With winter setting in, the Kyverdale community garden was ready for its next stage in development - planting roses and shrubs. Three goodgymmers were on hand to help Rita the project lead and a few residents who clearly love the garden and time outside.

The main task was turning the soil and digging 7 holes along the way for 5 heritage roses of various colours and 2 shrubs with beautiful red leaves. These were to be planted time about, along the perimeter fence. As the volunteers dug, some bulbs planted last years were unearthed and set aside for planting elsewhere on site ready for the spring.

When it was time for the big event - planting the first rose - Rita gave an excellent presentation on how to prepare the soil in the hole, how to handle the plant, how to carefully encourage the roots out of their restricted pot shape so that they spread out and the plant can establish itself in its new home, and how to tuck the plant in to its new bed. We were then all equipped with the knowledge to finish the task.

In less than an hour and a half, the holes were dug, the plants were in and various residents dropped by to lend a hand, admire the hard work and provide very welcome refreshments. We all look forward to seeing the new plants take root and put on a wonderful display next summer.

The residents of a block of flats at Kyvedale Road in Stoke Newington are making a new community space in the grass area in front of their block, creating a place where residents of all ages and backgrounds can come together to build relationships and grow plants.

To activate the new space, they need to get planters ready for use. The soil had been delivered in the large bags familiar to GoodGymers, but it needed shovelling from there to the planters.

Anne, Jennifer and myself were soon flexing our muscles, helped by an impressive number of residents. One seasoned chap made sure we knew the difference between premium soil and the more mundane type, which was useful information, as both looked the same to my untrained eye.

Rita was the lady in charge, and she was full of information, instruction and health and safety hints. No doubt she’d like to see us back soon to continue the good work.