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Growers Row First Year First Year in Pictures
March 2021 to March 2022 In March 2021, The Rutland Agricultural Society handed Root-and-Branch Out CIC ‘the keys’ to a 1 acre grassy field, shaped with historic ridge and furrow to Root-and-Branch Out CIC. We took photos and documented the journey of progress each week, as the site transformed into an accessible, productive, educational and beneficial growing space for the whole community. |
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Growers Row has an initial development plan to include; raised beds, keyhole beds, soft fruit, tree fruit, wildflower meadows, water harvesting and seating to sit and enjoy the view. Open to the community, Growers Row will host volunteer days, workshops and education events, engaging with many community sectors.
In the first year we harvested 145kg of food produce, hosted 7 community groups at the garden, had 508 volunteer visits. |
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Week 52
So many blooms at Growers Row this week, along with new buds on trees and in the hedgerow. While seeds we planted a few weeks ago are popping up, more seeds were planted in indoor trays, around the pond and in the wildflower river. We took a delivery of sand from William Hercock Ltd, and work began to get the next shed up. Hazel poles were trimmed ready for use, offcuts added to the deadhedge. This week, many insects were discovered in the soil, the soil is livening up as it gets a bit warmer. There was time this week to stop and take a moment to look around and reflect - this week marks the end of one year at Growers Row. Together we have transformed this empty field into a shared garden for the community. Over the year, there have been 508 volunteer visits, we have hosted seven community groups and harvested 145kg of produce.
So many blooms at Growers Row this week, along with new buds on trees and in the hedgerow. While seeds we planted a few weeks ago are popping up, more seeds were planted in indoor trays, around the pond and in the wildflower river. We took a delivery of sand from William Hercock Ltd, and work began to get the next shed up. Hazel poles were trimmed ready for use, offcuts added to the deadhedge. This week, many insects were discovered in the soil, the soil is livening up as it gets a bit warmer. There was time this week to stop and take a moment to look around and reflect - this week marks the end of one year at Growers Row. Together we have transformed this empty field into a shared garden for the community. Over the year, there have been 508 volunteer visits, we have hosted seven community groups and harvested 145kg of produce.
Week 51
Things are warming up and waking up as we come into Spring. Daffodils are blooming, the Willow bean structure is leafing up, and we found Click Beetle larva, Red Ants and Woodlouse. Work continues shaping the pond, still holding its water, ready for planting. Garden beds we weeded, prepared for new growth to come through. And more cleaning up work over in the woodlands, removing the plastic tree guards. A few weeks ago, we lost the grand Ash tree in the hedgerow, this week a replacement arrived, a Silver Birch.
Things are warming up and waking up as we come into Spring. Daffodils are blooming, the Willow bean structure is leafing up, and we found Click Beetle larva, Red Ants and Woodlouse. Work continues shaping the pond, still holding its water, ready for planting. Garden beds we weeded, prepared for new growth to come through. And more cleaning up work over in the woodlands, removing the plastic tree guards. A few weeks ago, we lost the grand Ash tree in the hedgerow, this week a replacement arrived, a Silver Birch.
Week 50
The first Daffodil opened this week, one of many Spring bulbs we planted last October. Trees in the woodland are also breaking into blossom. Spring is here! Work continued on the pond, and we got started on a semi-circle flower bed. A donation of Corkscrew Willow off-cuts was put to good use, an archway was planted, and the rest will be used later for beans and peas to climb. More seeds were potted up in the polytunnel, and work began on creating (what will be) vibrant pots for the upcoming Jubilee Rutland County Show in June.
The first Daffodil opened this week, one of many Spring bulbs we planted last October. Trees in the woodland are also breaking into blossom. Spring is here! Work continued on the pond, and we got started on a semi-circle flower bed. A donation of Corkscrew Willow off-cuts was put to good use, an archway was planted, and the rest will be used later for beans and peas to climb. More seeds were potted up in the polytunnel, and work began on creating (what will be) vibrant pots for the upcoming Jubilee Rutland County Show in June.
Week 49
With storm Franklin passing and filling the pond on the way through, work resumed on the new garden beds. We are also working on filling up our key-hole garden baskets - we are putting a call out for raw kitchen waste. A plan of all our planting areas was drawn up, and planning has begun! We found tracks in the freshly laid soil, planted more into the Wildflower River and picked some Purple Sprouting Broccoli. The Bok Choy in the polytunnel is about to flower, and later we will collect the seed.
With storm Franklin passing and filling the pond on the way through, work resumed on the new garden beds. We are also working on filling up our key-hole garden baskets - we are putting a call out for raw kitchen waste. A plan of all our planting areas was drawn up, and planning has begun! We found tracks in the freshly laid soil, planted more into the Wildflower River and picked some Purple Sprouting Broccoli. The Bok Choy in the polytunnel is about to flower, and later we will collect the seed.
Week 48
This week there was a lot of focus on moving plants, planting plugs, scattering seed and starting on a pond in the Wildflower River area that weaves its way through Growers Row, over ridge and across furrow. The 'river' will increase the garden's biodiversity in the months and years ahead. Work started on another four raised beds, with leftover timber donated. More signs of Spring popping through, with the Tulips we planted in the horseshoe flower bed. And we had a bit of fun with a watering can, umbrella, and an old toilet bowl, as we work on our wishlist for composting toilets and water harvesting equipment.
