We were back at Hollybush Estate on Monday night, joining Margaret and Ash to shift the mulch we laid down several months ago, now rotted and ready to nourish a fresh round of bedding plants.

We were also joined by Michael from the Hollybush team, who came armed with a surprise for later in the evening. And a big welcome to @Dan Baker, newly arrived from Liverpool but already well at home with GoodGym thanks to his TaskForce experience. Thanks for the extra pair of hands, Dan! We also had a furry visitor, Missy the Beagle brought by Emma, perfect for the role of GoodGym mascot I must say!

With so many willing volunteers, the mulch was swiftly cleared and replaced with fresh material, leaving us plenty of time for the real highlight of the night: celebrating Margaret’s 70th birthday. Sparklers were lit and a caterpillar cake (expertly sourced by Lucinda) presented.

Margaret has been a constant, warm presence at Hollybush Estate for years. Anyone who’s volunteered here will know her trademark “How are you, darling?” and her tireless commitment to the gardens and community. GoodGym Tower Hamlets and Hollybush itself wouldn’t be the same without her.

A return visit to Mr T today to finish some weeding and pruning of rose bushes to allow full access to a paved garden area. Rather warmer than my first visit last week, allowing for some jogging to and from the task. Mr T was on good form, happy to chat about a variety of subjects - health, wealth and happiness amongst them. A great way to start off the weekend - thanks Mr T!

I visited Mr T on a very cold Friday late afternoon, so the running shorts were left in the drawer for this visit! Mr T was in good spirits and I had an enjoyable time listening to some life stories from his varied career, whilst also making sure that weeds were removed from the paved area in the garden to make it safe. The rose bushes also needed some pruning as they were intruding into the paved space, so I made some headway on those. The photo is a "before" shot - darkness has descended by the time I had finished in the garden.