Who they are
Perennial is the UK's only charity dedicated to helping people who work with plants, trees, flowers or grass, whether they are still working or retired. Floristry is part of horticulture, so florists can turn to it alongside gardeners, growers, garden designers, landscapers, and nursery and garden centre staff.
Founded on 17 January 1839 as The Gardeners' Benevolent Institution, the charity gained its 'Royal' title in 1851 and became The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society (GRBS) in 1960. It adopted the working name Perennial in 2003. It is based at 115-117 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey.
What they do
Perennial gives free, confidential advice and practical support to people in horticulture facing everyday or life-changing difficulties. Trained caseworkers help with money worries, debt, benefits and housing, as well as physical health, mental health and family pressures.
Its support sits across three areas: financial wellbeing, physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing.
Why it matters for florists
Floristry can mean seasonal income, long hours around peak days, and the strain that comes with running or working in a small shop. When money gets tight or health and family worries pile up, Perennial is somewhere to turn that understands the trade. The British Florist Association notes that florists applying to Perennial are treated as horticulturists on the form, so the help is open to the trade.
The British Florist Association signposts its members to Perennial, describing the service as free and confidential and run by professional caseworkers.
History
Perennial started by paying pensions to retired gardeners who had no other means of support in old age, distributing its first pensions in 1840. It opened a residential home for gardeners in Horton, Berkshire, in 1952. Over the years it widened its help to everyone in horticulture, not only gardeners. That is why florists, growers, designers and tree surgeons can all reach out to it today.
Services and programmes
Free, confidential support
- A helpline and caseworker service for people in horticulture, including florists
- Debt advice, benefits checks and help applying for support you are entitled to
- Help with housing and energy costs
- Mental health and physical health resources, plus a health and wellbeing app
- Family support, grief support and legal advice
- A free money-management tool (Nudge) for people who work with plants, trees, grass or flowers
Career and wider help
- Training, qualifications and career resources for horticulture
- Three gardens open to visitors, including York Gate Garden near Leeds and Fullers Mill Garden in Suffolk
- Ways for florists and businesses to fundraise and give back to the trade