Guess who's back? Back in Marston?...This time helping weed, feed, remulch and water the fruit trees in the Community Orchard. Sounds simple, but not so fast - it's quite a procedure.

First the chicken wire cages need removing, and it's not all that easy to remove them without breaking the stakes holding them in place. There were some casualties.
Next the weeding - tenacious brambles and bind weed removed and the area lightly dug over.
Add a sprinkle of bone meal, then a layer of cardboard (arts and crafts coming into play as we cut a hole to fit around the tree trunk).
Finally a generous layer of fresh woodchip, a glug of water, and replace the wire cage to stop the deer nibbling.

2 extremely important matters arising:
* Can anyone teach Jessica to do a cartwheel?
* Answers on a postcard for achievable items for a "30 things to do before you turn 30" list.

For those who have developed an interest in niche apple varieties following last night's task you can read about Studley Salamander here (scroll all the way to the bottom). Apparently it could survive being set on fire, but not a bramble and bindweed infestation.