Horticultural charity bares all for 2018 calendar

By Alistair December 4, 2017 08:11 Updated

A group of gardeners have stripped off to star in a naked calendar to raise money for Perennial, the charity helping those in horticulture.

“The ‘Perennial Naked Gardeners Calendar 2018’ makes a great Christmas gift and all proceeds will go towards helping those working in horticulture and their families during times of crisis,” said spokeswoman Clare Johnson. “This hardy group of volunteers from across the horticulture industry are collectively known as The Grubby Gardeners. They were photographed by Jonathan Ward of Ginger Horticulture at RHS Garden Wisley.”

Anita Bates, director of marketing and development at Perennial, said: “Thanks so much to the boys who had the idea for the calendar in the first place and were brave enough to shed their clothes in front of the camera. It is all a bit of fun and makes a great stocking filler or Christmas gift, but it also helps raise money and awareness of the services we offer to horticulturists who are facing tough times. Christmas is often a difficult time for those struggling with challenges such as illness, accident, debt, bereavement, unemployment and so on.”

Coordinator of the calendar, TV presenter and gardener Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) said: “The calendar that is cheekier than ever. We all feel passionately about the work of Perennial and its role in supporting everyone in our industry so we are glad to be able to help raise awareness and money.”