We visit the Community Hospice once a month to support their head gardener, Jason, with gardening and general maintenance in the beautiful grounds. Today we were also joined by Denise, one of Jason’s dedicated midweek gardening volunteers.

After collecting tools from the shed, we got to work digging, planting and watering to settle five peony plants into their new home. With luck they'll bloom later in the year so we can enjoy the results of our work.

We moved on to some weeding, gently picking out the unloved plants without disturbing the soil too much.

Then we grabbed saws, loppers and secateurs to take out rampant lilac bushes and brambles in an area being prepared for future planting.

Before we knew it, our time was up. We returned the tools to the shed with the feeling of a great workout and an even better sense of achievement.

If you can spare a couple of hours on the fourth Saturday of the month, come and join us for an active session in great company. You’ll be helping to make a real difference while supporting a fantastic local charity.