It’s amazing what a handful of folks can do, one morning each week! With the new shed, clever water collection barrels, green waste bags, tasty homemade cakes and a nice full biscuit tin, we enjoyed tomatoes and chillies, though the apples were a little overpowering as were the big yellow dahlias! Except for bumped heads we love the garden and are very proud of it. The volunteer gardeners are a great team, with different capabilities and always a sense of humour.
It was a good idea to create, with a variety of flowers, the hot and cool beds which continue to thrive and attract lots of butterflies, including Commas, Tortoiseshells, Red Admirals and Common Blues; plus frogs and lots of bee species. There is now a second arbour seat with recently planted ‘The Generous Gardener’ climbing roses. Clearing the gravel area walls of ivy etc allows roses and clematis to breathe and grow, a display of hollyhocks has been planted here too. Topiary along museum borders is doing well and continues to intrigue visitors. We have had great results from plant sales, thanks to the excellent propagation skills of the garden volunteers.
There’s always something to do, varying with the seasons and the weather. Good humour, friendship and care from the thoughtful team, with little pressure, ensure a happy place and there’s always next week!