Green-fingered people are asked to donate surplus seeds and plants to help get the people of Penrith gardening.
Working with Penrith Community Gardeners – a local volunteer gardening group – train operator Avanti West Coast has created a donation point at Penrith station for unwanted seeds, seedlings and plants.
The initiative is designed to put surplus items to good use and encourage sustainable gardening, while inspiring more people to grow their own plants.
Those who wish to get involved in the initiative and donate can place their contributions in the hand cart located at the main entrance of the station.
Budding gardeners can collect the items they would like and have the option to make a small monetary donation to support the work of Penrith Community Gardeners, who tend the planters at the station.
So far contributions by the local community have included 250 strawberry plants, scores of seeds, and gardening magazines – raising more than £200 for volunteer gardeners to brighten up the town with blooms.
Joan Robinson, of Penrith Community Gardeners, said: “Gardening can bring joy to many – it can connect people and make a difference to our places and spaces. With Avanti West Coast we want to spread this joy by encouraging donations from our community.
“We know there will be gardeners out there with surplus seedlings and plants they’re splitting up. Even books that might help others to get started are useful. Any contributions will be welcome to get people growing their own plants.”
Natalie Balmer, Avanti West Coast community champion at Penrith, said: “We want to make a difference in the communities we serve, so we’re pleased to be working with Penrith Community Gardeners to provide a dedicated space at the station where people can make donations of seeds and plants to help others.
“By supporting local people to grow their own vegetables we hope it will enable them to take up gardening and become more self-sufficient. We’re delighted with the response so far and would like to thank everyone for their donations, as we help expand the green-fingered community here in Penrith.”
