Flower gift that could save someone’s life

(26/02/2008)

Why not buy your mum a gift this mother’s day that could save someone’s life? The brand new fuchsia, Angel’s Teardrop, discovered and grown at Duchy College, Cornwall’s College of the Countryside is being sold to raise funds for Diabetes UK this spring.

2.3 million people in the UK are diagnosed with diabetes, 21,045 of these in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Not only that, but it is estimated that 750,000 people in the UK are living with diabetes undiagnosed (70,000 in the South West).

Duchy College and Diabetes UK are selling the plant to raise awareness regionally and nationally about the condition and hope that Mother’s Day sales will boost funds to help the cause.

The pretty pink fuchsia was discovered by Horticulture lecturer Marshall Hutchens on the Duchy College grounds in Summer 2007 and was picked up by Stan Williams, manager of Rosewarne Nurseries (the commercial nursery based at Duchy College).

Easy to look after, a ‘how to grow’ leaflet will be sent with each delivery and there will be no need to feed the plants for 18 months, as a slow release fertilizer will be incorporated in the compost. Hardy to minus 6 degrees, the fuchsia can be grown in the ground or in a tub on the patio.

The plant has been recognised and registered with the British Fuchsia Society. Stan Williams wanted to use the sales of Angel’s Teardrop to help Diabetes UK because his niece is diabetic, so the cause is very close to his heart.

John Latham, Principal of Cornwall College commented, “It’s naturally very exciting for the Cornwall College Group to have such exciting discoveries happening on its campus sites. I hope that mums everywhere will appreciate receiving such a great gift that could save lives. I’m extremely proud to support such initiatives and look forward to seeing the result at the end of the year.”

Angel’s Teardrop will be officially launched in Spring 2008. The plants are available to order in packs of 3 for £9.99 + P&P.

Related categories:  Anniversary present   Birthday present   Flowers   Gift for her 

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