As the days gradually lengthen, our community garden is bursting with new life and activity. Thanks to a generous donation of surplus seeds from B&Q, we’re filling our polytunnel with an ever-growing variety of plants. Sweet peas, scabious, wildflowers, cosmos, pansies, and sugar snaps are all being carefully sown and nurtured, ready to bring colour and produce to the garden in the months ahead. Our members have also been busy planting donated bulbs in every available space, ensuring a vibrant display as spring unfolds. Snowdrops and winter aconites are already in bloom, providing an early splash of brightness, while daffodils and tulips are steadily pushing through, promising even more colour in the coming weeks.
Alongside planting, practical projects continue to take shape. Volunteer Simon has been constructing cold frames, essential for protecting young plants from late frosts and giving seedlings the best possible start. Meanwhile, Richard has been putting his craftsmanship to good use, weaving strong, natural plant supports using hazel stakes and willow. He’s built a jig from ply board offcuts to help shape them, ensuring they are sturdy and uniform—an invaluable addition to our growing space. These handmade supports will provide climbing plants with a reliable framework as they flourish later in the year.
We were also delighted to welcome Simon from Broadstairs Botanicals, who visited to distil bay leaves into hydrosol—an aromatic, water-soluble essence extracted from herbs. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols capture the full spectrum of a plant’s properties in a gentler, more versatile form. With plans to explore the distillation of other herbs throughout the year, we’re excited to see how these natural extracts can be used in the garden and beyond.
In the kitchen, we’re keeping warm with hearty, nourishing meals. Our latest creation: rehydrated and boiled runner beans transformed into a rich, flavourful vegetarian chilli, perfect for fending off the winter chill and keeping energy levels high for all the on-going garden work.
Meanwhile, our Freemason-donated COVID memorial tree continues to thrive, honouring lost members. The mimosa or acacia, symbolic of the immortality of the soul, has more than doubled in size since it was planted and is now beginning to flower—a beautiful and poignant tribute.
There’s always something happening at the Garden Gate Project, and we love welcoming new visitors and volunteers. Whether you’d like to get involved in planting, crafting, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, now is a wonderful time to visit. Come and see the garden as it awakens for spring—we’d love to share it with you!
Comments