Plant Sale raises a record-breaking £10,000

Our annual Plant Sale took place on Sunday 10 May in the Hospice grounds on Tadcaster Road, raising an impressive £10,034.60 to support our care! This is the highest total the event has achieved since it first began over 20 years ago.

Visitors were able to browse a wide range of donated plants, including bedding plants, perennials, indoor and outdoor plants, fruit and vegetable plants, herbs and established varieties, all donated by supporters, local businesses and gardening groups. Refreshments, stalls, activities and live music were also available for people to enjoy throughout the event. 

The Plant Sale required several weeks of preparation, with volunteers, staff and supporters working together to sort, label and organise the large number of donated plants and produce. Many contributors grew items specifically for the sale, while others baked, performed or assisted with running stalls on the day. Their combined efforts played a key role in achieving this year’s record total. 

Kathy Pickard, who has supported the Plant Sale for more than 20 years and previously volunteered as a Hospice gardener, said the event had first been started by the team of volunteer gardeners, and that it had been “brilliant to see how it has grown and developed over the years.” She said it was “wonderful how much interest the Plant Sale generates from the community, both from those who donate plants and those who attend on the day.”

Helen Lay, Community and Events Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, said the Plant Sale continued to be a key event for plant lovers and a valuable opportunity for supporters to help raise funds for the Hospice. She added: “Last year’s total of £7,800 had already shown the strength of community support, and I’m delighted that this year’s event has exceeded expectations and raised more vital funds for patient care.” 

We’re so grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, performed, baked, grew, organised and shopped. Your support makes this event so special every year and we couldn’t have done this without you!