Wanted: spare plants for 5th Spring Plant Sale
If you’re beginning your spring gardening jobs this month (February), it’s an ideal time to sow a few extra seeds, take additional cuttings or pot-on surplus plants to donate to Communicare for its fifth annual Spring Plant Sale here at the bakery in May.
The charity will be hosting the event in our backyard on May 16 and is appealing for plant donations to help raise funds so it can continue to assist vulnerable and isolated people across Southampton.
Grow a little extra this spring
Communicare’s Fundraising and Finance Coordinator, Emily, says: “We’re asking gardeners to start growing on plants from now onwards for us to sell at our event at CommuniBakes in May. We’re asking anyone out there who currently might be sowing or growing-on plants for themselves to please also sow and pot-up, or take a few extra cuttings for us, and donate them for our sale. Or if anyone has too many potted plants, indoors or out, that they would like to give us to sell as well, that’d be great.
Supporting the good neighbours’ network
“All the money raised from the sale of the plants people donate will go towards furthering the work we do in Southampton and helping support our multi-generational initiatives befriending people in communities city-wide through our good neighbours’ network.
“Our mission is to boost social connectedness and eradicate loneliness and isolation for people of all ages, which potentially represents a significant health risk to them. This is an invaluable event in both our fundraising and social calendar for the year.”
Why fundraising matters more than ever
Communicare Manager, Annie, highlights the urgency of fundraising in the current climate.
She explains: “The economic climate at the moment means we need financial support from fundraising events like this one now more than we’ve ever needed it before.
“Every plant donated and every penny made from their re-sale is put to good use making someone’s life better. We’re here to help people live their best lives, rather than to just exist. Anyone who donates plants will have had the pleasure and experienced the mental and physical benefit to their wellbeing of growing those seedlings or cuttings but will also have the knowledge that they are helping improve lives too.”
Event details
The Spring Plant Sale will be held at our bakery at 21 St James Road, Shirley, Southampton, on Saturday, May 16, from 10am until 12pm. Plant donations can be dropped off from 8.30am on the morning of the event. The sale will offer a range of houseplants and outdoor garden plants and will take place in our backyard.
Enjoy treats while you browse
Visitors will also be able to purchase tea or coffee alongside a sweet or savoury treat, which can be eaten at our outdoor tables and chairs, subject to availability.
Those wishing to buy products in advance to collect in store on the day, such as sourdough loaves, are advised to pre-order in advance, as we expect to be very busy. Pre-orders can be made in person or by calling us.
Baking that gives back
Any profits we make are donated to Communicare, helping to further support its vital work boosting social connectedness in our neighbourhood and throughout Southampton.