This week there was a lot of focus on moving plants, planting plugs, scattering seed and starting on a pond in the Wildflower River area that weaves its way through Growers Row, over ridge and across furrow. The 'river' will increase the garden's biodiversity in the months and years ahead. Work started on another four raised beds, with leftover timber donated. More signs of Spring popping through, with the Tulips we planted in the horseshoe flower bed. And we had a bit of fun with a watering can, umbrella, and an old toilet bowl, as we work on our wishlist for composting toilets and water harvesting equipment.
Week 47
A definite Spring buzz in the air this week! With a delivery of topsoil to complete those freshly finished raised beds and get us thinking about new beds before planting time. Rob Rob Persani from Rutland & Stamford Sound popped along to chat to Alex about the upcoming Annual SeedSwap event this Saturday. Even the Daffodils are getting ready to bloom soon. A team from the Rutland Home Education Group came along and planted a Beech and Hornbeam hedge. Everyone got a tree, and twelve trees went in. We harvested more Spinach and Bok Choy for our afternoon visitors to take home with them.
A definite Spring buzz in the air this week! With a delivery of topsoil to complete those freshly finished raised beds and get us thinking about new beds before planting time. Rob Rob Persani from Rutland & Stamford Sound popped along to chat to Alex about the upcoming Annual SeedSwap event this Saturday. Even the Daffodils are getting ready to bloom soon. A team from the Rutland Home Education Group came along and planted a Beech and Hornbeam hedge. Everyone got a tree, and twelve trees went in. We harvested more Spinach and Bok Choy for our afternoon visitors to take home with them.
Feb 2022
Week 46
It has been a hive of activity; a new, huge circular garden bed marked out, more tree planning, and preparations for the next shed to go up. We started levelling off the ground for the base and moved all the parts over to the building area. The dead hedge is coming along, we added quite a bit this week, and it is getting higher now. We found the Rhubard pushing through, tiny Hazel flowers and some more bone - which looks like deer. We were gifted an Apple tree, replanted and watered in at Growers Row. We also spent some time preparing seed packets for the upcoming SeedSwap held at Oakham Castle (12 Feb 2022, 11am-1pm). While we got a lot done this week, we also had time to chat and enjoy working together. As one of the volunteers mentioned, Growers Row is really about the process rather than the product. Sure we get a lot done, and it's all in the way we do it.
It has been a hive of activity; a new, huge circular garden bed marked out, more tree planning, and preparations for the next shed to go up. We started levelling off the ground for the base and moved all the parts over to the building area. The dead hedge is coming along, we added quite a bit this week, and it is getting higher now. We found the Rhubard pushing through, tiny Hazel flowers and some more bone - which looks like deer. We were gifted an Apple tree, replanted and watered in at Growers Row. We also spent some time preparing seed packets for the upcoming SeedSwap held at Oakham Castle (12 Feb 2022, 11am-1pm). While we got a lot done this week, we also had time to chat and enjoy working together. As one of the volunteers mentioned, Growers Row is really about the process rather than the product. Sure we get a lot done, and it's all in the way we do it.
Week 45
The Climbing Hydrangeas we have been looking after in pots went in the ground this week, and we lined up a row of potted Beech and Hornbeam trees ready for planting a hedge. We moved the trees around in our latest donation, wheelbarrows from the Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project. The four new raised beds are now covered in cardboard and ready for topsoil, we are looking forward to having another four beds this growing season. Big thanks to Lands' End (just across the road) for supplying us with cardboard. This week we extended the composting area, creating 3 'bins' with old pallets, the 'waste' that has been sitting there since harvest is breaking down and looking good so far. Work continued on the outdoor furniture, coppicing the Hazel in the woodland and establishing the Wildflower River. Seed bombs (made last year with seeds from Castle Meadow on Oakham Castles motte wall) were placed in the 'river' area. Also discovered, near and in the Wildflower River, were the new leaves of the Bee Orchid, and there are lots of them!
The Climbing Hydrangeas we have been looking after in pots went in the ground this week, and we lined up a row of potted Beech and Hornbeam trees ready for planting a hedge. We moved the trees around in our latest donation, wheelbarrows from the Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project. The four new raised beds are now covered in cardboard and ready for topsoil, we are looking forward to having another four beds this growing season. Big thanks to Lands' End (just across the road) for supplying us with cardboard. This week we extended the composting area, creating 3 'bins' with old pallets, the 'waste' that has been sitting there since harvest is breaking down and looking good so far. Work continued on the outdoor furniture, coppicing the Hazel in the woodland and establishing the Wildflower River. Seed bombs (made last year with seeds from Castle Meadow on Oakham Castles motte wall) were placed in the 'river' area. Also discovered, near and in the Wildflower River, were the new leaves of the Bee Orchid, and there are lots of them!
Week 44
A big change to the landscape this week, with the ancient Ash tree coming down. While the tree was not well, it had been home to many bird families, given us shade on the hottest days, been a landmark when giving directions, and an important part of the garden's ecology. This great Ash will be missed. Sanding and painting began on the outdoor furniture donated in December, and work on the four new raised beds progressed quite a bit. Broadbeans went into the ground in the polytunnel, a great place to get started in the colder months. Some prickly seed collecting work, as we got Teasel seeds as we worked, we chatted about what other flower and food-bearing seeds we would need for the garden this Spring. Woodland management continued, bringing more coppiced wood back for poles and the deadwood hedge. We learned this week that the plastic tree guards used when initially planting those woods cannot be recycled and can only go to landfill - something we can avoid when ordering tree guards for new planting projects.
