It was a small but mighty team of four this week as we returned to John Innes Park to support the Friends group. We started at the circular bed that we seem to have now adopted. It’s always satisfying to see the progress we’ve made on this particular patch, and a quick clear-out and watering ensured it remained in top shape.

After a round of watering next we moved on to a much larger challenge: a massive bed completely overrun with alkanet. Known for its stubborn roots and hairy leaves, the weeds didn’t stand a chance against the team’s persistence. By the time we finished, the bed was transformed, with a large pile of weeds for the compost and leaving the area looking much tidier.

It was all aboard for this week's group task helping out the Friends of Raynes Park Station. Our job was to move a big delivery of soil from the street up the stairs to the platform, using a series of buckets and trugs. It was heavy work but we were soon on track to finish on time, even managing to cut back some brambles as well. Before departing we presented Jade with a card and colourful wig to celebrate her 500 task milestone. Well done, Jade - tressed to impress!

There’s nothing like a fresh Friday morning to get the blood pumping! The team joined the Friends of John Innes Park to kick-start the weekend with some gardening jobs.

While two members took on the technical challenge of recreating the perfect edge for a circular bed and re-fixing the wire fencing, others tackled the catmint and gave the rockery a thorough weeding. It was a brilliant morning filled with great company and crisp air, leaving the park looking much better for it!

On the first group task of Spring we were blessed with a dry evening and a gardening task. Having cleared the area of litter, the team got stuck in to weeding, pruning and digging out the flower beds round Martin Way Methodist Church. Getting rid of some of the more persistent roots needed real effort and team support, but that is what we are so good at. So by the end of the evening, all the beds were cleared, the anti-weed netting was down and secured, and we could all be satisfied with a job well done.