Despite lockdown and winter weather our Volunteer Gardeners have been super busy. In the six months from September to March our 11 volunteers have clocked up 264 volunteer hours! We've weeded, cleared mountains of leaves, pruned, weeded some more, planted bulbs shrubs and flowers, spread woodchip on the flowerbeds, watered the bandstand, cleared the rockery paths, and the north end of the Gardens certainly look well tended and spring like now.
Over a year ago we were given some dried up and past their best primula plants, and more in hope than expectation we planted them in the corner by the path leading onto Hunter Street, and on the Rockery. This spring they are flourishing and make a marvellous display of white and yellow. A few hours work has resulted in a seasonal display for many years to come!
A year ago this month we helped Nottingham City Council prepare and plant up the newly restored Bandstand on the Victoria Embankment. The flowerbed round the base of the Bandstand is unfortunately sheltered from any rain by the overhanging roof so in order to keep the beautiful plants alive our volunteers have been watering the plants on a twice weekly basis. Fingers crossed, we will soon be getting a water butt fitted to the downpipe at the back of the building, so our task will be considerably easier. The plants have suffered from damage where people have jumped off the stage onto the border, and about a third have died as a consequence. We have split those that are thriving to fill the gaps, and transplanted more robust , prickly plants into the bed. Please do discourage people from trampling on the planting throughout the Memorial Gardens!
We're always glad to welcome more volunteers - no gardening experience is necessary. Just turn up on a Monday morning at 9.30 -11.00.