Out of the Box

It was a cool summer evening in East Twickenham as 5 GoodGymers gathered at the Lynde House Care Home to help out in a place we've done plenty of good before.

The task was fantastic. Task owner Gitana, who works at the care home, had some blue plastic boxes that weren't being used and had the bright idea of building a raised flower bed in the garden for the residents to enjoy. The plan is to plant flowers for the end of the summer and then some vegetables in the spring. What's more, all the materials we needed were available and there was a toolshed full of all the tools we needed.

We divvied up like a streamlined team with Michelle, Monika and Salwa working on securing the main structure of the plastic boxes and adding drainage holes (cue plenty of fun poses with the drill) while Chris and JP got to work measuring and cutting fencing boards to build the walls to cover the boxes.

Soon enough the whole team were focused on measuring, cutting and sawing (with Chris working as site foreman and shed boy) and the side panels started to take shape - all the while being measured and checked for the right length to fit on the frame. We had just enough boards to cover all four walls and place a piece across the top each end to finish the look.

The final job was to fill the top boxes with compost, of which Gitana had acquired plenty, and once the plastic boxes were covered we stood back and admired our handiwork, before running / cycling off for the evening feeling pleased as (planter's) punch.