A GROUP of “green thumbs” have joined forces to create Seeds of Hope, a fundraiser dedicated to reviving gardens lost in the recent Australian bushfires.
Aimed at helping children and schools in the bushfire-affected regions of South Australia, the group has held a number of plant sales to raise money, with their final sale this weekend.
A total of $200 has already been raised for the cause, which the group hopes to donate to a school impacted by fire to purchase gardening supplies.
Organiser Jane Qualmann said the idea started after a recent trip to Adelaide.
“The thought of all of the children going back to school with the blackness surrounding them was hard,” Ms Qualmann said.
“Even though the town’s are not 100pc decimated, it is still hard for the kids to watch their parents rebuilding and seeing the areas burnt in this way.
“Some of the schools might have even been damaged in the fires as well – I think it is quite tough on their mental health to take all of it in.”
While communities impacted by the fires have a long way to go to rebuild, Ms Qualmann said the idea aimed to brighten up the children’s lives.
“Everything we are seeing is very dark and would be very upsetting for children to see,” she said.
“Something simple like planting something and seeing it grow could do wonders for their mental health.
“It shows their is life after the devastation and gives them a little colour instead of just looking at charred earth.
“Gardening does wonders for the brain – it is very stimulating and gets kids doing something active outside – I think it is a great way to lend a hand.”
Plants will be sold this Saturday on Eglington Terrace from 9.30am, with balloons outside the property for easy identification.
Ms Qualmann said although the group has plenty of plants on offer, community members interested in donating potted plants to the sale can contact her through the Seeds of Hope Facebook group.
“We will have lots of plants available on the day,” she said.
“These include sunflowers, red gum saplings, catnip and succulents.
“There is no set prices, people can pay what they like for the plants but hopefully people are generous and we raise a good amount of money.”
The group is yet to decide on a school for the funds to be donated to but Ms Qualmann welcomed any suggestions.
If a school cannot be decided upon, the funds will be donated to the South Australian Bushfire Revival Fund, a group with a similar aim.
