July should herald the start of the hottest, most sultry ‘dog days’ of summer but today was more of a ‘duck day’ with grey skies and drizzle. However our GoodGym Richmond sponsored Plots in Buccleuch Gardens are looking pretty lush thanks to the cool temperatures, the rain and tonight’s brilliant gardening work by Sam, Kate, Chris, Monica, Steph and Anita

The Monday Group Run tasks focused around The Arcade Rockery and whilst it seemed a rather laid-back mission, we achieved loads:

Dead-heading vast amounts of stachys (lambs ears) to encourage a second flowering. Building-up one of the ‘twiggy barricades’ that had sunk down(these discourage people from stomping on the beds …. and also create wildlife habitats). Relocating a huge rush and planting a Japanese anemone in its place. Weeding. Edging part of the lawn

Thanks to Sam for leading the Group Run, including back to the Tap Tavern for our monthly Social .

Dearly beloved, there was no early morning wake-up call required for the 10am start for this task beside the Petersham Road and the grey skies and rein added to the funereal atmosphere.

Whilst passing motorists may have mistaken GoodGym to be oddly-outfitted gravediggers, the rectangular hole excavated wasn’t a gaping tomb but the foundations for a new horse trough. This is one of two new stone horse troughs planned for the borders of Petersham, a village that has plenty of equine activity including Ham Polo and the temporary home of Park Lane Stables.

Taking the bit between their teeth , Ken Sam and Anita took up picks and spades and hacked out a grave-shaped pit and, after lining it with a water permeable membrane, took a brief pause for horsing-around and irreverently playing dead.

The maw was then back filled with hard core which was tamped down and topped with a further membrane and a layer of sand to provide a solid foundation to the concrete slabs which will support the new trough. It was a bit of a nightmare trying to level and align the slabs but measuring carefully meant they were cemetrical with the Petersham Common sign and ready for final levelling.

With task accomplished, Ken and Anita saddled up to cycle away while Sam galloped away, already in training for next years London marathon.

Anita was the only sign-up for a lunchtime mission to plant Cerinthe, Bupleurum, Orlaya, Poppy orientale Brilliant and Sweet Pea seedlings at GoodGym Richmond’s sponsored plots in Buccleuch Gardens, Richmond .

Unexpected and very welcome help came from GG newbie Ambi May who was walking along the Thames Path and signed up on the spot. Helping with the new planting and watering-in, Ambi demonstrated a natural talent for nurturing plants and an innate feel for ecology and the natural world.

Welcome Ambi and thank you.