Plant and Hope: Giveaway blossoms into something more
UOM life 14th October 2021
Plant and Hope celebrated its fourth-annual plant giveaway this past month at the FIRS botanical garden in Fallowfield. The event saw some 80 students receive 120 free plants – plus useful gardening tips – as they took part in a variety of wellness activities.
It was the 12th plant giveaway organised by the group, and this time was accompanied by a number of activities aimed at educating students on plant care. The event also a featured a tour of the botanical gardens, which have recently had their first lot of vegetables harvested on site.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Plant and Hope, Andrea Izquierdo Ruiz, the organiser, said:
“It’s not that easy to just go around and meet people, so this is a friendlier way to just come and meet new people. In the time you’ve come and picked out your plant, you will have met someone who would have had a conversation with you. This was the first event for many to take place after COVID, and so we wanted this year’s event to be even more special.”
The event also featured local traders, who trained students on skills ranging from how to live more sustainable lives, to plant-based cooking and caring for our leafy friends. There was also a terrarium workshop, provided by the team from the FIRS botanical grounds.
The hope is that more frequent events like this can now take place, and that Plant and Hope can act as a hub for students to meet up and collaborate:
“We have had some people who come who are actually from different faculties. They get together and chat about their research and find out that they may have some things in common, and could potentially work together in the future. It’s a great tool for that!”
Some of the students who took part in the sold-out day praised the event:
“Thanks to everyone at the Plant and Hope team for a great event today. I met some lovely people and my new plant and terrarium are in pride of place.”
“Today was so much fun! I really enjoyed the events and I love my new plant!”
The plant giveaway was supported by The Doctoral College and The Student’s Union.
Fine out more about the FIRS, its fascinating history, and some of the awesome wellbeing events taking place there.
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