COMMUNAL PLOT DIARY

Update.

The fine early spring is fading and with the first few showers to close off this unusally dry spell the weeds have come back strongly. Now is the time to clear them out, to level off the soil and to replant for the summer, as well as work on all the structural features we plan for the Garden.

For all those who would like to help out with the Community Garden, especially those who came to the Seedling Swap on Sunday, here is a short priority list of actions anyone can undertake themselves that will benefit everyone

1. Weed the beds at the corners of the plots and keep the definition of the edges. At the front the soil is quite rich and gets full sun and the warmth from the tarmac encourages growth.


2. Now that the forget-me-nots are fading the central bed will need to be replanted. We have some sedum in bags at the front of the plot and a few of those fanned out around the tree will soon provide a new focus.
3. Because it has been so dry all of the replanted fruit trees are crying out for water. We may be due for rain, but newly moved and planted trees benefit enormously from a  steady soaking. If you can run a hose from the water tank situated between John's and Oscar's plots on the right hand side, then please let some water run gently to reach down to the roots.
4. There are some easy to remove weeds, such as milk-thistles and cow parsley, and some more determined ones, notably bindweed. In the area between the beds and around the central display our plan is to rake thoroughly through the lighter weeds, to even out the ground, and then to sow grass-seed. Once that has taken we can mow and strim the bindweed and other strongly rooted weeds and keep them under control that way. Once the ground has been raked and levelled it should not be walked on.
5. Not everyone has the strength to do some of this heavier work as well as maintaning their own plots and we understand that. If you'd like to help out in another way, by providing some flowering plants or shrubs, we'd be very pleased. Come and talk to one of us on the Plotholders Committee and let us know what you have in mind.

There are other landscaping tasks, like paving and building a pergola that call for specialist skills and some more detailed planning. We're lucky that we have some plotholders with these skills but materials are hard to come by. If you think you can help, please let us know.

Finally, one of our gooseberry bushes at least has the right idea and already has golden fruit developed!