PRO-GROW, Hampshire’s own organic peat free soil conditioner has just been at the centre of a royal visit. HRH The Princess Royal had first hand experience with the compost as she planted a tree to mark the launch of a new sensory garden.

The garden, at the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Activity Centre in Bursledon, has been specially designed for people with special needs, their carers and families who visit the centre.

Onyx Environmental Group, based at Otterbourne, offered the services of professional garden designer, Martin Henderson, and several tonnes of its organic peat-free soil conditioner, Pro-Grow, together with expertise and construction materials to get the project under way.

The Princess officially opened the garden by planting a tree, which, along with the other plants in the garden, will be grown in the organic soil conditioner.

Students from Eastleigh College volunteered their services to undertake the work at the QEII Centre. The project is also being supported by Eastleigh Borough Council and The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), who already work in partnership with the Centre.

Peter Mills, composting manager for Onyx, says "We are absolutely delighted that HRH The Princess Royal agreed to officially launch the new sensory garden – it was a huge boost for the Centre and everyone who uses it. The garden already looks fantastic and even includes features such as, raised planter beds made from recycled railway sleepers, a water feature, a bamboo tree walkway and a hide to watch wildlife and birds."

Onyx has been producing Pro-Grow at composting sites at Fareham, Chilbolton and Little Bushy Warren near Basingstoke for the last six years, with sales exceeding 30,000 tonnes per year.

Such has been the success of the compost that it has even made an impact in a number of high profile projects including the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum where it has helped to establish a 2.5 acre Winter garden.

Onyx collects grass cuttings and other green garden material from Hampshire households and recycles it into a range of sustainable products such as soil and lawn conditioner and mulches. These are certified organic and endorsed by both the Soil Association and environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth.

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PHOTO CAPTION 1: Peter Mills, composting manager with Onyx Environmental being introduced to HRH The Princess Royal at the launch of the Queen Elizabeth II Activity Centre’s new sensory garden.

PHOTO CAPTION 2: HRH The Princess Royal officially opening the sensory garden by planting a tree.

Issued by Julie Fuge, Polymedia, 01329 663194