Perennial marks 25 years of expanded support for horticulture
Perennial looks back at 25 years since it widened its services to support all those working in, or retired from, horticulture — a shift that has helped thousands of people facing financial, health, career and life-changing challenges.
The charity, the UK’s only organisation dedicated to supporting people across horticulture, now provides free personalised help through a national helpline, a network of case workers, regulated money and debt advice, and practical guidance on issues that affect people working with plants, trees, flowers and grass.
Founded in 1839 as the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, Perennial originally gave financial assistance to retired gardeners, many of whom lost tied accommodation when they stopped working. At the time, its support could mean the difference between independent living and the workhouse.
In 2000, the charity recognised that the needs of the wider industry were changing and broadened its remit to include working-age people — one of the first benevolent funds in the UK to make such a move.
Evolved over 25 years
An interactive timeline on Perennial’s website charts the development of its services over the past quarter century, showing how support has evolved from financial assistance for retired gardeners to holistic, tailored help for people across the industry.
- In 2000, the charity supported 400 retired gardeners with financial assistance and linen parcels.
- In 2001, its services were restructured and support broadened to working gardeners.
- In 2003, the charity rebranded as Perennial to reflect its wider role across horticulture.
- In 2005, a centralised helpline was launched, followed by regulated debt advice in 2008.
- Since 2019, Perennial has expanded digital and guidance-led services, helping people access information earlier and prevent issues becoming crises.
- By 2025, the charity was supporting 2,445 people with tailored one-to-one help.
Helen Waddington, Perennial’s Director of Services, joined the charity in 2001 as part of the original expansion. “It has been an incredible journey over the last 25 years, changing how we support people in all sectors of horticulture so that we can offer services that make a difference to lots of people’s lives,” she said. “The team at Perennial provide holistic support — looking at all aspects of an issue and working with the person towards a positive, long-term solution.”
Benefits delivered in 2025
Perennial’s latest impact figures underline the practical difference the charity is making for people in horticulture and their families.
- 2,445 people received holistic support.
- 19,753 preventative activities and informative programmes were delivered.
- £235,335 of personal debt was disputed or written off.
- £16,373 was invested in employment and training support.
- 64 people were helped to seek legal advice.
- £380,645 was secured in benefit entitlements.
The figures show the breadth of help now available, from early guidance and employment support to debt advice, legal signposting and benefit entitlement work.
Voices from horticulture
Those who have used Perennial’s services describe the charity as a lifeline at moments of serious pressure.
“Perennial was there for me in my hour of need and may well have saved my life. It sounds dramatic, but their calm guidance at a time when my life was in turmoil massively helped me.” A landscaper who received debt and mental wellbeing support.
“Not being able to do my job was hard to accept and triggered a lot of anxiety and depression. My physio treatment has been brilliant. If you’re not yourself physically or mentally, reach out because you’re not alone.” A grounds maintenance worker who received physio and mental wellbeing support.
“I had never asked for help before, but after a short while speaking to Perennial I could feel this huge burden being lifted. I have no doubt that without Perennial I would have lost my home.” A gardener who received support to manage the impact of a long-term health issue.
Perennial continues to work closely with people from all sectors of the industry to ensure its services reflect the breadth of challenges facing horticulture. Industry Ambassadors Mark Gregory, Angela Oliver and Steve Harper are helping to raise the charity’s profile in their professional fields.
More information about Perennial’s support, and ways to fundraise for the ongoing provision of its tailored services, is available at perennial.org.uk.