Seeds and plant pots needed for community project

docij

heynonnynonny - I'll pm you the venue details.

Rosamundi - we've tried both B&Q and Homebase. The first said they had already given their quota of charitable support and Homebase said the same but still gave us a few seeds. Great suggestion though. We have to write to Asda and Morrisons instore community coordinators, although they sounded more hopeful.

heynonnynonny

I hope you find some people to donate and sponsor, I had to spend a fortune on pots and things for my own ventures, good luck.

PetuliaGristle

docij PM me your address I've got some half packs too. Have you tried Lakeland Ltd, I think Handforth is near you? Lakeland has 'cut and come again' salad seeds on the front of their brochure, free of charge. See the 'Free Salad Seeds with Lakeland Garden catalogue' thread for more details.

PetuliaGristle

Starbucks and I believe Sainsburys offer free coffee grounds for composting too, too heavy to give out at the picnic though would be useful in an information pack/leaflet if that helps.

Rosamundi

Another avenue to try is the local garden centres and nurseries - try asking them for any old pots they're bound to have some piled in a corner somewhere.

Seed companies are another source to try I know Seeds of Italy have a scheme for schools but I'm sure the other big companies have something similar too.

Rummer

Might be worthwhile contacting the council and local allotments as they may provide items or support.

Jacey53

Do you have a Co-operative store nearby - they certainly support local projects.
What about garden centres or nurseries?
Sorry, I can't help - your post came just after I'd promised some spare seeds to someone else.

Also - might be worth giving the gardening mags a call - they give away free seeds on the cover most weeks and may have a left-over stash.

It would be good publicity for them and you.

It sounds a great project - hope it goes well. Will you keep in touch, please.

docij

Thank you to everyone for your great ideas. I'll certainly be following them up.

Girlysquare - I'll try Lakeland and also add the Starbucks coffee grounds idea to an info sheet.

Jacey 53 - I will get in touch with the Co-op and also call the mags today.

I contacted a private garden centre near here and they have just offered me 200 plant pots free so that we can make 'starter kits' for families who come along. A friend is coming to stay and we'll keep her busy making the kits for us while she's here! Just praying for dry weather on Sunday.

docij

Just an update for you. The Picnic in the Park went very well despite our fears of a wash out as it poured down half an hour before the start! However the rain stopped and about 200 people came to the park. The kids loved the treasure hunt and and sports and a friend of ours turned up and made balloon hats without us even asking.

Thank you to all those of you who offered seeds. You are so kind. It made the day very special because we managed to give away about 200 pots of compost and veg seeds. We're hoping to have another event in August where people can bring along things they've grown and share them with their neighbours.