Did we unearth some Guerrilla gardening?

It was exactly two weeks since our glorious return to Parkview, and we had a suitably bumper turnout again. As ever task owner Catherine was well prepared with a number of tasks spread out across the estate, tackling the highest priority jobs.

As it has been rather dry recently, Toyin, Sree and I went to the front of the estate to give 5 saplings a much needed drenching. After we'd done this we were off round the corner to soak a handful of other trees that were particularly parched.

Eimear and Martin were tending to the patch that we'd planted lavender around a fortnight ago, putting the finishing touches to it now that the lavender had had a chance to bed in.

At the other end of the estate Becky was tackling the many weeds that had sprung up in the well placed flower bed near the road, along with neighbouring Newham heroes Rosa and Charlotte. They skillfully divided their time between weeding alongside franchise building and recruiting as several passers by took a keen interest in their work, so hopefully we'll see a few new faces next time around!

Meanwhile, the brave trio of Chris, Isabelle and Becky took on the unenviable task of uprooting some Trees of Heaven. They'd be warned not to be fooled by the name - the trees are in fact devilish and it took a herculean effort of much digging to get them out of the ground. They in particular can be suitably proud of their efforts tonight! 💪

Finally, Becky was tending to a smaller section of the estate that we had also planted lavender in last time around, sprucing it up further. As we were coming to a close she got a bit of a hand with the final tasks there, which including removing a number of errant (but particularly nice looking) potatoes which were located next to some exceptional rosemary. Chris was quick to reach the conclusion that it was likely the efforts of some guerrilla gardening, as the combination of the two would make a delicious dinner.

It was a real treat to see Laura drop by to say hello to everyone and brighten our evening as ever with her typically upbeat and joyful presence.

As we regrouped at the end and Catherine was saying a few closing words, she produced a handful of plant pots with some fledgling oak trees that had sprouted from the acorns we had planted back in October which was a perfect way to cap the night 🌱🌱