As ever, the regular volunteer day at the community garden was a hive of activity. We got stuck in loading wheelbarrows, mulching flower beds, digging over the compost and generally having a good workout in the mild weather. A mischief of mice, an armada (yes!) of newts and an inquisitive robin all livened up a very enjoyable session and meant we stayed well over the hour. We'll be back!

The earlier downpour had luckily abated for the monthly volunteering morning at the garden. We enjoyed a varied session, which included weeding the raspberry patch, turning the compost, mulching, taming the sage and lemon balm and even litter picking, where Rob got lucky and found a decapitated Action Man. It was also a day for spotting wildlife, with eight newts seen in the compost pile, a friendly robin and even a mouse. It was lovely to see Alyson back with us and to meet a potential new recruit in Laura. Rob stayed on to help with more mulching and did a sterling job (observed from the comfort of the cafe, but don’t spill the beans!)

The team had a fantastic time today at the Merton Pride fair in Morden Hall Park. We got into the festive spirit with some fabulous face paint before enjoying the parade. We joined Sustainable Merton in the parade doing some good, litter picking along the way. It was a great way to celebrate, get our steps in, and make a positive impact!

The promised sunshine never appeared but that didn't dim our enthusiasm in the community garden. It's positively blooming at the moment, with brightly coloured flowers, and all sorts of herbs, veg and fruit in abundance, and a group of young children were enjoying a nature-inspired workshop. We were mostly weeding and tidying the space under Sarah's trusty supervision. It was great to meet Rob, who was previously a Goodgymer in Bath, and welcome him to Merton.

This morning I had a wonderfully fruitful session helping the volunteers at Phipps Bridge Community Garden! What a lovely way to spend a morning break from the day job - soaking up the sun while getting stuck into picking blackcurrants and with time for sewing mangetout seeds.

Had a very enjoyable morning with katie in the canons community gardening weeding all the flower, prairie, produce and herb beds, and hand watering all the plants as the outside tap is still not working. Hot work in the midday sun! Katie generously bought drinks after for the exhausted workers which was very much appreciated