A big change to the landscape this week, with the ancient Ash tree coming down. While the tree was not well, it had been home to many bird families, given us shade on the hottest days, been a landmark when giving directions, and an important part of the garden's ecology. This great Ash will be missed. Sanding and painting began on the outdoor furniture donated in December, and work on the four new raised beds progressed quite a bit. Broadbeans went into the ground in the polytunnel, a great place to get started in the colder months. Some prickly seed collecting work, as we got Teasel seeds as we worked, we chatted about what other flower and food-bearing seeds we would need for the garden this Spring. Woodland management continued, bringing more coppiced wood back for poles and the deadwood hedge. We learned this week that the plastic tree guards used when initially planting those woods cannot be recycled and can only go to landfill - something we can avoid when ordering tree guards for new planting projects.
January 2022
Week 43
Happy New Year! We are back in the garden after a festive break. It was wonderful to see everyone and to meet new volunteers this week. The weather has been a little frosty, and bulbs have begun to poke out of the soil - onions, daffodils and garlic. Work has started on managing some of the woodlands around The Rutland Showground, with coppicing, clearing dead wood and getting rid of the old tree protectors now that everything has grown up. While fossicking in the undergrowth, a skull was found, adding to the 'museum' of exciting finds! The deadwood is being used for dead-hedging, creating habitat for insects and making a rich feeding ground for small mammals and birds. This week we caught up on a few odd jobs, a bit of weeding, the Rhubarb covered ready for spring, the brassicas covered, a shelf added to the shelter, and the children dug a very deep hole. Great to be back in the outdoors, great to be back at Growers Row!
Happy New Year! We are back in the garden after a festive break. It was wonderful to see everyone and to meet new volunteers this week. The weather has been a little frosty, and bulbs have begun to poke out of the soil - onions, daffodils and garlic. Work has started on managing some of the woodlands around The Rutland Showground, with coppicing, clearing dead wood and getting rid of the old tree protectors now that everything has grown up. While fossicking in the undergrowth, a skull was found, adding to the 'museum' of exciting finds! The deadwood is being used for dead-hedging, creating habitat for insects and making a rich feeding ground for small mammals and birds. This week we caught up on a few odd jobs, a bit of weeding, the Rhubarb covered ready for spring, the brassicas covered, a shelf added to the shelter, and the children dug a very deep hole. Great to be back in the outdoors, great to be back at Growers Row!
Week 38
Things are winding down at Growers Row, our last Working Wednesday for the year this week. Still, we were busy! We managed to set up a fire-safe area for next week's Crafternoon when we will be heating wax to make Calendula Balm (Calendula from Growers Row). We had a donation of outdoor table and chairs, saved from the tip and delivered on-site by some wonderful volunteers - we are so grateful! A bit more work on the wildflower river, Oxeye Daisy plants were transplanted into the 'river' area, so they have time to settle in over winter, ready for spring. The family of Voles we have been monitoring have moved from their above-ground nest, and an underground home has appeared found just 2ft away. We also found time to make some cards for the upcoming Oakham Latenight Shopping and catch Claires son playing in the ACE League Finals LIVE on the England Rugby Youtube channel.
Things are winding down at Growers Row, our last Working Wednesday for the year this week. Still, we were busy! We managed to set up a fire-safe area for next week's Crafternoon when we will be heating wax to make Calendula Balm (Calendula from Growers Row). We had a donation of outdoor table and chairs, saved from the tip and delivered on-site by some wonderful volunteers - we are so grateful! A bit more work on the wildflower river, Oxeye Daisy plants were transplanted into the 'river' area, so they have time to settle in over winter, ready for spring. The family of Voles we have been monitoring have moved from their above-ground nest, and an underground home has appeared found just 2ft away. We also found time to make some cards for the upcoming Oakham Latenight Shopping and catch Claires son playing in the ACE League Finals LIVE on the England Rugby Youtube channel.
Week 37
The Cosmos we planted from seed in May has given us abundant blooms and joy! After flowering into November, this week, we took out the dead plants. The shed had a bit of a cleanup, as did the polytunnel after the frost took the peppers and courgette plants on the weekend. The shelter is harvesting water, enough to soak the willow in for the wreath making Crafternoons this week. Between rainstorms, many winter jobs have been achieved!
The Cosmos we planted from seed in May has given us abundant blooms and joy! After flowering into November, this week, we took out the dead plants. The shed had a bit of a cleanup, as did the polytunnel after the frost took the peppers and courgette plants on the weekend. The shelter is harvesting water, enough to soak the willow in for the wreath making Crafternoons this week. Between rainstorms, many winter jobs have been achieved!
Week 36
The grand Ash tree at Growers Row finally dropped its leaves this week, the last splashes of Autumnal colour still hanging on in the hedges. The shifting highs and lows in temperate meant that the 'polytunnel lounge' came in handy for lunchtime, rests, and youngsters made use of the pencils and paper there. Two more great tractor tyres arrived on-site; tyres have been the basis for a lot of in-depth play at Growers Row each week. Work continues on the raised garden beds and wildflower 'river' running through the site.
The grand Ash tree at Growers Row finally dropped its leaves this week, the last splashes of Autumnal colour still hanging on in the hedges. The shifting highs and lows in temperate meant that the 'polytunnel lounge' came in handy for lunchtime, rests, and youngsters made use of the pencils and paper there. Two more great tractor tyres arrived on-site; tyres have been the basis for a lot of in-depth play at Growers Row each week. Work continues on the raised garden beds and wildflower 'river' running through the site.
Week 35
This week, the guttering went on the shelter roof for water harvesting, new raised beds started going in, and plans for a wildflower 'river' that flows through the garden was staked out. To get the river started, we sowed wildflower seed from Castle Meadow (at Oakham Castle) onto small patches, and the last of the spring bulbs when in too. We noticed the Lavender is still flowering, and the Sorrel is ready for picking.
