A chance conversation between Robert Hillier and Dame Esther Rantzen at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2015 led to Hillier donating a cheque for £13,000 to The Silver Line charity today at Ampfield House in Hampshire.
Hillier Nurseries introduced a new English lavender at Chelsea Flower Show this year, which raised funds for this deserving charity which was founded by Dame Esther Rantzen DBE.
Lavandula ‘Silver Line’ is a new lavender with evergreen foliage and elegant tall spikes of white flowers.
Hillier Nurseries donated £1 for every Lavender ‘Silver Line’ sold to the charity, which operates the only free, national, 24-hour confidential helpline for lonely and isolated older people.
Robert Hillier OBE VMH, chairman of Hillier Nurseries said: “We are extremely proud to have grown this exclusive plant to support the work of The Silver Line. Today is therefore a special day as we share the rewards of such an achievement and celebrate a great partnership between Hillier and The Silver Line”
Dame Esther, founder of The Silver Line, said: “It’s wonderful that, thanks to Hillier, such a lovely fragrant silver lavender has raised funds we desperately need to provide friendship and support for the silver generation.
“Like many people of my age, gardening is my passion and I have relied on Hillier’s expertise for many years. We are deeply grateful to them for this new partnership which we hope will continue to blossom into the future.”
