Background to today’s task

13 colleagues from Rabobank volunteered their time at the Grow to Share initiative this afternoon, a project based in Rocky Park Community Garden, Bethnal Green.

Grow to Share brings people together to grow food, learn new skills, and maintain a welcoming, fruitful, outdoor environment in the heart of East London.

The initiative doesn’t receive any funding, so today’s contribution from the team really did make a difference as Margaret, who runs the initiative, explained on our arrival.

All the produce from the garden, including the fruit trees in the orchard and potted plants, are shared among local residents and local community groups.

Our job today? To work alongside regular garden members Margaret and Ash on a range of seasonal tasks, from preparing beds and composting to planting and general maintenance.

And so to the start…

9 members of the team got the afternoon off to a thoroughly active start as they gathered in Reception at 60 London Wall before maintaining a decent-paced run along Bishopsgate, through Shoreditch and Bethnal Green before arriving at today’s task.

Cold water and a warm welcome from Margaret and Ash awaited us!

After a little background on GoodGym and the Estate’s work, and all its voluntary initiatives, the team set about tackling the numerous tasks prepared for them.

A busy afternoon

One team headed with a large board of wood to the back of the orchard. Once the wood had been established in its new home, the team set about repairing the sides of the compost bays, including reattaching a sad ornamental bumble bee.

Another team proceeded to clear the many, many weeds from the walkways around the planters.

“Why is this important?”

Margaret explained, “Weeding keeps clear access for garden users…Keeps the surfaces slip-free! It helps remove trip hazards. Essentially it’s good housekeeping in a garden used by so many.”

Another team were assigned to potting, planting and spreading mulch in some of the new border gardens.

With the compost bays tackled, the orchard team were then reassigned to other areas of the garden, including a clear out of the congested area by the hut.

It was a busy, busy hour and a quarter.

Pausing for a brief ice lolly break an hour-and-a-quarter in, we then wrapped up the last few tasks (including the report pun – thanks, Simon); shuttled the last couple of barrows of rubbish around the corner, cleared away, and enjoyed a top-to-toe stretch before heading back onto bustling Bethnal Green Road.

A fantastic afternoon’s contribution (confirmed by Margaret’s text following the task, “Thank you for today – a great group.”).

Indeed.

Until next time.