 The Big Sunflower Project 2012
Please note, due to overwhelming response, we are no longer able to offer free seeds
Now in its second year, The Big Sunflower Project aims to raise awareness of centronuclear and myotubular myopathy by growing sunflowers.
Why a sunflower?
Sunflowers have been prominent in the design of our website for some time now. They were chosen for the cheery and positive outlook they convey, growing to such dizzy heights, as if they are on a mission to touch the sky and nothing can hold them back.
To get you started
We are giving away sunflower seeds free of charge to anyone in the UK and Europe wanting to take part. Unfortunately we are unable to send seeds outside Europe but would still love people in these countries to grow a sunflower also. And for those of you currently having your winter, it would be lovely if you could get involved and send your photos when your summer returns.
All we are asking, is that people send us photos of their sunflowers, so they can be included in online photo galleries on Facebook and Flickr, however, if you think you can use your seeds to raise awareness or to raise money for CNM / MTM research, we would love for you to use your seeds in any way you feel you can make a difference.
Get Others Involved to raise awareness for CNM / MTM
We are keen to hear from individuals and affected families and hope that those taking part will share their seeds with family, friends and neighbours. We would also love to hear from organisations, schools, youth groups and community groups - say brownies, guides and scouts, who would be interested in growing sunflowers as a group project. It is hoped that the project will educate people about centronuclear and myotubular myopathy - both those who grow the sunflowers and those who see the photos, as well as being a bit of fun.
What happens next?
It is hoped that by around August we will begin to see our sunflowers bloom and over the coming months we hope that people will share photos of their flowers as they grow too. Don't forget, when posting or emailing your photos to tell us something about you, how you heard about The Big Sunflower Project, where in the world you grew your sunflower, why you decided to take part, how tall your sunflower grew and any ideas you have come up with to use your seeds to make a difference to the lives of those with centronuclear and myotubular myopathy, so that we can inspire others to take part.
How do I get some seeds?
To obtain your free sunflower seeds, please email your name and address with the subject line 'Free Seeds Please'. We have plenty of seeds to give away at present but please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Resources
Want to know more about growing sunflowers? Here are some useful resources:
Get Planting
Sunflower seeds can be planted anytime from March - June. They like to be kept moist and enjoy lots of sun. We hope everyone will have fun growing their sunflowers and look forward to seeing and sharing the varied and colourful results of everyone's work later in the year.
A Big Thank You
The Big Sunflower Project 2012 has been made possible by Suttons Seeds, Chiltern Seeds and The Grosvenor Garden Centre Chester.
Visit The Big Sunflower Project on Facebook | View our photos from 2011 on Flickr
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