Gardening charity airlifts thousands of seeds to Syrian refugees
In 1918, at the end of World War I, the RHS sent cases of seeds to British prisoners of war in the Ruhleben camp in Germany. Both initiatives prove that gardening and plants bring hope, comfort and sanctuary to those displaced by war.
The RHS are working with The Lemon Tree Trust who are staging a Show Garden, designed by Tom Massey, at the world famous flower show this year that has been inspired by gardening in the Domiz Camp, Northern Iraq where the seeds have been delivered.
Aveen Ismail, who along with her family fled her home in Damascus, said: “Syria is green, but here it was like a desert until we started growing plants and trees. Creating a garden was a way for us to heal and remind us of home.
“When we learned about the donation from the RHS, we were thankful not only for the seeds but also for a feeling of friendship with other gardeners across the world.”
There are endless similarities between the two stories including the sort of seeds requested by both the prisoners, who wrote to the RHS, and the refugees who were asked what seeds they required.
Both camps requested a mixture of cut flowers seeds such as marigolds and sunflowers, to bring colour, beauty and to revive memories of home, along with edibles such as peppers and cucumbers to grow food in these harsh conditions.
Sue Biggs, RHS Director General, said: “The story of the Ruhleben Horticultural Society came to mind due to the striking parallels of the human need to grow and nurture, even in confined and challenging circumstances.
“100 years on the RHS is delighted to be working with The Lemon Tree Trust to once again help displaced people living in difficult conditions reap some joy from the benefits of gardening.”
Stephanie Hunt, founder of the Lemon Tree Trust says: “While it is true that refugee camps often suffer from difficulties including overcrowding, lack of food or basic sanitation, they also become places of hope and ingenuity, places where people raise their children, attend school, and rebuild their lives. The simple act of planting a tree can be seen as a symbol of hope for the future.”
For more information:
Royal Horticultural Society
www.rhs.org.uk