Oxfam Ireland launches great new range for the green fingered
Oxfam Ireland Press Release
16 January 2008
Oxfam Ireland has recently launched a fantastic new range of Oxfamgarden products that are ideal for gardeners of all levels of expertise.
Peter Tomlinson, Oxfam Ireland's Oxfamgarden Business Development and Projects Manager, said: "We have a range of seed cards available in 7 different styles as well as in a number of seed mats and seed shakers in the Oxfamgarden range. There are also the Wildflower Garden Window Boxes and Baskets or the Herb Garden Window Boxes or Baskets, so there really is something for everyone."
Produced by Willow Design and Publishing Ltd and Oxfam Ireland , the seeds and seed mats are for sale in all Oxfam Ireland ' s donated and Fair Trade shops.
Oxfamgarden is aimed at getting experienced gardeners and enthusiastic amateurs alike involved in raising plants and funds to help the world's poorest people.
Many people generously buy the seeds, grow the flowers and then donate their plants to local Oxfam Ireland shops to be put back on sale, raising funds twice over.
"The beauty of this scheme is that everyone involved wins", commented Peter Tomlinson. "Customers love the plants, growers get a real sense of achievement from seeing their handiwork sold in our shops and, of course, we raise funds for Oxfam Ireland 's vital work."
David Knight of Willow Design and Publishing Ltd said: "By supporting Oxfamgarden you are also contributing to saving Ireland 's wildflowers and native flora species. Our wildflower seeds are grown in Ireland ; many of these species are endangered. By planting the Oxfamgarden products you are helping with the preservation and conservation of Ireland 's natural habitats.
"Our seed mats and shakers are pre-sown with a mixture of annual and biennial wildflower seeds. There are wet/dry loving species, acid/alkaline plants, sunny/shady species in the mixtures, so wherever you plant your seeds, many of the species in the mixture will grow. The seeds are pre-sown between two layers of biodegradable tissue paper. These allow the seeds to be distributed evenly across the planting area. They also act as a mulch mat, to keep other plants from germinating for the early days of germination, giving your wildflower seeds every chance to establish themselves.
David Knight added: "Our seed shakers are a simply a unique way of sowing seeds. The seed mixtures are mixed with a casting agent, which helps to distribute the seeds evenly and shows the grower where the seeds have been sown."
The new range of Oxfamgarden products is available now in all Oxfam Ireland shops, as part of the ongoing Grow for Africa campaign, with money raised going to support Oxfam Ireland projects in nine countries in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa .
For more details on how you can help, visit www.oxfamireland.org/oxfamgarden and y ou can also buy seeds and seed mats online from the Oxfam Ireland Fair Trade Online Shop by visiting www.oxfamirelandshop.com
Watch this space for our new Seeds of Learning pack - it's a stimulating cross-curricular growing kit for schools. Packs include a CD ROM, seeds and a seed mat. You can now pre-order your pack, costing £25/€37.50 plus p&p, by calling Peter Tomlinson on 028 9057 2896 or for more information email peter.tomlinson [at] oxfamireland.org
For more information or interviews, please contact:
For further information, photos or to arrange interviews please contact Phillip Graham, Oxfam Ireland 's Media Officer, on (028) 9089 5959 or email phillip.graham [at] oxfamireland.org
Notes to Editor
The selection of seed mats inside greeting cards is available in 7 different mixtures:
Herbaceous border; Bird garden; Mixed herb garden; Mediterranean herb garden; Summer herb garden; Butterfly garden; and Wildflower garden.
Other products in the Oxfamgarden product range include:
- Seed mats for different coloured gardens (red, purple, white or blue);
- Seed mats (in a variety of sizes) for wildflowers and herb gardens;
- Wildflower garden and Poppy garden seed shakers (in a variety of sizes);
- Herb Garden Baskets with seeds of Parsley, Chives and Thyme;
- Wildflower Garden Baskets with seeds of Corn Marigolds, Field Poppies and Wildflower Mixture.
Oxfam Ireland is an independent member of Oxfam International- a group of thirteen non-governmental agencies dedicated to fighting poverty and related injustice around the world.
Media Resources