This week, the guttering went on the shelter roof for water harvesting, new raised beds started going in, and plans for a wildflower 'river' that flows through the garden was staked out. To get the river started, we sowed wildflower seed from Castle Meadow (at Oakham Castle) onto small patches, and the last of the spring bulbs when in too. We noticed the Lavender is still flowering, and the Sorrel is ready for picking.
Week 34
Much activity this week with calendula bed cleared and the last of the onions in, compost turned, tulip bulbs in, and finally, the tomato season came to an end as we cleared out that corner of the polytunnel. Also, in the polytunnel, we found a courgette flower! The roof went on the shelter. We put a call out for a ladder and also got a keen volunteer - thank you Webbs! The colour change in and around the garden is increasingly noticeable, with a golden yellow show. The Silver Birch trees we plant in week nine are glowing with their first autumn at Growers Row.
Can you spot the bird in the picture of the dead and standing sunflowers below?
Much activity this week with calendula bed cleared and the last of the onions in, compost turned, tulip bulbs in, and finally, the tomato season came to an end as we cleared out that corner of the polytunnel. Also, in the polytunnel, we found a courgette flower! The roof went on the shelter. We put a call out for a ladder and also got a keen volunteer - thank you Webbs! The colour change in and around the garden is increasingly noticeable, with a golden yellow show. The Silver Birch trees we plant in week nine are glowing with their first autumn at Growers Row.
Can you spot the bird in the picture of the dead and standing sunflowers below?
Week 33
More rain meant working in the polytunnel again, edging, harvesting and rearranging the furniture. Just over 12lb of tomatoes and peppers were harvested this week, and a lot of talk about green tomato chutney. When the rain stopped, there was time to spread the last of the muck, and beds cleared to make way for garlic, onions and shallots.
More rain meant working in the polytunnel again, edging, harvesting and rearranging the furniture. Just over 12lb of tomatoes and peppers were harvested this week, and a lot of talk about green tomato chutney. When the rain stopped, there was time to spread the last of the muck, and beds cleared to make way for garlic, onions and shallots.
Week 32
A week off as everything winds down.
A week off as everything winds down.
Week 31
Conkers, bird feed and turning leaves! It really is Autumn. The sunflower horseshoe we planted back in June is now feeding the birds and increasing the garden's biodiversity. Old sunflower heads are natural 'bird feeders'. Finally, it was time to harvest the pumpkins and squash, weighing in at 14.5kg altogether. Travelling thunderstorms this week had us sheltering in the polytunnel lounge, so great to have a dry and cosy space to shelter in and get some work done too. Edging is going in (thank you Tracey, for the wood donation), and we harvested more tomatoes and peppers this week.
Conkers, bird feed and turning leaves! It really is Autumn. The sunflower horseshoe we planted back in June is now feeding the birds and increasing the garden's biodiversity. Old sunflower heads are natural 'bird feeders'. Finally, it was time to harvest the pumpkins and squash, weighing in at 14.5kg altogether. Travelling thunderstorms this week had us sheltering in the polytunnel lounge, so great to have a dry and cosy space to shelter in and get some work done too. Edging is going in (thank you Tracey, for the wood donation), and we harvested more tomatoes and peppers this week.
13 October 2021
Week 30
This week, the Garden Together sign went up on the shed; we are now part of a garden twinning initiative with Send A Cow. The twinning means that we are helping a family living in rural Migori, Kenya, with three years of training in sustainable organic farming (for more information click here). And a huge thank you for the Spring bulb donations to Growers Row this week, all going in the ground this week. Many Autumn jobs were done, like moving the Geraniums into the polytunnel, collecting seeds, clearing away dead wildflower meadow growth, and picking the last tomatoes for the year. Some children got to see the Newt and tiny Frog found in the polytunnel, which brought much awe. "Play Hill" has also been a hive of activity with more children joining in this week.
This week, the Garden Together sign went up on the shed; we are now part of a garden twinning initiative with Send A Cow. The twinning means that we are helping a family living in rural Migori, Kenya, with three years of training in sustainable organic farming (for more information click here). And a huge thank you for the Spring bulb donations to Growers Row this week, all going in the ground this week. Many Autumn jobs were done, like moving the Geraniums into the polytunnel, collecting seeds, clearing away dead wildflower meadow growth, and picking the last tomatoes for the year. Some children got to see the Newt and tiny Frog found in the polytunnel, which brought much awe. "Play Hill" has also been a hive of activity with more children joining in this week.
Week 29
There is a real cross between the seasons at the moment, with ripening Hawthorne berries and Pumpkins, then the Oxeye Daisies and Poppies are still flowering! The hedges have been cut back with the traditional Rutland sloping shape, and we found a nest of Bees in an old underground Wasp nest. The children engineered a handwashing area with watering cans, and work continued filling in the common grassy areas with woodchip to create even and safe paths.
There is a real cross between the seasons at the moment, with ripening Hawthorne berries and Pumpkins, then the Oxeye Daisies and Poppies are still flowering! The hedges have been cut back with the traditional Rutland sloping shape, and we found a nest of Bees in an old underground Wasp nest. The children engineered a handwashing area with watering cans, and work continued filling in the common grassy areas with woodchip to create even and safe paths.
Week 28
We have been busy in the autumnal winds, cleaning and sorting out the shed and behind the shed. While outside, raised beds were cleared, inside the polytunnel seedlings are going in and Christmas potatoes, and it also makes for a lovely sheltered and warm spot to have a lunch break! We also started levelling out the pathways and filling in all the holes and cracks to make it easier to walk safely.
