Last night we celebrated the official re-launch of GoodGym Bromley 🎉 by giving Bromley Palace Park a good old soaking.

Watering cans at the ready, we linked up with the park's indefatigable volunteers to revive the space's wild flowers, plants and trees that support local butterfly and bird populations.

As always, GoodGymers had the option of joining the 2K loop around the residential roads surrounding the park before and after or conserving energy – and hydration – and meeting directly at the venue.

Special mentions for the returning Millie and newcomer John. Hope to see you again next week.

We'll be back at Bromley Palace Park again soon. Details for the remaining Monday evening Group Runs TBA shortly.

On Monday evening we soft launched the Big Bromley Reboot with a run to through the enchanting gardens of Bromley Palace Park and trip down memory lane.

After a light 2K jog via Church House Gardens, our modest crew joined forces with regular volunteers Dawn, Moira, Stacey and dog Yoda to weed, water and plant a few dozen geraniums.

Along the way, Dawn led a tour round the medieval-era moat was once used as a living larder of fish for former resident the Bishop of Rochester.

She pointed out the sunken ha-ha and ice house they meticulously excavated from overgrown moss. Then as dusk fell we spotted native bats swooping for mosquitoes on the water's edge.

Special mention for first-timer Georgia jumping in the deep end (not literally) and getting her hands dirty (quite literally) on her first Good Gym group run.

Same again next Monday?

This week I was back at the Silverdale planters with Viv, Lumin, and a brilliant team of local volunteers.

We picked up some litter, tackled some weeding and cut back plants that had been affected by the hot, dry summer.

It was great to see one planter flourishing, while the other showed some impact from the dry weather.

This week's top tip from Lumen: apply mulch in early May during dry summers to help the soil retain moisture and protect your plants.

The planters are looking much tidier, and we'll be back soon—come join us! 🌱✨

There should have been two but alas I could only get one to work for the lovely Ms A. She is temporarily housebound following an accident and struggling with several things, particularly as she isn’t on line. I signposted her to a few services that might be able to help including a food delivery service that she could phone. We chatted a lot and I took her rubbish to the bins for her. The photo was from the way back to the bus stop.

And there was a path…

When I arrived I realise this might be too big a job for one person but spoke to Mr A and asked which part of the garden he would like to be completed first. We made a decision that I would clear the path for him today and his 100ft garden would be finished on another occasion (or three). 😊

Luckily I had the sun shining and some music playing quietly and I was able to make a start on this big job.

As agreed I cleared the path and Mr A was happy with the progress.

He looks forward to the job being finished, but was satisfied for now.

Today I joined Viv, Lumen and the gang at the Silverdale planters for some light gardening in the sun.🌞

Our main aim today was deadheading, collecting seeds and pulling up all the sticky weed that’s been creeping in everywhere.

We also added a fresh layer of mulch to the planters to help keep the moisture in and stop them from drying out.

We’ll be back again next month. Come join us if you can! ☀️ 🌱💧