We had a decent contingent today, with stalwarts Lisa, Margaret, Sarah and Energy Garden's Anna joined by me and recent volunteer Dylan helping out. While I set up impromptu trellis for the tomato plants, which are doing super well, folk got down to harvesting the lavender a good 3-4 weeks earlier than usual but as with much else, we have to realize that this, heat and drought, are the new normal. Speaking of that, after the gardening, we sat down to planning for different planting that should be more drought resistant and heat friendly that we will undertake in the autumn. We still want to keep it aesthetically pleasing for the garden to continue to be a balm and respite for the weary commuters, who again as always, gave us many thanks.

Due to summer hols, just Anna from Energy Gardens, Subham from GoodGym and first time, new volunteer Dylan at first. After some intros, we got in to much needing watering and clearing of dead plants, debris and, fortunately an uncommon task, litter-picking. Long time stalwart Lisa came by on her way to the movies in town and helped harvest some of the lavender, way early due to the incessant heat.

HIghlights included further, super-striking purple artichoke flowers and a crazily hummingbird-like moth (see pic , unfortunately video is not uploadable here)! Also, plants that Barnet GoodGym leader Paul had planted began to flower and are looking great!

As always, we were thanked by many a commuter, which always brings a smile!

After the recent heat waves, the Finchley Garden definitely needed some TLC. GoodGymmer Subham joined Energy Gardens lead Anna and resolute volunteer Lisa to do the needful So lots of watering and some clearing of dead plants but many plants thrived in the heat, including the rapidly growing not so long ago planted tomato plants and the plum tree, bearing fruit at least a month early. The tomato plants actually needed some frames hastily built. As always, great to get thanks and well wishes from busy commuters!

It was a rescue mission to water the plants after the brutal heat and sun over last few days, and weed out the dead. Luckily, a number of volunteers including regulars as well as our leader, Energy Garden's Anna, were on hand to put in the work over two hours.

Weather started grey but sun was starting to come up. We had a number of people who could not make it but local Finchley Energy Garden and Finchley Memorial Garden stalwart Margaret and I attended to make sure that the plants were all well watered in anticipation of the supposed heat wave imminent. We wrestled with a leaking hose and ended up using trusty watering can and bucket to do the job. As always, great to receive the appreciation from the commuters and hear how much the garden, and our hard work, means to them. Also great seeing the plants, including tomato and artichoke, that we planted thriving.

Weather was a bit nippy but pleasant when sun was out. Anna from Energy Gardens was joined by a couple of the regular local volunteers, Lisa and Margaret , by Paul and Subham from GoodGym and also Abdellah. We planted some tomato plants and other plants as well as deadheaded and cleared some of the plants that were on their way out. Great to see many of the seedlings now are growing plants and the artichokes look especially good! As always, we received many heartfelt thanks from many commuters as well as were told we were an inspiration.