Sudbury garden centre Perrywood celebrates 70th anniversary of business group with donations to community initiatives

A family-run garden centre business is set to share £10,000 for gardening initiatives in the communities it serves, as part of major anniversary celebrations.

Perrywood, which has traded in Sudbury since 2018, celebrates 70 years in business this year.

To mark the milestone, the independent firm is donating plants, tools and equipment to schools, charities and community groups in the three towns in which its centres are located.

In Sudbury, the beneficiaries include the Phoenix Family Hub, in Tudor Road, which provides support services for children aged up to 19 and their families.

The garden centre has agreed to donate pollinator-friendly plants for the hub’s sensory garden, as well as a solar water feature.

In addition, Thomas Gainsborough School, in Great Cornard, is set to receive equipment such as a wheelbarrow, trays, netting, seeds and compost.

This will enable the Wells Hall Road-based school to establish a new school allotment for pupils to grow vegetables and plants.

Perrywood communications director Hannah Powell, whose grandparents set up the business in 1955, reflected on the company’s journey.

“Since taking over Perrywood Sudbury in 2018, we’ve truly loved being part of such a fantastic community,” said Hannah.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have received and wanted to give back in the best way possible, through our love for gardening.

“In 2009, I faced burnout and was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder and I turned to plants and nature for healing.

“They gave me a sense of positivity and peace when I needed it most. Now, I’m passionate about helping others experience those same healing benefits.

“We’re proud to support our local community, promoting the wellbeing that gardening brings, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Perrywood.

“Locals will have no doubt noticed we are building a new garden centre and 200-seater restaurant, which is due to open in October 2025.

“It is being built on the same site as our existing garden centre in Newton Road, just outside Sudbury. During the build, we remain open and trading as normal.

“We can’t wait to reveal what is set to be an inspiring place to work and shop.”