We have been busy in the autumnal winds, cleaning and sorting out the shed and behind the shed. While outside, raised beds were cleared, inside the polytunnel seedlings are going in and Christmas potatoes, and it also makes for a lovely sheltered and warm spot to have a lunch break! We also started levelling out the pathways and filling in all the holes and cracks to make it easier to walk safely.
Week 27
Soooo many potatoes were dug out of the ground this week... 23 kg to be precise! We also harvested the last of the tomatoes , beans, carrots and cucumbers. A feast! All grown by our volunteers at Growers Row. Produce was shared and the rest will be in the Community Fridges tomorrow. The sun was warm, the soil needed a good water and we continued to manure up some of the raised beds! Lovely job! Thank you so much to Tracey for all our donations to Growers Row. We now have a Welcome sign, landscaping materials and tools. They will be well used.
Soooo many potatoes were dug out of the ground this week... 23 kg to be precise! We also harvested the last of the tomatoes , beans, carrots and cucumbers. A feast! All grown by our volunteers at Growers Row. Produce was shared and the rest will be in the Community Fridges tomorrow. The sun was warm, the soil needed a good water and we continued to manure up some of the raised beds! Lovely job! Thank you so much to Tracey for all our donations to Growers Row. We now have a Welcome sign, landscaping materials and tools. They will be well used.
Week 26
Another 19kg of produce was harvested this week, including three types of beans of various shapes and colours. We took delivery of "muck" last week, so this week started to get it onto some of the garden beds to enrich the soil over winter. Planning began on another area; we measured the space, sat in it, listed all the things we needed, and reflected on the last six months at Growers Row. This week also happens to be a big week for Craneflies and Dragonflies. Have you noticed there are more around than usual?
Another 19kg of produce was harvested this week, including three types of beans of various shapes and colours. We took delivery of "muck" last week, so this week started to get it onto some of the garden beds to enrich the soil over winter. Planning began on another area; we measured the space, sat in it, listed all the things we needed, and reflected on the last six months at Growers Row. This week also happens to be a big week for Craneflies and Dragonflies. Have you noticed there are more around than usual?
Week 25
The September heatwave is upon us this week; the blackboard paint dried as soon as it went on, everything needed watering, and many plants seem to have had a second wind. Harvesting continues, with impressive Carrots, Potatoes that will be cooked at Forest School next week, very long Beans and the key-hole with Tomatoes had the last pickings before being cleared.
The September heatwave is upon us this week; the blackboard paint dried as soon as it went on, everything needed watering, and many plants seem to have had a second wind. Harvesting continues, with impressive Carrots, Potatoes that will be cooked at Forest School next week, very long Beans and the key-hole with Tomatoes had the last pickings before being cleared.
Week 24
Something in the air this week whispers "autumnal". We prepared beds for winter, getting plants in the ground, sewing green manure, harvesting over 14kg of produce and stopping for warm Elderberry drink at break time. The first compost bin and weed drying rack was finished; many thanks to Otters Fine Foods for the pallets.
Something in the air this week whispers "autumnal". We prepared beds for winter, getting plants in the ground, sewing green manure, harvesting over 14kg of produce and stopping for warm Elderberry drink at break time. The first compost bin and weed drying rack was finished; many thanks to Otters Fine Foods for the pallets.
Week 23
This week the harvesting continued with Beans, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Chard and Potatoes, all weighing in at 11kg. Work began on the new composting area and clearing the area beside the polytunnel. We disturbed the nest with young mice and gave enough time to watch them for a little while, take a photo and then return everything back to the way it was. This week, the original play area created by the children there every week was relocated. And work began marking out the inside of the upcoming Loose Parts Playground with the mower. A lot of mowing this week, including some pathways through the grass around the site.
This week the harvesting continued with Beans, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Chard and Potatoes, all weighing in at 11kg. Work began on the new composting area and clearing the area beside the polytunnel. We disturbed the nest with young mice and gave enough time to watch them for a little while, take a photo and then return everything back to the way it was. This week, the original play area created by the children there every week was relocated. And work began marking out the inside of the upcoming Loose Parts Playground with the mower. A lot of mowing this week, including some pathways through the grass around the site.
Week 22
There was a lot of harvesting this week; potatoes came out of the ground, the Broadbean bed cleared, Poppy seeds, Cauliflower, Courgette and even a few Tomatoes. Altogether this weighed in at 23kg. The pollinator flower bed is buzzing now, and we took some time to record the various types of flowers. Soil has been prepared in the polytunnel for growing Potatoes in winter. There was quite the tidy up too; grass mowed, the loose-parts area sorted and quite a few sticks dragged over to the new Dead Hedge that got started earlier in the week. With all this harvesting, there is also composting. While some has gone into the key-hole compost baskets, next week will be 'operation composting area'.
There was a lot of harvesting this week; potatoes came out of the ground, the Broadbean bed cleared, Poppy seeds, Cauliflower, Courgette and even a few Tomatoes. Altogether this weighed in at 23kg. The pollinator flower bed is buzzing now, and we took some time to record the various types of flowers. Soil has been prepared in the polytunnel for growing Potatoes in winter. There was quite the tidy up too; grass mowed, the loose-parts area sorted and quite a few sticks dragged over to the new Dead Hedge that got started earlier in the week. With all this harvesting, there is also composting. While some has gone into the key-hole compost baskets, next week will be 'operation composting area'.
Week 21
Imagine the surprise of finding 30cm Runner Beans ready to pick! We aslo harvested the first Cucumber out of the polytunnel and some Purple Sprouting Broccoli while we watered weeded and did a little bit of pottering in this lovely garden.
