By Tim Hewitt, St Mary’s Head Gardener/ Community Gardener
As the storms subside, we are left with some tidying up. A big Ash bough fell in Vinegar Alley and will be sawn-up to add to the “Wall of Wood” down there. Other woody debris will be collected too.
As some of our trees reach the end of their lifespan, others are needed to replace them, so we will plant trees, including another donated Walnut.
It is still a good time to move plants around, which we continue to do. There should also be time to assess the established beds to see which perennials need splitting and dividing, which have failed or would be better elsewhere.
The Woodland edge areas will become more colourful this week too. Hellebore, Primrose, Snowdrop and Narcissus, will be joined by Anemone. Crocus and Narcissus will make a stronger impression in the meadows.
Quote of the Week
“After more than a quarter of a century working in horticulture, there are things that still give me a visceral thrill. One is the magic that happens in a compost heap or woodpile.” -Ben Raskin, The Woodchip Handbook
Volunteer Times
St Mary’s offers weekly supervised volunteering in the churchyard at these times:
Tuesdays: 1pm to 3.30pm
Wednesdays: 1pm to 4pm
Thursdays: 1pm to 4pm
Fridays: 1pm to 4pm
There’s no need to book; just turn up, preferably with your own gloves. Tools and expert instruction will be provided!
Burials in Bloom 2022
Dozens of local people have adopted a grave to plant around and care for; if you would like to adopt a grave that’s currently not visited or looked after, contact me at tim@stmaryswalthamstow.org.
