Another regular Thursday morning saw us back in the garden at the back of Charlton House, helping Head Gardener Jason and the other amazing volunteers keep things growing and looking their best.

Two GoodGymers -myself and Aidyn came along to lend a helping hand and it was Aidyn's second session here. It was especially lovely to hear some great feedback from Sharon, who said Aidyn had been really helpful. Great stuff — and that’s exactly what we’re here for! 💪🌱

We soon got stuck into a few different jobs. My tasks include digging up young fleabane and other plants so they could be potted up ready for future sales; tackling some climbing ivy that had made itself rather too comfortable on the wall; some clearing in the plant bed - removing old, dead iris leaves to make everything look a little tidier.

Meanwhile, Aidyn continued cutting back some tree branches, sorting them ready for shredding and preparing the wood for future use. Plenty of branches to deal with, but we were certainly branching out into all sorts of jobs!

Before long, it was time for a well-earned tea break. We joined the other volunteers for tea and biscuits, along with a quick group photo. It was lovely to sit together for a while and enjoy the company of everyone who regularly gives their time to keep the garden looking so wonderful.

I’m also one of the regulars here, and it’s been great being part of the journey with Jason and the CEO towards the London in Bloom awards. There’s always plenty happening behind the scenes — quite literally in this case!

The morning had flown by, as it always seems to, but we left knowing we’d done something worthwhile and given the garden another little helping hand.

Until next time. - Cecilia D.