The HTA launches British campaign to create a ‘million planting moments’ this Autumn

DIDCOT, UK: The HTA is encouraging the nation to get planting this Autumn with its ‘million planting moments’ campaign.

Taking place between 19-27 September 2020 the aim of the week is to encourage everyone young and old, expert and novice to take the opportunity to plant at the traditional ‘natural’ planting time of year. The week culminates in Million Planting Moments Day on Sunday 27 September.

The campaign, which takes place during the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH), builds on the momentum around tree planting in the UK, recognising that all plants make a positive contribution to mitigating the impact of climate change. It provides an opportunity to highlight to consumers the importance of plant health.

Suggestions on the best types of plant to choose depend on factors such as soil, site and size of space are available, with consumers encouraged to visit their local garden centre for expert knowledge and advice, depending on their specific needs.

HTA President Boyd Douglas-Davies comments, “By creating a ‘#MillionPlantingMoments’ we are highlighting the huge contribution that plants make to our health and wellbeing, environment and communities. The beauty of the campaign is that anyone can take part whether they have access to a community space, garden, patio or window box and can plant anything from trees and shrubs to perennials and bedding.

“Taking place in nature’s natural time for planting we encourage consumers to visit their local garden centre to find out the best plants for their space and share their #MillionPlantingMoments on social media.”

In support of the campaign Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer, Nicola Spence, comments: “Our world is much smaller than it once was and increasing globalisation and environmental change have huge implications for the health of the world’s plants. So it’s great to see that the HTA is encouraging safe sourcing and planting to ensure that the UK’s future plants and trees are kept pest and disease-free, through its ‘million planting moments’ campaign.

“From considering soil, site and space, the HTA’s advice will prove invaluable for budding gardeners homing healthy plants nationwide.”

Look out for further details about the campaign over the coming weeks. There will be an opportunity for individuals to contribute photos of their planting moments using #MillionPlantingMoments, #IYPH2020 and #PlantHealth

Key facts on plants and planting*:

  • One medium-sized shrub can capture 30 diesel cars’ worth of pollution each year.
  • The cooling effect of green space in urban areas was reported to reduce average temperatures in the UK’s major city regions by 0.63 to 0.88⁰C.
  • Over 3 years, a single mature oak tree produces enough oxygen to keep you alive for a year.
  • Research has shown that every 10% increase in exposure to green spaces translates into an improvement in health equivalent to being 5 years younger.
  • Scents can connect people directly to nature and the environment, having a significant positive effect on emotions and memory recall.
  • Digging burns an average of 186 calories per 30 minutes – that is more than playing Badminton which burns 167 calories per 30 minutes.

* Sources of key facts on plants and planting include: HTA, The economic impact of ornamental horticulture and landscaping in the UK – The Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group and ‘The Wellbeing Garden’ by Alistair Griffiths.

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