David Emanuel, Vice President of The Royal Windsor Rose and Horticultural Society (RWRHS) and co-creator of Lady Diana Spencer's wedding dress, was out in Windsor last week as part of the local Hope and Happiness Campaign.
The campaign, sponsored by Berkeley, saw ready-planted sunflowers delivered to local businesses - all to spread some cheer and brighten up the streets as people begin to visit businesses again.
The RWRHS was due to host the 115th annual Royal Windsor Summer Show in July, but have instead joined with sponsors, Berkeley, to celebrate with the community.
The partners recently donated 2,000 packets of dwarf Sunflower 'Soleil' seeds to locals, and in July they launched a picture competition, challenging them to capture the best image of their new flowers. Residents of nearby Taplow Riverside, Woodhurst Park and Brompton Gardens have already begun sharing their favourite snaps.
The best bold and bright images will have the opportunity to National Garden Gift Vouchers worth up to £100 too. Judges of the competition will include David Emanuel, Andrew Try, Chairman of RWRHS, and Lady Nicola Perowne.
David Emanuel, Vice President of the RWRHS, said: "I am thrilled to be a part of such a positive and uplifting campaign. Despite it not being the summer that we had planned, it is great to see the community coming together and the society lifting everyone's spirits with the donation of sunflowers. We hope that the packets of seeds will have also inspired some budding gardeners ahead of next year's Summer Show!"
Benjamin Ivey, Sales Director at Berkeley Homes, said: "We are delighted to be helping to spread some cheer to local businesses as well as our developments where many residents have been getting involved in growing their own sunflowers. Communities are currently stronger than ever and it is great to see how a small gesture can have such a positive impact."
For details on how to enter, please visit www.rwrhs.com. There is still time to submit your entry as the competition closing date is September 10th.