Garden Releaf to go local in 2022

By Gabrielle Stannus
 

Garden Releaf Day provides independent garden centres around Australia with a way to connect people with the health and wellness benefits of plants, gardens and gardening. In 2022, this national event will also provide an opportunity for garden centres to show their appreciation for the support received from customers and employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and to raise funds for local community projects.

The next Garden Releaf Day will take place on Sunday 27 March 2022,with garden centres encouraged to host events on and around that date. Since 2015, garden centres and industry suppliers have raised over $350,000 for Beyond Blue through this event to assist people with mental health and depression.

“Garden Releaf Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of living greenery in your life,” says Leigh Siebler, Manager of Garden Centres Australia, “Garden centres across Australia come together with ideas, information, inspiration and events to encourage people to celebrate the joy of colour, plants and gardens to enrich their lives.”

With COVID-19 having upset event plans to celebrate Garden Releaf Day over the last two years, Leigh is keen for garden centres to acknowledge the support of both customers and staff during this time.

“There is no doubt that people have come to garden centres throughout COVID in their masses,” says Leigh, “Staff have also been fantastic throughout this period. They have all been under pressure and now they too need a bit of a break. I think particularly with the last 18 months, everybody is pretty worn out and they just want to have a bit of fun and celebrate.”

Tips for your 2022 Garden Releaf event

“Everyone loves a party, large or small,” says Leigh, “Have a Plant Party in your garden centre to say thank you to customers and staff who have helped you through the pandemic. After months of Covid disruptions, it is time to settle back into ‘normal’ life.”

The 2022 Garden Releaf theme is ‘Slow Down and Smell the Roses’, and broadcaster, presenter and author, Graham Ross is the event’s National Ambassador.

To encourage in-store participation and attract visitors to your garden centre on Garden Releaf Day, you could:

• Host a garden tea party
• Conduct in-store demonstrations, e.g. flower arranging, making a terrarium, cooking demo using produce found in your garden
• Partner with your suppliers to conduct workshops featuring their plants and products
• Ask your suppliers to get involved in your in-store promos, give-aways and special offers
• Set up a social media wall, or a green wall with store logo, and encourage your visitors/customers to tag your business on social media
• Get into the party spirit and encourage your staff to dress up (think vintage)
• Create a party atmosphere by playing old time band music such as jazz band, quartets, either live or through sound system depending on store
• Make your event family friendly, run vintage style garden/lawn games for children if space permits
• Remember your customers’ pets; how can you cater for them?

Keep your events simple,” Leigh recommends, “It is important to involve staff early. Ideally, ask a staff member to oversee planning and implementation of Garden Releaf as a project.”

Support your local community

Leigh says that Garden Releaf continues to partner with Beyond Blue because of the important work they conduct. However, Leigh says that times are changing, and that community are looking to support local connections.

“We know that local is a key word in the community and so for Garden Releaf 2022 we are encouraging members to partner with a local cause or charity,” says Leigh, “Many garden centres already have local partners, and this change will help them to strengthen that relationship.”

Your garden centre may choose to channel funds raised through your Garden Releaf event to your local kindergarten, school, hospital, service club or other worthy community group or organisation. Ideally, Garden Releaf funds would go to projects that celebrate plants and the benefits they provide to all of us, e.g. community, memorial or therapeutic gardens.

Further information

If you would like to get involved or are a suppler willing to donate product for Garden Releaf Day, please contact Leigh Siebler, Manager, Garden Centres of Australia, on (Mob) 0409 889 779 or email leigh.siebler@bigpond.com.

To stay up to date with Garden Releaf news and events, like the Garden Releaf Facebook page or visit its website.