Pruning lesson in time for winter
Fruit buds, non-fruit bearing shoots, spurs, water shoots - what do these have in common? Thanks to John Negus a group of our volunteers are now well versed in why, how, when and what should be pruned on an apple tree! They learnt that careful pruning of the different types of buds leads to a better crop by creating space and giving the individual branches more air and light.
Winter is the perfect time to prune an apple tree when the tree is dormant and encourages vegetative growth in the spring. Many questions were asked, volunteers came armed with secateurs and once the space2grow apple trees were beautifully pruned they moved to tend to the trees in the Old Vicarage garden. Slight nervousness over what and how much to prune was soon overcome as confidence grew and the volunteers really enjoyed tending the trees.
We'll be adding video clips of the session to our Instagram and Facebook pages and John's top tips for pruning will be added to the website soon.
40 Degreez on the acre
A group from 40 Degreez, along with their youth workers, are now regular weekly visitors to space2grow. Initially they were given an introduction to bulb planting and planted daffodils around trees which will pop up like circles of sunshine at the end of the long winter ahead. Last week they made dreamcatchers in the Autumn sunshine. And this week they made a fabulous bonfire in the secret garden, accompanied by hot chocolate and bad 'dad' jokes from Simon, their youth worker.
Gardening update
The gardeners have been busy on the acre. A new 'salvage yard' has been created behind the toilet shed to store any items that can be re-used in the future. It's a fantastic idea to reduce waste and recycle! Work continues on the perimeter path around the whole site and the new leaf mould area is in place in a corner of the secret garden. We're excited by one volunteer's idea to create a stumpery garden. Stumperies are garden features utilising dead tree parts - logs, stumps, branches and bark which are planted with an array of plants including ferns and make a great habitat for insects.
Reflections from the acre
Following on from his expert pruning lesson, we asked John Negus, gardening expert, local radio presenter and space2grow trustee, to share his reflections on the acre .....
"space2grow means so much to me. A wildlife oasis in the middle of Farnham, it’s a tranquil sanctuary where a dedicated team of happy people have created probably the best wild flower meadow I know. That's not all, beautifully tended flower beds, a fruit garden and pond enhance its appeal.The acre, as we call it, is also a centre for parenting, cooking and yoga, and Men in Sheds meet to construct a range of items which are needed for developing all that space2grow aspires to.
When I first visited this secluded paradise two years ago, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of blossom, a wealth of butterflies and happy volunteers who enjoyed its therapeutic atmosphere. space2grow has so much to offer. The one joyous 'Shangri-La' in Farnham where everyone feels happy. Long may it refresh us.
If you would like to share what the acre means to you please email info@space2grow.space - we love hearing everyones reflections.
As always, we are working hard to ensure that space2grow remains a Covid safe site so please email info@space2grow.space prior to your visits, bring your own food and drink, take any rubbish home and please adhere to social distancing.
Thank you and see you soon!