This week I was back at the Silverdale planters with Viv, Lumin, and a brilliant team of local volunteers.

We picked up some litter, tackled some weeding and cut back plants that had been affected by the hot, dry summer.

It was great to see one planter flourishing, while the other showed some impact from the dry weather.

This week's top tip from Lumen: apply mulch in early May during dry summers to help the soil retain moisture and protect your plants.

The planters are looking much tidier, and we'll be back soon—come join us! 🌱✨

There should have been two but alas I could only get one to work for the lovely Ms A. She is temporarily housebound following an accident and struggling with several things, particularly as she isn’t on line. I signposted her to a few services that might be able to help including a food delivery service that she could phone. We chatted a lot and I took her rubbish to the bins for her. The photo was from the way back to the bus stop.

And there was a path…

When I arrived I realise this might be too big a job for one person but spoke to Mr A and asked which part of the garden he would like to be completed first. We made a decision that I would clear the path for him today and his 100ft garden would be finished on another occasion (or three). 😊

Luckily I had the sun shining and some music playing quietly and I was able to make a start on this big job.

As agreed I cleared the path and Mr A was happy with the progress.

He looks forward to the job being finished, but was satisfied for now.

Today I joined Viv, Lumen and the gang at the Silverdale planters for some light gardening in the sun.🌞

Our main aim today was deadheading, collecting seeds and pulling up all the sticky weed that’s been creeping in everywhere.

We also added a fresh layer of mulch to the planters to help keep the moisture in and stop them from drying out.

We’ll be back again next month. Come join us if you can! ☀️ 🌱💧

Today I joined Viv and the gang at the Silverdale planters for some light gardening in the sun.🌞

Our main aim for today weeding the sycamore seedlings from the flower beds. As well as some general tidying.

It’s spring so both planters are full of colour and lots of blooms.

We’ll be back again next month. Come join us if you can! ☀️💧🌿

It's nice to do goodgym with friends, but sometimes solo is the one. There was a lovely bunch from the Friends of Kelsey Park but I mostly just stuck by myself this time, at one with the brambles.

The task was to remove brambles that were tangling themselves up with the other plants and taking them over a bit. So armed with a pair of seccateurs (never know how to spell that word), I got as close as I could to the base of the brambles, putting them off growing more.

It was suuuper satisfying yanking down the really long ones that had reached up around the tops of the trees and I actually only got spiked a couple of times.

It's a bloody beautiful park, even in the rain (see pic), and was so nice to get out in some greenery for an hour.