Exciting line-up of 2018 events for Perennial

The range of exclusive garden tours run by gardening charity Perennial, through its special events programme, has been given a boost in 2018 by a new headline sponsorship agreement with Challenge Fencing, a leading supplier of fencing, decking and log cabins.

The exciting line-up of events planned for the year will have the benefit of Challenge Fencing getting behind the charity to help deliver a variety of events, ensuring more of the profits from ticket sales go toward helping Perennial support horticulturists in times of need.

This year sees 17 bespoke events across the country, many at gardens not usually open to the public. Of particular interest are two private tours of Barnsley House, (pictured banner above) celebrating 100 years since the birth of Rosemary Verey and an evening tour of the Windsor Castle Moat Garden. Also featuring is Great Fosters in Surrey designed by Kim Wilkie, the carefully restored gardens of Highnam Court in Gloucestershire and the Long Barn in Kent, a private garden designed by Vita Sackville West.

Fraser Ritchie, Head of Marketing at Challenge Fencing commented: “The business has a long history of supporting local charities but we have been on the lookout for a lead charity that has a close affinity with gardens. So when the Perennial special events programme became available, we jumped at the chance to support the excellent work the charity does in helping horticulturists. We are hoping this will be just the start of a longer term partnership with the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping this sector when times get tough.”

Challenge Fencing has been under the same ownership for the last thirty years and now has six branches in Surrey, Kent and Gloucestershire.

Chris Crooker, Events Manager at Perennial is thrilled to have the support of Challenge Fencing for 2018 programme of special garden tours and events: “This year’s line-up is diverse and interesting, offering visitors behind the scenes tours of some of the country’s most beautiful and interesting gardens. Perennial’s history is rooted in the great gardens of Britain and we are keeping those links alive through our annual events programme. All profits from the tickets sold helps Perennial support horticulturists in desperate need of support and through Challenge Fencing’s support this year we can ensure that more of the money we raise goes directly to the people who need it most. On behalf of everyone here at Perennial, thank you very much,” he said.

(pictured above) Highnam Court

Perennial is the only charity dedicated to helping everyone in the horticulture industry and their families. Throughout its history, it has been closely associated with the great gardens of Britain and was originally established in 1839 as a pension fund for the retired gardeners of the country’s large estates. The charity relies on donations and funds raised from the UK horticulture industry and the garden loving public to continue its work.

Special events make a valuable contribution towards helping Perennial provide free and confidential advice, support and financial assistance to all those who work in or are retired from horticulture.

To see the full range of Perennial Special Events visit: http://perennial.org.uk/home/events-gifts-and-gardens/events/

To view Challenge Fencing’s full range of timber garden products visit: https://www.challengefencing.com/

All photographs ©Perennial