The prestigious Global Green Awards 2010 gala ceremony was held at the Natural History Museum in London. “A Plant in Time” touring garden exhibition, organized by the National Trust and Yorkshire and Clydesdale Banks, claimed the Green Event Award.
A Plant in Time was intended to raise and increase awareness of climate change through looking at the implications for the National Trust's collection of 200 historic gardens. Mike Calnan, National Trust head of gardens was, delighted with the award and said, "Winning the best Green Event category confirms that small steps can lead to big changes.”
Calnan explained the purpose behind the exhibition and said, “A Plant in Time explained the complexities of climate change through the familiar language of gardens and plants. The exhibition has helped people understand what's at stake if we don't act now, and many have decided to live greener lives as a result."
Contributions made by visitors, in the form of a spectacular display of colorful flowers, formed the centerpiece for A Plant in Time. During its sojourn across 17 National Trust gardens over eight months in 2010, the centerpiece grew in size and impact. Nearly 5,000 flowers made by visitors and many contributors wrote green living pledges onto paper leaves that were attached to a special pledge tree within the exhibition.
“I would like to thank, all the properties who hosted the exhibition and the thousands of visitors who enabled us to make 'A Plant in Time' a reality. Everyone who contributed to or visited the exhibition saw how they could personally make a difference to how we care for our environment,” said Calnan.
Creativity, innovation, effectiveness of the communication campaign and media vehicles employed formed the basis for judging. The winning entries were the judges pick of the best global campaigns communicating sustainability.
The National Trust is a charity with a love for preserving historic places and spaces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. National Trust protects over 350 historic houses, 160 gardens, 1,100 kilometers of coastline, 254,000 hectares of land of outstanding natural beauty, six World Heritage Sites, 28 castles and 60 pubs, which are all open to the public to enjoy.
Mini Swamy is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Tammy Wolf
