening founder Clive Gravett adds: "It is always a pleasure to meet so many enthusiastic young gardeners and share horticultural passion and knowledge." Below is some feedback and photos from several examples of the gardening projects from this year that we thought it would be nice to share:
"Thank you to Clive and Tates of Sussex Garden Centres South downs nurseries, for gifting Carden Primary with a beautiful array of plants. We are now able to create the perfect sensory garden area within our outdoor learning space." (Carden Primary)
"Thank you so much!! The pupils loved planting all our items yesterday and setting up our greenhouse! (Hill Park School)"
"Big thank you The Budding Foundation and to the team at Tates of Sussex Garden Centres for their support. We’ll be giving these plants a new home in our refreshed building. The plants are absolutely gorgeous and making the place look better already🪴. (ESTEEM - Youth charity)
"We Love it When a Plan Comes Together! Clarion Community Ambassadors in Hurstpierpoint were asked what they would like to do to improve their neighbourhood and they came up with the idea of planting an Oak Tree. With support of youth workers from Sussex Clubs for Young People and the kind donation from Clive at the The Budding Foundation and the Tates South Downs Garden Centre, this has now happened. We are delighted to introduce ‘Gerald' the Oak Tree. He is an English Oak and the young people are hopeful that he will grow and be a positive presence for local people for many years to come. (Sussex Clubs For Young People).
“On behalf of the leaders and young people of 1st Hurstpierpoint Girls' Brigade (GB), I wanted to say thank you again so much for the generosity of yourself and Tates of Sussex Garden Centres in the provision of succulent plants, compost, gravel and pots. We made our Easter gardens last night at GB and the girls that took part in the activity absolutely loved it! They really enjoyed learning about potting succulents, the care they should give them...They have taken the gardens home to share with their families, along with pots to replant the succulents and keep looking after them after the Easter season is over. As we had a few plants to spare, they potted them to give as gifts to the leaders of the group, which was lovely.” (1st Hurstpierpoint Girls Brigade).
Donations to The Budding Foundation and proceeds from sales of 'Two Men went to Mow' directly help to fund projects such as these, as well as assisting young people and families in need with essential household and education related items.
Thank you xx