Three in five Londoners want to learn more about growing at home, and they will soon get a chance thanks to a new campaign to help make London greener and create a culture of growing in the city.
On 14th September, the #GiveItAGrow initiative will give away 10,000 free planting kits to help residents make their homes greener and provide simple growing tips and inspiration.
Environmental charity Hubbub and the Mayor of London have launched #GiveItAGrow, a new campaign to help make London greener and create a culture of growing in the city.
The initiative is being launched by Environmental charity Hubbub and the Mayor of London. The aim is for the kits to spark a joy for growing in Londoners that will inspire them to improve gardens and green balconies and windowsills to help wildlife like pollinating bees and butterflies.
“London’s population is predicted to reach 11 million by 2050 so it’s important we invest in supporting new and existing green spaces, which are vital for wildlife and the overall environment as well as our mental health and wellbeing,” said Trewin Restorick, CEO and Founder of Hubbub. “While parks and large gardens are great, the planting kits are about showing Londoners how greening up even the smallest of spaces can reap benefits by connecting them with nature and improving the environment. We’d encourage residents to visit one of the collection points on the 14th September to pick up a free planting kit and visit the website to find useful growing tips and ideas.”
The kits have been designed to work in any space, however small, including window boxes and balconies and to be easy for planting-novices to grow successfully. They will be available from selected Starbucks stores, selected B&Q stores in London and IKEA Greenwich on Saturday 14th September, on a first come, first served basis.
Each #GiveItAGrow kit will contain:
- Wildlife-friendly crocus bulbs
- Mix of native wildflower seeds
- Parsley and basil seeds
- Growing matter (compressed organic coir brick)
- Simple growing tips printed on paper made from recycled coffee cups
Used coffee grounds will also be available from the Starbucks stores – more than a quarter of Londoners fertilise their soil with used coffee grounds.
The initiative is expected to strike a chord with Londoners as three quarters think more green spaces would make the city a nicer place to live.
“In July I was proud to see London declared the world’s first National Park City, in recognition of the capital’s exceptional open spaces, waterways and natural environment,” said Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy. “These planting kits are a great way for all Londoners – whether they’re seasoned gardeners or green-fingered novices – to help make the capital even greener. Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or even a window box, get involved and get growing.”
Find out more about the kits and your nearest collection point, and get some simple tips on growing here.
