Gardening projects land new grants

The North of England Horticultural Society, which organises the twice-yearly Harrogate flower shows, has given £14,000 to 22 projects across the North.

In Yorkshire, eight successful applications included £1,500 for the Friends of High Royds Memorial Garden at Menston, near Leeds, to help volunteers continue the restoration of the memorial garden, paupers’ graveyard and adjoining woodland.

A further £1,000 went to a sensory garden at Shelley First School in Huddersfield and £700 to the Second Nature Life Support group to buy equipment to maintain a sensory garden at Winthrop Park, Wickersley, Rotherham.

Show director Martin Fish said: “We have had a staggering response, with more than 300 applications.

“The proceeds from our spring and autumn flower shows have always been re-invested in horticulture and we are delighted to be able to give extra support to so many worthwhile community groups and gardening activities this year.”

The next show will be staged on September 14-16.