It's something that we probably all worry about at some time—getting into difficulties business-wise. Sole traders and small outfits with only a few employees are probably the most vulnerable. Illness and injury, unexpected expenses – they can all knock a trader sideways in a frighteningly short space of time.

Perennial knows this. They're the charity that, when trouble arrives, aims to help everyone who works in horticulture, as well as their families. Their website is full of the stories of horticultural workers who have been hauled into the lifeboat when they were just about to go under.

 A Growing Obsession - Yardley London Perennial Garden, Hampton Court Flower Show 2015

In July 2015, Yardley London and Perennial collaborated on 'A Growing Obsession – Yardley London Perennial Garden', at Hampton Court Flower Show.

How Perennial helps

Around the UK, Perennial's advisers offer free, confidential advice, support and financial assistance to people of all ages, day in, day out, and it's these stories that made us at London Stone want to contribute to the work that Perennial does.

  •  Raymond Whitwell, a Dunkirk veteran, values the scooter that Perennial supplied. He's regained his independence.
  •  John Foley, BBC Young Gardener of the Year in 2012, is grateful for the long-term assistance given when his father became ill and couldn't run the family nursery. With Perennial's help, John not only gained funding to study at Askham Brian, but took driving lessons, meaning he could drive the company van. “Now I have a wonderful future,” he says. “I have the nursery and have exciting plans to improve it further.”
  •  Kate Powell, who has a chronic health problem, admits she had to swallow her pride to get in touch. Perennial obtained benefits on her behalf and continues to support her and her partner. She says, “I dread to think what would have happened if Perennial had not been there to fight for us.”

So many of us in horticulture are self-employed, it seems almost by definition to be a trade full of self-reliant, independent people and Kate's feelings will ring true for a lot of us who hate to ask for help. Other stories describe how people facing bankruptcy, redundancy, depression and bereavement were helped back on their feet.

A donation for every new Landscape Specialist Scheme member

Meanwhile, lots of people  raise money so that Perennial can continue to expand its work and we're proud to be a Perennial Partner. We donate £10 split between our two charity partners, Perennial and Greenfingers, every time someone signs up as a member of our London Stone Landscape Specialist Scheme.

Why not sign up to London Stone Landscape Specialist Scheme and make us hand over some more dosh?