EVELYN.THORN@cluthaleader.co.nz
A local plant fanatic is using her hobby-turned-lifestyle for the greater good.
Lawrence woman Jill Wallace has been selling plants to raise funds for the Otago Community Hospice for more than two years.
Mrs Wallace is a retired real estate agent and has put her free time into caring for her many plants in and around her home, and further.
‘‘I’ve always been into gardening,’’ she said.
‘‘I started off with outdoor plants, and I really enjoyed having them. After a while, it became an indoor thing too.
‘‘Now every room in the house has plants in them.’’
Last year she raised $5360 for the hospice fund and so far this year she has raised $1783.
She is the Lawrence coordinator for the hospice tree appeal and enjoys informing people about the cause.
‘‘The hospice is so important for many people and that’s why I raise the money for it.’’
She has been selling the plants through the Lawrence pharmacy.
Many of the plants come in reused and recycled pots, jugs or cages donated from locals or picked up from knick-knack stores, which her and her husband have fixed up to suit each plant.
She also sells homemade cat kickers containing catnip and said many local people now had them in their homes.
Mrs Wallace said if people would like to buy plants they were welcome to get in touch with her on 027 485-9132 or call in to the pharmacy to buy one.
‘‘Plants automatically bring soul into any room.’’
