We had a great turnout for the planting party in April. Thanks to the merry
dozen who took the time to find homes for 120 new shrubs, perennials, ferns
and grasses, not forgetting the additional help to trailer the plants from
here to there, bake delicious cake and cookies, pay invoices, and give
advice! It really does take a village.
My early-20s nephew came along and he summarised the experience as
follows:
“Everyone was very friendly and I had a lovely day in the sun. It’s nice to
know I did something for the community and I look forward to returning in
the future.”
No money changed hands obtaining this review, promise!
A quick recap
In case you haven’t been on www.nature-garden.co.uk or seen the info
board in the garden, here’s a potted history:
• in 2021 villagers got together to create a space for nature by the village
hall, on the site of the old toddler playpark; the Parish Council made the
land available.
• all the funds for clearing, constructing, materials and planting came
from donations and grants
volunteers from the village and beyond have done all the maintenance work
at quarterly working parties
Recent improvements
This year we’ve addressed the lack of ‘water features’ by adding a goodsized water butt and a small waterpoint to attract birds and
insects. Inspired by a visit to RHS Hyde Hall we also put up some willow
structures to draw the eye. And, as previously mentioned, we invested in a
batch of new shade-tolerant plants, variously berry-bearing, evergreen,
flowering and wildlife-attracting to improve our year-round colour and
interest. See the full list on the website.
Plans for this summer and beyond
We’re hopeful of a good wildflower display along the lines of last year’s. It
won’t be the ‘pictorial meadow’ that most illustrations show, because we
haven’t resown with a seed mix including annuals – that has a hefty price
tag and involves disrupting the soil. Still, we’re likely to get masses of
insect-friendly daisies, wild carrot, buttercup. selfheal and red campion,
among others. It’ll be a magnet for butterflies, bumblebees, moths,
crickets, voles and other meadow species. In July it’ll be scythed off in
sections.
The orchard is growing really well. When there’s a dry period of course
we’ll need to keep the fruit trees watered. If you fancy helping, just fill a
watering can from the butt as you wander past and empty it on the mulch
around the trunk. (The mulch helps retain the moisture.)
In the woodland area the mound is looking especially green and lush at the
moment. Over time we’d like the whole of the central area were the
mound is to be free from grass so the frens and other plants can thrive. To
achieve this we need more woodchippings so if you’re having broadleaf
tree work done, please encourage the arborists to drop the chips by the
bus shelter.
Feeling nimble-fingered?
One of the volunteers suggested that we could include a couple of small
hazel and willow-work hides or dens for small people in our plans. So
anyone with weaving skills who fancies taking this on would be very
welcome.
Thanks again to all volunteers, supporters, and contributors. I hope you
find time in the coming months to enjoy a stroll through the garden or
some moments of peace and calm on the banana bench.
Kieron – On behalf of the nature garden volunteers