It was another learning day for us in Hounslow last night as we helped plant the first lot of 400 snowdrop bulbs that will transform Turnham Green next Spring. It was a particularly meaningful task as it was to brighten up a lovely memorial play garden for a young boy who was tragically killed in the area 13 years ago. We were happy to be involved in a task which hopefully will bring joy to those who use the garden to remember him.

It was great to welcome Emily to her very first session - super to have you along! We started with some very helpful instructions from Jan, who leads the Friends of Turnham Green volunteer group, learning that snowdrops need to be planted at least 6 inches deep, and to do this you can use an apple corer, of all things. As we planted there was a lot of discussion about our favourite and not so favourite races, with Tish coming up with a very catchy phrase which I think we should get on a tshirt, quick!

We also learned a very nifty tip involving a packet of pasta. To achieve natural planting, you simply take a handful of fusilli (I imagine you don't have to be too strict about the type of pasta although I shouldn't think spaghetti or lasagne sheets would work so well!) and toss them in the general area where you'd like the plants. Then you dig where the pasta falls. Pasta is very popular with us runners, so it's good to have another way to use it!

Before long we had got all of the bulbs Jan had bought with her in the ground, so as she went off to get some more, we stayed warm with some fitness games. We started with a coin toss game which saw Remy crowned the winner, giving the rest of a group a sprint forfeit. We then moved on to Chase the Hare which ended with a very dramatic and speedy finish between Chris and Alan - although perhaps Alan did sightly give it away with the hare-like noise he made as he made for the finish line!

We were soon back to work and got another 20 bulbs in before calling it a night. Great work everybody. Jan is looking for some more pairs of hands to get the rest of the bulbs in on Saturday - as she let us know, time is of the essence with these delicate flowers! If you can help planting the rest of them, please sign up for the mission at 11am on Saturday - your help would be very much appreciated!.