#MillionPlantingMoments – The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is encouraging the nation to get planting this Autumn with its ‘million planting moments’ campaign. This is to highlight the huge contribution plants make to our health and wellbeing, the environment and our communities.
Taking place between 19-27 September 2020 the aim of the week is to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get planting and enjoy gardening and take the opportunity to plant at the traditional ‘natural’ planting time of year.
The campaign takes place during the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH), builds on the momentum around tree planting in the UK, recognising that all plants make a positive contribution to mitigating the impact of climate change. It provides an opportunity to highlight to consumers the importance of plant health. This is a part of the wider Keep Britain Growing campaign which provides monthly gardening inspiration. These campaigns are designed to build on the momentum gained during lockdown, with the emergence of a wave of new gardeners. We hope to educate and inspire them to become lifelong gardeners.
The beauty of the #MillionPlantingMoments campaign is that anyone can take part whether they have access to a community space, garden, patio or window box and can plant anything from trees and shrubs to perennials and bedding.
There will be an opportunity for individuals to contribute photos of their planting moments using #MillionPlantingMoments, #IYPH2020 and #PlantHealth
Some interesting facts on plants and planting:
- One medium-sized shrub can capture 30 diesel cars’ worth of pollution each year.
- The cooling effect of green space in urban areas was reported to reduce average temperatures in the UK’s major city regions by 0.63 to 0.88⁰C.
- Over 3 years, a single mature oak tree produces enough oxygen to keep you alive for a year.
- Research has shown that every 10% increase in exposure to green spaces translates into an improvement in health equivalent to being 5 years younger.
- Scents can connect people directly to nature and the environment, having a significant positive effect on emotions and memory recall.
- Digging burns an average of 186 calories per 30 minutes – that is more than playing Badminton which burns 167 calories per 30 minutes.
So, here is your chance to get involved and make a difference to you wellbeing and the environment.
Lilly Light