We had a very nice morning helping Mr W weed and plant some bulbs in his beds in his lovely little garden. Mr W showed us to the shed where there were lots of bulbs including peonies and dahlias. He also gave us a brand new garden fork and spade which was a treat, as well as a bag of compost :)

We set about weeding one of the beds which gets the most sun, which was pretty straightforward and easy to do. We turned the bed over and got to planting 3 peonies in alternating colours. I'd never seen what a peony bulb looks like- just as well Fi had! It looked like a piece of dried up bark- but Fi managed to find the 'right way up' for it, and we got them planted and watered.

Then we started on the other bed which had a few more established plants in it, as well as some bulbs which were in the progress of shooting up, so we had to take a bit more care not to disturb them. Once we'd got the bed weeded, we planted 3 peonies, and then got into the furthest corner to plant a couple of dahlias. We really hope the bulbs will thrive to give Mr W some wonderful coloured flowers to look at and enjoy.

Report written by Natalie, uploaded by Fi!

This Saturday's task was at Novers Hill to help Julie and her team clear back more undergrowth and give the place a good ol' fashioned GG litter pick. A uber keen cutting crew went straight to the scythes with David S leading the way. Others took on the brambles and bushes clearing ground to keep the area accessible. Sarah H went on a solo mission to litter pick the bottom of the hill (because she wanted to climb it again obviously!) And towards the end Mel made it her mission to clear out a grate of all its muck and litter, but in the end she was drained by the whole exercise as Mr Grabbyhands just wasn't the right tool for the job. It would have taken more grabs than you would see at a toy picker machine full of large packets of Walkers crisps with unlimited credits on Weston Pier during half term when the cafe is closed unexpectedly. Next time we'll know to shovel we've got into it. Other jobs done, bushels of cleared growth launched in a neat pile, it was time for tea and cake. A Nover Hill of a spread as always from our wonderful host. Thanks to all for coming along and to the guy's who setup their own run from the Mud Dock we salute you.

A Group of GoodGym Bristol arrived to help the Lockleaze community garden team on a drizzly Saturday morning.

We welcomed Mike from GG Sheffield and welcomed back returning GG Bristol runners of Alison and Sioned who have moved to Bath and Sheffield, plus loads of GG Bristol runners as always!

Our main task was to dig the ground to produce a wide path through the recently planted trees, with some other tasks to lay mulch around some of the aforementioned trees and in shovelling compost to put on the path. The ground was found to be either stony or rooty depending on which part you dug in. Additionally there was some cardboard management to remove all the staples and plastic from bike boxes so they would rot without leaving any nasties.

Goat break!

And then Street Goat arrived with some goats (this may or may not have been the main reason some of the team signed up). after a few goat selfies and discussion about goats we eventually returned to our digging

At this point we were starting to get cold and Mike and Mel had to leave, and discussion turned to Burns night and needing a quick toddy.

Mulled Cider break!

Then the shout went up, the mulled cider and sandwiches had arrived, anyone want one. so we graciously accepted the warming drinks and some delicious food.

But again we retuned to keep digging the path, the compost and the trees.

After about two hours of hard toil we headed on our way to our post mission meal in the Inn on the Green pub, with the arrival of a mystery guest.

A quick jog to the pub, with a small hill on the way and we arrived to be greeted by Henrietta in GG baby grow and parents Charlie and Mike.

All in all, a great task with goats, cake, cider and a mystery guest appearance. and from a personal perspective this is on my daily commute so I am going to see the impact GoodGym has made twice daily and feel proud.