Imagine the surprise of finding 30cm Runner Beans ready to pick! We aslo harvested the first Cucumber out of the polytunnel and some Purple Sprouting Broccoli while we watered weeded and did a little bit of pottering in this lovely garden.
Week 20
This week (and next week), there are no Working Wednesday sessions where people come together to garden, play, talk and get a good dose of vitamin N (for nature). So it was a bit quiet while we were there to keep everything watered, harvest what needs picking and did a bit more on the shelter building. We also found a nest of Flying Ants. It turns out this year, 4 August 2021, was Flying Ant day! Every year there is a phenomenon where these giant ants (Alates, Lasius niger) leave their nests to mate, on a day when the conditions are just right, all across the UK.
This week (and next week), there are no Working Wednesday sessions where people come together to garden, play, talk and get a good dose of vitamin N (for nature). So it was a bit quiet while we were there to keep everything watered, harvest what needs picking and did a bit more on the shelter building. We also found a nest of Flying Ants. It turns out this year, 4 August 2021, was Flying Ant day! Every year there is a phenomenon where these giant ants (Alates, Lasius niger) leave their nests to mate, on a day when the conditions are just right, all across the UK.
Week 19
This week, great excitement as the Sunflowers we planted in a horseshoe shape are starting to open their blooms! We pulled up a few potatoes, nibbled on the Alpine Strawberries, which are still going, and admired the Caulliflower under the protective netting. Also, still in their 'protective netting', we found a spiders nest, with the tiniest baby spiders starting to explore their world. As we continue to weed, the collection grows, and so this week, a temporary drying and stacking system was invented using crates.
This week, great excitement as the Sunflowers we planted in a horseshoe shape are starting to open their blooms! We pulled up a few potatoes, nibbled on the Alpine Strawberries, which are still going, and admired the Caulliflower under the protective netting. Also, still in their 'protective netting', we found a spiders nest, with the tiniest baby spiders starting to explore their world. As we continue to weed, the collection grows, and so this week, a temporary drying and stacking system was invented using crates.
Week 18
Our first harvest, Calendula flowers these will be dried and used later for workshops. Soon there will be a lot more harvesting as everything is growing, flowering and producing. And at the same time, more plants are going into the ground, plants saved from the end of their supermarket shelf-life. The shelter is coming along, with the main structure up, now being squared and levelled. Work began marking out a new area dedicated to holding loose-parts-for-play sessions - we had a great time playing when we made some dead hedging with the lengths of cut grass. The insects we share the space with are growing, with two bee nests in the ground and now a wasp nest. All three have been marked off and given the space they need to do their important work.
Our first harvest, Calendula flowers these will be dried and used later for workshops. Soon there will be a lot more harvesting as everything is growing, flowering and producing. And at the same time, more plants are going into the ground, plants saved from the end of their supermarket shelf-life. The shelter is coming along, with the main structure up, now being squared and levelled. Work began marking out a new area dedicated to holding loose-parts-for-play sessions - we had a great time playing when we made some dead hedging with the lengths of cut grass. The insects we share the space with are growing, with two bee nests in the ground and now a wasp nest. All three have been marked off and given the space they need to do their important work.
Week 17
So many flowers! Things are really blooming at Growers Row right now, our pollinating bed, seeds we panted, vegetable flowers and flowers we think the seeds came in the soil. We also had many plant donations and got them all in the ground or big pots. And something else was brought to us to see, a Long-tailed Tit nest made from moss, lichen and interwoven with spider web and feathers... quite something to hold. Work began on the shelter, a place that will give us permanent cover from the sun and rain - rain that we can harvest. While we were busy on the ground, in the sky, there were hundreds of Rooks. A big thank you to all the people bringing pants and natural treasures.
So many flowers! Things are really blooming at Growers Row right now, our pollinating bed, seeds we panted, vegetable flowers and flowers we think the seeds came in the soil. We also had many plant donations and got them all in the ground or big pots. And something else was brought to us to see, a Long-tailed Tit nest made from moss, lichen and interwoven with spider web and feathers... quite something to hold. Work began on the shelter, a place that will give us permanent cover from the sun and rain - rain that we can harvest. While we were busy on the ground, in the sky, there were hundreds of Rooks. A big thank you to all the people bringing pants and natural treasures.
Week 16
A mixed day of sun, heat and downpours of rain, but that didn’t stop us working! We were visited by two local people who want to ‘community garden with others. It was lovely to meet them. We have been kindly donated many plants by a friend in Uppingham, and so a couple of Cat Mint went into the ground. The Sunflower horseshoe was weeded, and the spiky thistles removed! The grass was mown, and we found a tiny baby mole which was the cutest thing we have seen at our garden. There has been an abundance of growth of our plants, and all potatoes and beans are flowering.
A mixed day of sun, heat and downpours of rain, but that didn’t stop us working! We were visited by two local people who want to ‘community garden with others. It was lovely to meet them. We have been kindly donated many plants by a friend in Uppingham, and so a couple of Cat Mint went into the ground. The Sunflower horseshoe was weeded, and the spiky thistles removed! The grass was mown, and we found a tiny baby mole which was the cutest thing we have seen at our garden. There has been an abundance of growth of our plants, and all potatoes and beans are flowering.
Week 15
A bit of rain, some warm weather - and the garden does grow! Discoveries were made while weeding, many spiders carrying their babies. While mowing, a large area of soil was found, evidence of a huge ant nest. The grass is so tall at the moment, great for playing in, making pathways and we identified quite a few different grasses. More soil shifting to get the beds in the polytunnel, and planting began inside, with tomatoes and cucumbers.
