A GARDEN centre has chosen a group of environmentally friendly charities to support this year to encourage people to get out and grow.

Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree will be supporting the two charities and a community interest company which use gardening to help vulnerable groups, including refugees, the unemployed, adults with mental health issues and children.

Together We Grow, is a CIC located at the Big Garden in High Woods Country Park, Colchester.

Perrywood will support its “Together we grow at home” project for Refugee Action Colchester and raise funds for a mini-bus to get people to and from the garden projects.

Founder Wayne Setford said: “This will enable us to help enrich the lives of school children, their families, our diverse communities and to support the mental and physical health of those most in need.

“Together we build community, together we enrich lives, together we grow.”

Abberton Rural Training, which has locations in Abberton, Halstead and Wormingford, teaches skills in environment management and horticulture alongside mental health support.

Braintree and Witham Times: A group photo at Abberton Rural TrainingA group photo at Abberton Rural Training

Perrywood will be raising funds for laptops and tools, and supporting its various planting schemes.

Chief executive Jacqui Stone said: “We are thrilled to be chosen by Perrywood, and we look forward to a blossoming relationship with the staff and customers over the coming months.

“This support will make such a huge difference to individuals and families, many of whom are isolated and disadvantaged.”

Perrywood will also be supporting the Greenfingers Charity, a national charity that builds inspiring gardens for children’s hospices.

The charity needs help to create a new garden at Haven House in Woodford.

In the past five years, Perrywood Tiptree has raised more than £90,000 for charities.

Spokeswoman Hannah Powell said: “We are potty about plants and know how powerful they can be.

“Gardening can help people through difficult times and give them new skills.

“By supporting these wonderful organisations, we can get more people growing and improve many people’s lives.”