Thrive is launching a new initiative offering free boxes of ready-to-grow vegetables, herbs or flowers to disabled people who would like to discover the benefits of gardening at home.
The new scheme encourages disabled people or their carers to apply for a Plant a Difference box which will be delivered to their home address.
Everything needed to start gardening is supplied and there is a choice of vegetables, herbs or flowers. All plants in the boxes (worth £35) are ready to go into a window box, pot or container or directly into the ground.
Pippa Greenwood who helped launched the scheme for Thrive said: "This is another brilliant idea from Thrive. Using small garden-ready plants is a great way to help people get started in gardening and once they’ve experienced this, I’m sure that many will be hooked for years to come."
Added Thrive chief executive Nicola Carruthers: "Gardening offers great health benefits - both physically and mentally - and we hope to help more disabled people discover the pleasure of gardening for themselves with our Plant a Difference boxes. And remember, you don't need a garden to enjoy gardening; a window box or a container just outside the back door will do!"
Applications for boxes can be made on
Thrive's website or by calling Thrive on 0118 988 5688. The closing date for applications is 1 October 2010 and boxes will be despatched directly to disabled people’s homes.