When the gardening group took over maintenance of the beds in 2015, it was always our plan to fill the beds with shrubs, perennials and bulbs, for ongoing easy maintenance.   We certainly  didn’t envisage that five years later a global pandemic would prevent us having regular volunteer gardening sessions.   While we haven’t been able to have our monthly working parties this year, the beds have survived remarkably well.

Many thanks to everyone who responded to the plea to keep the flower beds weeded, pruned and watered either every time they passed by, or by spending a couple of hours doing some solitary tidying.  It is greatly appreciated. 

It is now planned to hold a ‘Getting the beds ready for Winter’ session on Saturday 10th October between 9 – 12 and we are inviting volunteers to come along for all or part of that time.  Even a half hour of weeding is of huge value.

In view of Covid-19 and social distancing we are asking volunteers to bring:

• their own tools (these could be a trowel, secateurs, hoe, spade, fork and dependent on what work you would like to do).
• hand sanitizer in case it is needed
• a mask (although we will be able to social distance and will be outdoors, sometimes park users like to stop and chat and ask about the gardens and you may feel more comfortable wearing a mask)

It would be helpful to know who plans to come along, and at what times, so that we do not exceed the ‘Rule of 6’ regulations.  Please email gardening@aspra.uk.