Sponsorship

I have done 6 show gardens and have always fought to get sponsorship.I have managed to beg and borrow to do large water gardens but with little or no money.I am not sure if I am pleased or confused to read that so many big names are finding it hard to get sponsorship this year.I am always having to struggle,always at the last minute to put a design together and try to find a sponsor.Every garden I have designed has been for the same company which has no money so I haven't been paid but I do it for experience and because I have now decided -I am mad!!The strain it puts on me and my family every year is enormous.Tempers fray and patience is a requisite. Not only have I had to design,source,plant etc , I have had to deal with all the politics of the RHS.You have to be a good politician at times ( I knew my degree in politics would come in handy!) Good friendships are forged on the site and there is a great deal of sharing with your 'competitors'.This year is no different for me.No sponsor and maybe at the last minute,ie. a month before Hampton Court I might be dragged into a 7th show garden but, in the meantime it will be interesting to go to Chelsea and see who 'is not there'.Oh by the way-anyone want to sponsor me!!www.claudiadeyong.com

Replies

PRO

Craig McGinty February 14, 2009 at 8:17am

Hi Claudia,

A similar question came up some time ago now, see here, but I wrote then:

Not sure if it's exactly the same thing, but I worked with a coordinator for the PDSA charity and each year they hooked up with a designer to produce a garden for the Tatton Park RHS Show.

The PR team of the PDSA would work to get both local and national coverage, often within magazines, to ensure the garden designer gained some publicity.

Naturally the gardens were animal themed, so it was possible to spin out "Five tips for an animal friendly garden" type of releases, and with a little imagination from the PR team you could get some strong coverage.

Craig
PRO

Phil Voice February 14, 2009 at 8:30am

Hi Claudia

I am willing to put out a bulletin on the Landscape Juice blog if it helps. It would be a tough ask in today's climate but you never know.

Phil
claudia de yong February 14, 2009 at 10:42am

Any help would be very much appreciated. Despite the hard work , I do enjoy the shows and put everything into them-and I can get my sponsor a very good medal!

Philip Voice said:
Hi Claudia

I am willing to put out a bulletin on the Landscape Juice blog if it helps. It would be a tough ask in today's climate but you never know.

Phil