Oxfam Ireland is looking for volunteers to take part in their annual Grow for Africa scheme, aimed at getting experienced gardeners and enthusiastic amateurs alike involved in raising plants and funds to help the world's poorest people.
Last year's appeal proved to be a massive success and Oxfam are hoping this year's event will turn out even better.
"When we launched Oxfamgarden in 2005 we could not have predicted just how much people would take this simple scheme into their hearts," said Peter Tomlinson, Oxfam Ireland's Business Development Manager
Well known TV gardener Dermot O'Neill launched this year's appeal, saying he considered it "an honour" to be involved with the effort. " You don't need to be an expert to get involved" states the Greenmount Garden presenter. "By growing the Oxfam Ireland range of seeds you are contributing to a worthwhile and valuable cause while at the same time reaping the pleasures and joy of growing plants too".
Everyone from the young to the not so young can take part in this rewarding project and there are a number of ways to get involved depending on how much time you have to give.
The bronze option consists of buying a packet of seeds and a seed mat, the most suitable choice for the junior gardener. The seed mats are paper cotton sheets that contain various varieties of seeds and can simply be cut and placed in any flowerpot. Seed packets cost 99p while seed mats are £1.50.
More experienced gardeners can sign up for the silver option and become an Oxfamgarden expert for their area. As well as that they can donate old gardening tools, 9cm pots and six pack trays to the Oxfam shop on Market Street.
The gold option is for anyone who many have a large area such as a garden which they could use for growing plants on a larger scale. Oxfam are particularly interested in hearing from organisations such as schools and community groups who would be willing to participate and grow the plants in bulk.
Noel McCarter, the manager of Oxfam in Omagh believes the scheme is beneficial to everyone. "This is only the second year but it was very successful last year and there's been alot of interest already" said Noel. "It's a great way for people to give support to the underprivileged in Africa and it's good for the people who take part. Gardening is very therapeutic and people loved seeing all the different plants we had for sale in the shop".
