Winsford couple's charity plant sale shatters all previous records

Hilary and John Malam’s annual Front Garden Plant Fair, in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, was their most successful yet.

Held on Saturday, May 4, the couple managed to raise a whopping £3,000, smashing their previous record of £1,810.

Now in its fourth year, the mix of home-grown plants and gardening items collected over the year has spread out to include the front gardens of Hilary and John’s neighbours, who kindly loaned the use of their driveways in Woodlark Close, Wharton.

Brenda Beesley found lupins and runner beans (Image: John Malam)

John said: “It was incredible. By the end of the afternoon, all we had left were a few tomato plants – and a snow shovel.”

Hilary said: “We’d had some fantastic donations of ceramic garden pots, some planted up with ferns and hostas, and they were all gone by midday.

“We couldn’t believe how busy we were, and by the end of the day people had very generously donated £3,000 to St Luke’s.

Zoe Kay has a new fern for her garden (Image: John Malam)

“We are very grateful to everyone who supported us, beforehand and on the day.

“It felt like an event which really brought the community together, and for such a great cause.”

John and Hilary don’t charge for the plants and garden items, but place donation buckets around the garden, with all proceeds going to the hospice.

Mark and Chris Hankinson with their new plant pots (Image: John Malam)

St Luke’s fundraiser, Rachel Hughes, said, “It’s an outstanding amount raised by Hilary and John which really does show the support they give to St Luke’s, and also how the local community supports them. 

“Thank you so much for your continued support – you make an amazing team which St Luke’s is truly grateful to.

“Who knew selling plants and gardening tools could be so popular.”

If anyone has any gardening items they’d like to donate to Hilary and John’s plant fair for next year, please give them a call: 01606 863540.