A bit of rain, some warm weather - and the garden does grow! Discoveries were made while weeding, many spiders carrying their babies. While mowing, a large area of soil was found, evidence of a huge ant nest. The grass is so tall at the moment, great for playing in, making pathways and we identified quite a few different grasses. More soil shifting to get the beds in the polytunnel, and planting began inside, with tomatoes and cucumbers.
Week 14
This week there was no one on site, the garden kept growing without us.
This week there was no one on site, the garden kept growing without us.
Week 13
After weeks of digging and assembling we can now say, the polytunnel is up! Seventeen pairs of hands helped to get the plastic sheet on and tightly tucked in. Soon we will be ready to bring in the plants and start growing in it. A huge thank you to all the raw waste donations, we now have one key-hole basket fully in use. This week has seen quite a lot of watering, mainly of the plants, but sometime a hot day calls for a water fight too.
After weeks of digging and assembling we can now say, the polytunnel is up! Seventeen pairs of hands helped to get the plastic sheet on and tightly tucked in. Soon we will be ready to bring in the plants and start growing in it. A huge thank you to all the raw waste donations, we now have one key-hole basket fully in use. This week has seen quite a lot of watering, mainly of the plants, but sometime a hot day calls for a water fight too.
Week 12
There are flowers, there are pollinating insects and there is a lot of growth. This week the Sunflowers went in the ground where we had previously prepared a horseshoe shape for them to grow. Lots of watering, weeding and cutting the grass. The Horseshoe Allotment Society kindly passed on some egg shells to add to our brassicas patch, egg shells that came from the new ice cream shop in Oakham called the Waffle Bowl. Great to see people thinking about making 'waste' useful. There are a few 1 metre square quadrats on site at the moment, a sign that children are surveying the area.
There are flowers, there are pollinating insects and there is a lot of growth. This week the Sunflowers went in the ground where we had previously prepared a horseshoe shape for them to grow. Lots of watering, weeding and cutting the grass. The Horseshoe Allotment Society kindly passed on some egg shells to add to our brassicas patch, egg shells that came from the new ice cream shop in Oakham called the Waffle Bowl. Great to see people thinking about making 'waste' useful. There are a few 1 metre square quadrats on site at the moment, a sign that children are surveying the area.
Week 11
The sun is shining and the temperatures are up this week, which means a lot of watering and everything is growing - especially the grass. Thank you for the kind donation of a lawnmower, having our work and walkways cut makes such a difference. We got to witness a swarm of bees this week, a couple of rows of lavender went in, more soil was shifted as we prepare the polytunnel growing area and the children created a shop, selling bunches of seasonal meadow flowers and pots of mud.
The sun is shining and the temperatures are up this week, which means a lot of watering and everything is growing - especially the grass. Thank you for the kind donation of a lawnmower, having our work and walkways cut makes such a difference. We got to witness a swarm of bees this week, a couple of rows of lavender went in, more soil was shifted as we prepare the polytunnel growing area and the children created a shop, selling bunches of seasonal meadow flowers and pots of mud.
Week 10
We completed the third key-hole garden this week, got the first load of raw compost into a key-hole basket and had a visit from Jane Beynon from Send a Cow charity, who taught us how to make our first key-hole garden 2 years ago. Grass was cut, tomatoes went in, rows of peas and beans pushed into the soil and more Silver Birch planted. And what was the 'house' area the children were building with loose-parts, has now been named Little Flower Farm. Big thank you to Diane for the lovely trees.
We completed the third key-hole garden this week, got the first load of raw compost into a key-hole basket and had a visit from Jane Beynon from Send a Cow charity, who taught us how to make our first key-hole garden 2 years ago. Grass was cut, tomatoes went in, rows of peas and beans pushed into the soil and more Silver Birch planted. And what was the 'house' area the children were building with loose-parts, has now been named Little Flower Farm. Big thank you to Diane for the lovely trees.
Week 9
Very exciting to see how all that rain and the warmer temperatures are helping all those seeds and seedlings grow! More plants went into the ground today. Including a huge Gooseberry plant and Current that someone kindly dropped off! Four small Silver Birch trees went in to mark the edge of an area dedicated to play. A slash of colour was added to the Soapwart bed, with Forget-me-nots and a few other plants that will bring colour and polinating insects to the garden. And we found homes in the ground for the last of the plants we brought with us from the old site. Some progress was made on the third key-hole, and another bed is in the making.
Very exciting to see how all that rain and the warmer temperatures are helping all those seeds and seedlings grow! More plants went into the ground today. Including a huge Gooseberry plant and Current that someone kindly dropped off! Four small Silver Birch trees went in to mark the edge of an area dedicated to play. A slash of colour was added to the Soapwart bed, with Forget-me-nots and a few other plants that will bring colour and polinating insects to the garden. And we found homes in the ground for the last of the plants we brought with us from the old site. Some progress was made on the third key-hole, and another bed is in the making.
Week 8
More garden beds were made this week, which included the potato bed and a planter dedicated to soapwart. And work on the third keyhole garden began, with as much that could be done before the basket goes in. The potatoes went in, little cucumber seedlings planted out into bigger containers and everything we planted last week is doing well... even some little signs of the flower seeds sprouting already! It was a big media day too, with an on-location feature on the Rutland Climate Conversation event hosted by Rutland County Council and an on-site visit from Ben Jackson reporting for BBC Radio Leicester. In other news, the polytunnel is coming along slowly, most of the frame is up and a trench around the sides almost complete - the rain last week will help to soften the ground to finish off the job. The youngest volunteers were busy this week working on their new area, a space dedicated to loose-parts-for-play.
