This week, myself and Mia joined Viv, Lumin, and local volunteers for another gardening session at the Silverdale Planters.

We started with some much-needed weeding to keep the planters looking their best. Then, we got to work planting two new rhododendrons on the slope.

We also moved more of the iris flower rhizomes, giving them extra breathing space and ensuring a good scattering of colour across both planters.

Spring has officially sprung, with daffodils popping up in both planters.

With the planters looking fresh and full of potential, we’re excited to see how they develop—join us next time! 🌱🌼✨

Another week of joining Viv, Lumin, and the team of dedicated local volunteers for another productive gardening session.

Excitingly, the rhizomes we moved and replanted last month are already popping up!

A big thank you to James and John, who wheeled over many loads of leaf mulch for us. This will help keep the plants happy as they continue to grow.

Lumin had plenty of great gardening tips this week. One of the highlights was when we discovered a beetle larvae, sparking a fascinating discussion on how to identify different beetle species in their early stages.

With fresh growth appearing and the planters looking tidy, we’re excited to see what the next few weeks bring. Join us next time! 🌱✨

This week we were back at the Silverdale planters with Viv, Lumin, and a team of brilliant local volunteers for a January gardening session focused on preparing for new growth in the spring.

Our main task this week was cutting back the plants to clear space for the season ahead. With fresh beginnings in mind, we turned our attention to the iris flowers. Their roots, called rhizomes, sit close to the soil's surface and resemble ginger!

We dug them up, carefully broke them apart, and replanted them across the two planters. Come spring there will be a beautiful scattering of colour.

This week’s top tip from Lumin: the easiest way to spot good soil is by its colour. The darker it is, the richer it is in organic matter.

The planters are now ready for the next phase, and we’ll be back soon to see how they’re shaping up — come join us! 🌱✨

This week, myself and Mark joined Viv, Lumen, and a team of hardworking local volunteers to tackle some seasonal gardening tasks—it’s officially the season for cutting back!

We focused on clearing and tidying to keep the area looking its best. One key job was cutting back the hedge that was overhanging the path, making sure it’s clear and accessible for all pedestrians.

Lumen also shared another brilliant tip. To identify whether a plant is truly dead and in need of a cut back, cut a small section away and look for green inside. Or gently scrape the stem. If you see green, the plant is alive and kicking! 🌱

We also spent time deadheading flowers and collecting their seeds for next year 🌺.

The planters are looking neat and ready for the months ahead. We’ll be back soon to keep up the good work—come join us! 🌱✨