Rotherham gardeners offered pots of cash

Projects can now apply for grants to help fund local gardening projects as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) launches the second installment of its grassroots gardening programme.

As well as funding, the RHS Regional development team — Libby Goodacre and Sarah-Jane Mason, both based at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate — will provide additional support and expertise.

An application picked at random will also win a visit from multi-RHS-medal winner Diarmuid Gavin, who will share gardening tips and present the group with some new water-saving products worth hundreds of pounds.

Last year, more than 100 communities applied for funding and support from the RHS, and 32 groups received grants of up to £8,000.

Community groups may apply for grants of up to £10,000, which will cover capital costs such as site-based improvement works including planting schemes with associated landscaping.

Small grants up to £500 will cover set-up costs.

The deadline for this year’s applications March 14 and groups can apply here: http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Community-gardening/Regional/Yorkshire-community-fund-2014.