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NEWS
SEVENOAKS SET TO BLOOM AGAIN IN RHS REGIONAL COMPETITION
DOBBIES RAISES £ 235,000 FOR ALZHEIMER’ S RESEARCH UK
Dobbies Garden Centres have announced the outstanding success of the first year of its national charity partnership with Alzheimer’ s Research UK, having raised £ 235,000 in total, with the Ashford store raising £ 3,149 and the Gillingham store raising £ 2,740.
Alzheimer’ s Research UK is the leading dementia research charity in the UK and was chosen for this partnership for its strong resonance with Dobbies’ communities, customers and colleagues. The partnership also supports Alzheimer’ s Research UK’ s Think Brain Health campaign, highlighting the benefits of gardening and garden living for brain health.
Dobbies customers and colleagues across its Kent stores raised funds through a range of initiatives, including an exclusive bulb pack developed in partnership with Taylor Bulbs, a dedicated Christmas shopping night, online event donations and colleague fundraising challenges.
© Stewart Attwood
Sevenoaks is proudly competing in RHS South & South East in Bloom 2026. The Sevenoaks in Bloom team is hoping to repeat the success they had in last year’ s Britain in Bloom competition, where the town achieved gold and won three volunteer awards, as well as the Judges’ Highlight Award.
Sevenoaks in Bloom brings together volunteers, local businesses and partners led by Sevenoaks Town Council to care for the environment, protect wildlife and maintain the town aesthetic.
The community will play a central role in preparation for the judging day. Creative volunteers are being asked to knit or crochet butterflies and caterpillars for displays around the town; gardening volunteers are encouraged to help with weeding and tidying; and residents and businesses are invited to‘ Adopt a Planter’ to maintain in the town.
Local schools are getting involved too, with pupils painting bugthemed rocks and David Attenborough-themed sculptures in honour of his 100th birthday later this year.
These community efforts are supported by local partners including Rockdale Housing Association, West Kent Housing, Sevenoaks Soroptimists and Southeastern Trains, all working together to keep the town in full bloom. A series of community events including a free family theatre show, Professor Slug’ s House of Bugs, and a rock painting workshop will also commemorate the community’ s support.
During World Alzheimer’ s Month, Dobbies also launched a nationwide programme in partnership with micro-donation charity, Pennies, which has so far raised over £ 69,000 in donations.
This year will see a series of new fundraising initiatives including sponsorship of Edinburgh’ s Walk for a Cure and donations from special plant purchases.
BLOOMING DAYS OUT AT CHALLOCK OPEN GARDENS
Gardens across Challock are bursting into bloom, showcasing a stunning array of roses, foxgloves, herbaceous perennials, ferns, hostas and much more.
On Sunday 7 June, nine beautiful private gardens- typically hidden from public view- will open their gates in the picturesque North Downs village. The event will raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and Friends of Challock Church.
Visitors can explore a different range of spaces, from wildflower meadows and cottage gardens to a striking Japanese garden, alongside ponds, water features, vegetable plots and an impressive collection of over 300 cacti and succulents.
Most gardens are within easy walking distance of The Lees village green, with a free minibus service running throughout the day to those further afield. Sponsored by Palmstead Nurseries of Wye, there will also be homemade refreshments and plant sales to enjoy, while the village’ s historic church will be open to visitors.
Young visitors are encouraged to get involved too, with a Miniature Garden Competition taking place in the Village Hall. Children aged 12 and under can create their own garden displays, with all entries receiving a prize.
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