Things are growing!

Wednesday 18th May

Dryer weather today, so we were back on the allotment, and look.... !

< The peas that J planted a few weeks ago are up, and looking really healthy

The potatoes that went in a couple of weeks ago are sprouting through as well. >

 And the current bushes that were planted in our first week this year, with S's help have got fruit growing on them. It's starting to look like we will have a bit of a crop this year.

A  large amount of energy this week was put in by S and his support workers, into digging this hole. (It's bigger than it looks) We are going to be having an ornamental cherry tree, which is being rehomed, and needed a special new place to live. While it might not fruit, it will attract helpful pollinating insects to the allotment, who we will need to help the rest of our fruiting plants along. It will add some shade to the top end of the allotment, which is a lovely place to sit and eat lunch, and admire the view.

You don't have to be 'working' in the garden to enjoy the benefits, even just being outside with views of nature can help to reduce your stress levels, and relieve mental tiredness. Perfect!

Summer in Wales

Wednesday 5th May

 Welcome to summer time - Welsh style! At least we don't have to do much watering this week, the plants are loving it, especially the grass, which is growing in abundance around the sensory garden. This is a Columbine flower, which is headed for the "Sight" bed. It's also known as Granny's Bonnets.

 As the weather was against us, we did a bit of indoor gardening, potting up some seedlings, presumed to be beetroot (must do better with the labelling next year!) And also sowed some flower seeds which were donated, Poppies and Sweet Peas. Some of the youngsters in the centre were very curious as to what we were doing and kept a keen watch on the planting.

 The pallet house in the Sensory garden is coming along, with the addition of some pots and pans for a bit of outdoor drumming.

When the rain eventually stopped, I caught this Mother and Baby, who live next door to the Sensory Garden, having a quick feed. I wonder if sheep can swim? !

Construction team at work

Today has been a really productive day on the allotment. The sun was shining on us as we worked which always helps, despite there being a frost this morning. It might be just as well we don't have lots of delicate seedlings trying to grow yet! S joined us on the allotment today, and was keen to get stuck in to sorting out the shed.He had a plan to get some work top and shelves in to store our tools, and some cupboards, and he worked he socks off, using recycled pallets, and some cupboards and worktop that had been donated. The shed also had a few repairs as it has seen better days.

The next veg bed had been prepared for the potatoes...

which were well and truly chitted (started sprouting).

S also worked with his support worker to make a wooden raised planter, which looks great, and will probably go next to the seating area with strawberry plants in, I'll post a picture when it's planted up!

And finally.... I wanted to share this link to an article about why gardening is good for you.  http://www.countryliving.co.uk/news/news/a607/why-gardening-therapy-is-being-prescribed-by-doctors/