Sunflowers of Somerset aims to distribute 10,000 free seeds

Sunflowers of Somerset is encouraging schools, care homes, housing associations, cafes, and art galleries to help with the distribution of seeds to brighten the county this summer.

The seeds are available from various spots, including Monks Yard Café, Ilminster Arts Centre, and The Hub at Chard.

Although free, donations are appreciated to help raise funds for Awaken Love for Africa and Baby Basics, with hopes to exceed last year's £500 total.

Sunflowers of Somerset said: "Our seeds seem to be travelling a bit further this year as well as news of sunflowers spreads.

"As well as our local schools – Redstart and Herneview and many more, schools in Hambridge, Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil are catching sunflower fever.

"Even our close neighbours in Devon and Dorset are wanting seeds and pretty little Porlock up on Exmoor wants to get in on the act."

The success of last year saw schools getting involved with sunflower-themed art, stories, and poems.

This year, Sunflowers of Somerset plans to publish a book of such artworks, thanks to grant funding.

This funding will also support the refurbishment of pre-loved greenhouses at Monks Yard, making them accessible for community seedling care.

Sunflowers of Somerset encourages everyone to "find some of our seed packets near you and get planting and join in with us this year."

For more information about this project, you can email sunflowersofsomerset@gmail.com or visit the Sunflowers Of Somerset Facebook page.