By Chris Sylvester
Tuesday was Earth Day 2025 and the Leeds-based lived experience recovery organisation Getting Clean decided to do its bit by planting 1,000 sunflowers across the city to carry a message of hope.
Members of Getting Clean yesterday visited parks across the city and planted over 400 seedlings.
Their first stop was Middleton Park where 100 sunflowers were planted. Then they took a trip to East End Park and another 100 seedlings were planted around the park. They finished at Armley Park, planting a staggering 200 seedlings.
Cheryl Robson said: “Being involved in projects like this helps me to get out of the house. I don’t have a garden at home and I absolutely love planting seeds. It’s even better when we know that our message of hope is carried through the beauty of nature.”
Founder Chris Sylvester said the group was on a mission to make Recovery inclusive and to help people in Leeds understand that change is possible and freedom from addiction is a reality.
“We are planting seeds literally and metaphorically to help the beauty of Recovery be visible to all,” he said.
The group is keen for people to know that sunflowers were being planted not only to help nature but also to rebuild communities affected by addiction and associated crimes and anti-social behaviour.
Member Adam Billings mentioned how he felt that seeing something so beautiful grow in and around the city had to be the best way that he could help to make Leeds an Inclusive Recovery City, who doesn’t smile when they see a sunflower?
Let’s hope for plenty of sun this year!
Sponsored content
