DOZENS of gardeners from Basingstoke who travel to a charity based in Beech Hill are thrilled to get the opportunity to plant a tree gifted from the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC).

A birch tree, included in the QGC ‘Tree of Trees', was gifted to Thrive, a charity based in Beech Hill.

The gardeners from Basingstoke, who regularly make the ten-mile trip by mini bus to attend sessions at the centre in Beech Hill, helped plant the tree.

Aaron Alger from Basingstoke was the hero of the day who put the finishing touches to the tree-planting ceremony at Thrive Charity on Wednesday, November 23.

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Aaron was delighted to be chosen to help with the ceremony.

He said: “It was really special, we prepared the hole beforehand and hoped it wouldn’t rain. I really enjoyed it and we’ll look after this tree and make sure it thrives.”

The QGC ‘Tree of Trees’ stands as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

The tree was presented by Lord Lieutenant, James Puxley at a ceremony attended by client gardeners, volunteers and staff.

Thrive’s CEO Kathryn Rossiter said: “Tree planting is a wonderful way to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and our tree will be a superb addition to our garden and will bring great joy to client gardeners, volunteers and visitors for years to come.”

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After the ceremony, tea and homemade cakes were served by the client gardeners, who showed visitors around their plots.

Thrive is a charity that helps people with physical and mental health through gardening and offers daily sessions in Beech Hill and the Vyne National Trust property.

The charity uses a process called social therapeutic horticulture, (STH) to improve physical and mental health as well as communication and thinking skills.