The event was organised following the success of a new plant propagation project established by the Gardens team as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of campus operations. While the University's green spaces already provide significant environmental benefits through features such as nectar-rich flower beds that support pollinators, the team identified opportunities to further improve sustainability by growing more plants in-house.
Over the past year, the team has transformed a previously unused glasshouse into a thriving propagation facility. Led by Gardener Tom Marecki, with support from Assistant Gardeners Owen Seymour and Amelie Buxton, the project focuses on growing plants using peat-free compost, much of which is produced on campus, and without the use of pesticides. The initiative has also embraced circular economy principles, with propagation benches created from reclaimed tables, worktops rescued from skips, and plant pots sourced through donations and recycling schemes.
In less than a year, the team produced more than 700 plants. Many of these have been used to enhance herbaceous borders across campus, increasing the diversity of pollinator-friendly planting and contributing to the vibrant appearance of the grounds.
The success of the propagation project led to an unexpected surplus of plants, creating an opportunity to engage the wider University community through a plant sale.
Reflecting on the event, Director of Engineering, Maintenance and Sustainability, Rob Sparks said: "What really caught my imagination was the advice the team were giving to customers as they chose what to buy, and the passion from everyone."
Funds raised from the event were donated to the local Wildlife Trust's , with additional proceeds helping to fund equipment for the continued development of the University's propagation programme.
The sale raised £440 towards the purchase of farmland in Charnwood to increase the size and resilience of the existing nature reserve at Charley Lodge.
Deputy Grounds Manager Rich Fenn Griffin along with Tom Marecki and Amelie Buxton visited the site and met with Wildlife Trust representatives Ben Devine and Hannah Sellers.
Rich Fenn Griffin commented: “It was a privilege to see the site as it currently is – poor farmland with low biodiversity – and to hear firsthand the vision of a Charnwood thriving with nature. The Gardens team take great care to deliver a campus that is not only beautiful but also beneficial to nature, and it is wonderful that our work was able to contribute to helping nature beyond the borders of the University.”
Following the success of the event, the Gardens team hope to run another plant sale in the future, which will continue to raise money for charity, help sustain the propagation programme, and share the team's commitment to nature-friendly gardening and sustainable growing practices with the wider community.