A chance conversation between Robert Hillier and Dame Esther Rantzen at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2015 led to Hillier donating a cheque for £13,000 to The Silver Line charity at Ampfield House in Hampshire on 25 August 2016.

Hillier Nurseries introduced a new English lavender at Chelsea Flower Show this year, which raised funds for this deserving charity, which was founded by Dame Esther Rantzen DBE.

Lavandula ‘Silver Line’ is a stunning new lavender with evergreen foliage and elegant tall spikes of white flowers. Hillier Nurseries donated £1 for every Lavender ‘Silver Line’ sold to the charity, which operates the only free, national, 24-hour confidential helpline for lonely and isolated older people.

“It is wonderful that, thanks to Hillier, such a lovely fragrant silver lavender has raised funds we desperately need to provide friendship and support for the silver generation.” – Dame Esther Rantzen

Robert Hillier OBE VMH, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries said: “We are extremely proud to have grown this exclusive plant to support the work of The Silver Line. Today is, therefore, a special day as we share the rewards of such an achievement and celebrate a great partnership between Hillier and The Silver Line.”

Dame Esther, Founder of The Silver Line, said: “It is wonderful that, thanks to Hillier, such a lovely fragrant silver lavender has raised funds we desperately need to provide friendship and support for the silver generation.

“Like many people of my age, gardening is my passion and I have relied on Hillier’s expertise for many years. We are deeply grateful to them for this new partnership which we hope will continue to blossom into the future.”

Find out more about the work of The Silver Line charity.