A group of gardeners have stripped off to star in a naked calendar to raise money for Perennial, the charity helping those in horticulture.
The Perennial Naked Gardeners Calendar 2018 makes a great Christmas gift and all proceeds will go towards helping those working in horticulture and their families during times of crisis.
Following the success of the 2015 Naked Gardeners Calendar, this hardy group of volunteers from across the horticulture industry collectively known as The Grubby Gardeners decided to get together again, baring all for their trade charity. They were photographed by Jonathan Ward of Ginger Horticulture at RHS Garden Wisley.
Anita Bates, Director of Marketing and Development at Perennial, said, "Thanks so much to the boys who had the idea for the calendar in the first place and were brave enough to shed their clothes in front of the camera. It is all a bit of fun and makes a great stocking filler or Christmas gift, but it also helps raise money and awareness of the services we offer to horticulturists who are facing tough times. Christmas is often a difficult time for those struggling with challenges such as illness, accident, debt, bereavement, unemployment and so on, but Perennial is there for everyone working in and retired from all areas of the horticulture industry if ever they need help.”
Coordinator of the calendar, TV presenter and gardener Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) said: “The Grubby Gardeners are back with a calendar that is cheekier than ever. Shooting the last calendar was such fun and so it didn’t take much to persuade the chaps to get together again for this year’s calendar. We all feel passionately about the work of Perennial and its role in supporting everyone in our industry so we are glad to be able to help raise awareness and money.”
The stars of the 2018 Naked Gardeners Calendar are:
- Rocky Coles, Self-Employed Gardener, Northamptonshire
- Peter Donegan, The Sod Show / Donegan Landscaping, Ireland
- Cory Fernmoor, Head Gardener, Private residence, New Zealand
- Joseph Ford, Garden Consultant and Designer
- Ben Gregory, Plant Product Development Manager, Wyevale Nurseries
- Darran Jaques, Plantsman and Designer, Urban Creations, Surrey
/ London - Andrew Lane, Formal Gardener, RHS Wisley, Surre
- David Lewis, Head Gardener and Garden Designer
- Michael Perry, Mr Plant Geek, TV Presenter and Gardener
- Kenny Raybould, Head Gardener, Neo Bankside
- Dave Root, Director, Kelways, Somerset
- Andrew Wain, Head Gardener, Wiltshire
