GARDEN BORROWING SERVICE LAUNCHED TO HELP CITY DWELLERS RELAX DURING THE PANDEMIC

The initiative is part of Stoneleigh’s, New Zealand’s number one wine brand1, long-term commitment to sustainability with a campaign called the National Plottery which will raise funds to renovate local community plots across the UK.

Stoneleigh has partnered with DJ Lilah Parsons and garden expert Michael Perry (aka Mr Plant Geek) to promote the garden borrowing service which will operate across three UK cities, including London, Manchester and Brighton, with 100% of booking sales being donated to non-for-profit organisation, Grow2Know. The not-for-profit will help renovate a plot of land nominated by the public on the booking website as part of the campaign.

Stoneleigh wants to give Brits, who live in busy cities, the opportunity to connect with that hard-to-come-by outdoor space and to take a deep breath and get in touch with nature – whilst enjoying some nibbles and a crisp glass of wine.

Garden and wine lovers alike are also invited to submit plots of land to be transformed to a space that people can enjoy upon booking the experience here. All funds will be donated to Grow2Know which focus on empowering young people through horticulture and by building gardens to inspire, educate and heal.

Presenter and illustrator Lilah Parsons is backing Stoneleigh’s National Plottery campaign. For a long time, a champion of sustainability and an outdoor lover, Lilah is fronting the campaign by encouraging people to enjoy nature and the four different urban oasis available for anyone to book between August 28 and September 5, 2021.

Lilah said: “It’s so important for me to step out of the city mayhem and enjoy time outdoors with friends or even by myself. Urban gardens are vital for our wellbeing, and they can be a great place to press pause, relax and clear your mind. I love the concept of Stoneleigh’s temporary garden borrowing service and their campaign giving everyone a chance to submit a plot of land they’d like to see renovated. The opportunity to enjoy time in beautiful urban gardens, with a delicious glass of wine in hand, sounds ideal! I was also thrilled to learn that the grapes are 100% sustainably grown and sourced, and the wine vegan certified, which makes the whole experience even better!”

Supporting the campaign is also award-winning garden enthusiast and self-coined ‘hortpreneur’ Michael Perry, also known as Mr Plant Geek, who for a long time has championed gardening for mental health and wellbeing.

Michael Perry added: “No matter how big or small, outdoor and garden spaces are so important for our wellbeing especially during the Covid pandemic. Being surrounded by nature and taking the time to just relax is something I’ve always loved so I’m proud to be part of this initiative, giving people the opportunity to spend time in urban gardens with friends and raise funds to help renovate community gardens for everyone to enjoy.”

Stoneleigh has a long-standing relationship and commitment to the environment and is proud to be on a sustainability journey. Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100% sustainably sourced grapes with over 10,000 trees planted for its biodiversity projects and over 30 hectares dedicated to biodiversity projects and regenerative land.

Lucy Bearman, Wine Portfolio Director said: “It is our core brand belief that a sustainable partnership with nature, through our minimal intervention winemaking philosophy, is what allows us to create our unique style of wine so now we want to give back.

We want to invite nature and wine-loving Brits across the country to slow down, enjoy beautiful urban gardens, whilst nominating their favourite community garden spaces in need of renovation, in partnership with the amazing non-for-profit Grow2Know, which together with Stoneleigh will make this possible.”

Taysham Hayden-Smith, Owner of Grow2Know said, “We strongly believe building gardens are very important to inspire, educate and heal. We want to continue renovating beautiful spaces and this time with Stoneleigh as part of a longer-term collaboration, to help us revive community plots across the country as part of the brand’s National Plottery campaign.”

Stoneleigh’s garden hire service is available from 3:00 – 5:00pm on Bank Holiday weekend 28th, 29th, 30th August and 4th, 5th September, by booking only, via https://live.eventtia.com/en/stoneleighukgarden for £25. Maximum 6 people allowed per booking. 18+ only, with valid ID. Time to relax, bask in nature and sip wine with friends and family.