More garden beds were made this week, which included the potato bed and a planter dedicated to soapwart. And work on the third keyhole garden began, with as much that could be done before the basket goes in. The potatoes went in, little cucumber seedlings planted out into bigger containers and everything we planted last week is doing well... even some little signs of the flower seeds sprouting already! It was a big media day too, with an on-location feature on the Rutland Climate Conversation event hosted by Rutland County Council and an on-site visit from Ben Jackson reporting for BBC Radio Leicester. In other news, the polytunnel is coming along slowly, most of the frame is up and a trench around the sides almost complete - the rain last week will help to soften the ground to finish off the job. The youngest volunteers were busy this week working on their new area, a space dedicated to loose-parts-for-play.
Week 7
Yesterday was one of those days where quite a lot was achieved. All eight raised beds are filled up and many seedlings planted, also the second key-hole garden finished and planted. As luck would have it Ben Creasey Tree Services happened to be there taking care of the old trees around the Showground, including the Ash at the garden gate. Ben and his team very generously left us with logs to edge our new pollinator garden bed and a whole load of woodchip that will help create pathways around the site. The new pollinator garden is part of an experiment we are doing with different seed packets, we want to know if the price of seeds really makes a difference.
Yesterday was one of those days where quite a lot was achieved. All eight raised beds are filled up and many seedlings planted, also the second key-hole garden finished and planted. As luck would have it Ben Creasey Tree Services happened to be there taking care of the old trees around the Showground, including the Ash at the garden gate. Ben and his team very generously left us with logs to edge our new pollinator garden bed and a whole load of woodchip that will help create pathways around the site. The new pollinator garden is part of an experiment we are doing with different seed packets, we want to know if the price of seeds really makes a difference.
Week 6
We are continuing to shift soil and get more beds ready for growing - and so we had another 20ton of top soil skillfully delivered into two piles right in the middle of the field. The second key-hole garden now has a basket make from willow donated by Somerby Baskets, and is almost full and ready to plant... a job for next week. A selection of seeds went into a couple of the garden beds; beans, carrots, spinach... all labeled up and covered while they get started. In other news, the gate just got better with some height and handrails across the stones, the polytunnel has started going up, and we are still waiting for rain so there was a lot of watering - in lovely new watering cans!
We are continuing to shift soil and get more beds ready for growing - and so we had another 20ton of top soil skillfully delivered into two piles right in the middle of the field. The second key-hole garden now has a basket make from willow donated by Somerby Baskets, and is almost full and ready to plant... a job for next week. A selection of seeds went into a couple of the garden beds; beans, carrots, spinach... all labeled up and covered while they get started. In other news, the gate just got better with some height and handrails across the stones, the polytunnel has started going up, and we are still waiting for rain so there was a lot of watering - in lovely new watering cans!
Week 5
This week we made a real effort to get the raised bed filled with top-soil ready for planting! The second of the three keyhole gardens is ready for the basket and then soil to go in - something for next week. We are well chuffed with the new gate put in by the lovely people at Rutland Showground. In other news, the field next door has sheep with their spring lambs, the willow that is waiting in water to be planted is happily flowering, and work started on a sunflower circle in the middle of the field. Also, did you know that wheelbarrows make cumfy seats for lunchtime breaks?!
This week we made a real effort to get the raised bed filled with top-soil ready for planting! The second of the three keyhole gardens is ready for the basket and then soil to go in - something for next week. We are well chuffed with the new gate put in by the lovely people at Rutland Showground. In other news, the field next door has sheep with their spring lambs, the willow that is waiting in water to be planted is happily flowering, and work started on a sunflower circle in the middle of the field. Also, did you know that wheelbarrows make cumfy seats for lunchtime breaks?!
Week 4
A week for filling garden beds (together we shifted a lot of soil in one day) and made a new bed just for the rhubarb right next to the shed. The site has no water, yet, water harvesting will happen as soon as there is a roof to harvest from - so a waterbutt is now set up and filled with a hose for now. More treasures found in the free-cycle topsoil and more soil delivered over the hedge. We noticed lots of birds in the sky today, the biggest surprise though was a low flying Hercules! Next week, let's see if we can find a spot for the polytunnel.
A week for filling garden beds (together we shifted a lot of soil in one day) and made a new bed just for the rhubarb right next to the shed. The site has no water, yet, water harvesting will happen as soon as there is a roof to harvest from - so a waterbutt is now set up and filled with a hose for now. More treasures found in the free-cycle topsoil and more soil delivered over the hedge. We noticed lots of birds in the sky today, the biggest surprise though was a low flying Hercules! Next week, let's see if we can find a spot for the polytunnel.
Week 3
This week the shed went up, the new entrance was made through the hedge, some thirsty plants went in - and there was cake!
This week the shed went up, the new entrance was made through the hedge, some thirsty plants went in - and there was cake!
Week 2
This week we got the first of the growing beds set up and almost one of the key-hole gardens. The level foundations have now been set for the shed to go on later and there were a few large deliveries - one over the hedge!
This week we got the first of the growing beds set up and almost one of the key-hole gardens. The level foundations have now been set for the shed to go on later and there were a few large deliveries - one over the hedge!
25 March 2021
Week 1
Work has begun on setting up the new Community Garden site! With some materials already moved from the old site, this week we started laying out where things will go and setting up places to start growing.
Work has begun on setting up the new Community Garden site! With some materials already moved from the old site, this week we started laying out where things will go and setting up places to start growing.
All photographs ©Root-and-Branch Out CIC
