Press release – 18 January
Hellebore Day, a diary highlight for garden lovers, is happening this month at Truro’s Bosvigo House.
The special open garden, which showcases the impressive winter blooming flower, is organised annually by owner Wendy Perry to raise funds and awareness for the disaster relief charity ShelterBox.
Wendy Perry says: “Nothing could cheer people up more than the sight of a hellebore in winter. There is plenty of joy in finding new colours and patterns from them – it’s endlessly fascinating. They’re related to buttercups and can easily stay beautiful for a good 10 weeks.”
Wendy, who has been a breeder of hellebores for almost 30 years, launched Hellebore Day in memory of her daughter Hannah who died in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand.
Wendy continues: “Hellebore Day is a fitting tribute for Hannah who was a talented artist who loved colour. She was also a very practical person and would have approved greatly of ShelterBox and the type of support it provides to people around the world.
“When I first thought of the idea, I never imagined that it would become such a well-known event in the horticultural world. It’s taken a life of its own and I have great pride in welcoming people back again this year.”
The event has raised over £20,000 for ShelterBox in its history, with a portion of the proceeds from the day donated to the charity each year.
Wendy continues: “It started out as a fundraiser to help Thai fisherman rebuild their lives and livelihoods and now, for more than 15 years, we’ve been fundraising for ShelterBox.
“The charity provides emergency shelter and other essential items, supporting people who have had to flee their homes because of conflict or disaster. They provide tangible items, which are beyond measure for people who have lost everything.”
Hellebore Day will be held on Saturday 24 February 2024. Gates open at 9:30am and close at 4:30pm. The event will be opened by the Mayor of Truro, Cllr. Carol Swain. There is no fee to enter but Wendy asks people to make a donation to ShelterBox.
Hundreds of Wendy’s famous hellebore seedlings will be on sale and visitors are reminded to bring cash for purchases. Food is served all day in the historic 18th century kitchen, as well as homemade cakes and refreshments in the garden.
Community Fundraising Officer at ShelterBox, John Stanbury says: “We are so grateful to Wendy and her friends for their deep well of empathy and longstanding support.
“I have so many memories of past Hellebore Days – the big fire on in the sitting room, the incredible displays of flowers and crowds of people leaving with bright hellebores under their arm, and even brighter smiles.
“Coming after a winter where we have supported people in Morocco, Ukraine, and Syria survive dropping temperatures, Hellebore Day and Wendy Perry’s spring garden are also a celebration of the self-recovery and renewal ShelterBox hopes to provide wherever we respond.”
Since it was founded in 2000, the Cornwall based charity ShelterBox has helped more than 2.5 million people across the world.
ShelterBox has 11 active responses and is currently supporting people who have had to flee their homes due to conflict and extreme weather in Chad and Yemen. The charity is also working in Somalia and Ethiopia where people have been affected by the worst drought to hit east Africa in 40 years.
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For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
- Interviews available with Wendy Perry, and ShelterBox’s Community Fundraising Engagement Officer, Jenn Sandiford.
- Images and captions included.
- Preview photo and filming opportunity available, please contact [email protected].
