Our Stories
Welcome to our stories and case studies hub.
Here, we share real-life experiences, successes, and challenges. Through our collection of stories and case studies, we offer practical insights and inspiration. Whether you're looking to learn, find motivation, or read a heartfelt story, we invite you to explore the stories that shape the horticulture world and discover valuable lessons along the way.
Helping Simone keep a warm home amid rising energy prices
When I finally got word of my new energy tariff, I rang my caseworker to let her know. It was nice to have someone to talk it through with and she told me…
We had Craig’s back with physiotherapy
Craig was 31 when he put his back out. He’d worked in grounds maintenance for 10 years and had suffered from a bad back for as long as he could remember. …
Howy White
As well as working for an industry supplier, Howy’s photography business is a long-term Perennial Partner. Hear what he has to say about Perennial Partner…
Bridgman & Bridgman: Benidorm or Bust
Six team members and friends embarked on the famous car rally from Milton Keynes to Benidorm in Spain, to raise money for Perennial. The 'Rover and Out…
Simon’s gardening career fell into place with our help
Career changer Simon was in his 50s when he made a big decision to return to his first love of gardening. He left his job as a teacher, worked his way up …
Liz and Linda at York Gate
Liz and Linda, dedicated volunteers for Perennial, have expanded Perennial's impact through their work in the café, organising events, and supervising tra…
Employment support creates better future for Chris
Redundancy came as a massive shock for Devon-based gardener Chris. In the space of a few short days his whole life was turned upside down, and to make ma…
Supporting Stephen through his battle with cancer
For over 30 years, Yorkshireman Stephen dedicated his working life to gardening until he was diagnosed with cancer in his sixties. Undergoing invasive tre…
Robert reflects on his relief at finding Perennial
Life for self-employed gardener Robert* has been tough over the last few years. A harsh Scottish winter in 2013 left him with no work, money worries and t…
Housing help for Paul with long-term disability
For self-employed landscape gardener Paul, the onset of arthritis left him in severe pain, unable to work and his business devastated. With no money to af…
Susie and her career flourishes with help from Perennial
Single mum of two, Susie, gave up her job as a town planner in 2009 to work as a gardener – a job which she hoped would give her more opportunity to be th…
Crisis support for nurseryman Colin when coronavirus hit
The coronavirus has devastated the livelihoods of many in horticulture. For Colin, who runs an award-winning fuchsia nursery in North Wales, 2020 was like…