Archives for October 2018

The Weather Forecast

Light Cloud and a gentle breeze .

Tasks

Parsons Bed – Mulching

Last month Maydencroft re-profiled The Parsons Bed (see Report of Working Party 20th September) and Sarah and Jenny afterwards relaid the membrane ready for the planting which took place on 2nd October 2018.

This month we have to cover the Bed in mulch and, if everything runs according to plan, Maydencroft will deliver a load of mulching material during the week in time for the volunteers to spread it on the bed.

A few key volunteers will be missing this Thursday, so we will rely on a good turn out to help shift the mulch. I will bring my wheelbarrow, so hopefully with two wheelbarrows we should be able to build up a momentum.

Leaf Blowing

If we have sufficient resources  we must use the leaf blower to gather up the recent sudden leaf drop following the high winds.

Watering

Watering is unlikely to be required!

Weeding

This is something that can be done at any time, if time and resources allow.

Of special importance is the need to keep the Perimeter Tree Whips clear of smothering weeds.

Meeting Place

The full team will meet at the Fernery at 10 a.m.* for briefing and the allocation of tasks; and the issue of appropriate tools.

*Volunteers are encouraged to arrive earlier if possible in order to help with the distribution of tools and allocation of tasks, which will facilitate a prompt working start for everybody.

If resources allow us to split into two groups, a First Aider will attend each group if possible, but failing that, then the respective leaders will maintain telephone contact.

For those not familiar with the location of the Fernery, full details may be found on the website but, simply stated, the closest access point is North Ride, on the Danesbury Estate, AL6 9RD as follows: either park in North Ride, or take the right hand fork of the unmade Road which leads to Danesbury Park Road, and a kissing gate entrance is about 500 metres on the right, not far from a lay-by.

Tea Breaks and De-Briefing

A tea break is taken at about 11 am.

Please bring  a drink with you, and wear strong boots or shoes and have strong gardening gloves too.

WHBC Visitors – Wednesday 24th October – a date for your Diary

The Borough Council Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, comprising Councillors with Officer support,  are due to visit The Fernery at 2 pm on Wednesday 24th October.

It would be convenient if one or two volunteers could be on site to welcome them, and to be available as informal guides if such are required.

If you are able to attend, please use the WhatsApp Fernery Gardening Group to confirm your intentions.