Mrs H has been enjoying the garden recently, but has to keep going in and out because it's too warm to sit out for too long! I agree with her on that.

We couldn't have picked a more perfect day for our taster session with the Falcon Canoe Club: The sun was shining, the river wasn't flowing too strongly, and the wind was only mildly gusty. It was a fantastic morning to be out on the river. We're hugely grateful to the canoe club team for taking the time to take us novices out on the river, teach us how to handle the canoes, and keep us safe from rowers and pleasure crafts!

We feel much better prepared for our river litter pick next month, and had a lovely morning paddling on the river.

Welcome to GoodGym Kate!

This evening we returned to the Warneford Hospital site to flashmob some of their flower beds.

The flower beds in the aptly named Meadow ward had got quite over-grown and needed a good weed, a food water and some general TLC.

After crowning Ellie for achieving her 100th Good deed and enjoying some Celebrations, we set to work.

Thistles, lots of grass and some pesky dandelions were removed, a wild patch preserved to protect a hedgehog house, and the best Celebration thoroughly debated. I'm team Bounty - possibly in the 1% minority of the population!

Watering cans were emptied and woodchip spread to hopefully ensure that the beds stay happy!

Good work team.

Double points if you can name the musical reference in the title.....,

Mrs J has a large, attractive garden. Due to ill health she is no longer able to maintain it, which upsets her as she has won prizes for the garden in the past. We discussed what she would like to prioritise getting done in the time I was there and agreed I would tackle the large side flower bed on the left of the garden. She advised that her nephew will hopefully mow the lawn for her. I could see that the garden had been lovely in the past and much thought had gone into it. Mrs J was very kind in fetching any tools I needed and bringing me a drink of water given the hot day.
Mrs J came and sat in the garden to chat and I feel like she enjoyed having the company. She was a very interesting woman and done many things before becoming ill. She seemed to be pleased with the work that was completed, although I was a little nervous not having quite the skills that Mrs J does!!

This evening we headed to one of our favourite spots - Marston Forest Garden. we first visited this site nearly 5 years ago to help dig out MASSIVE bramble roots and it has been gorgeous to watch it grow and thrive over the years.

The plot is now a diverse orchard with a pond, herb garden, fruit trees a-plenty and there have been some new additions recently - lavender and rose bushes.

After a mini tour of the area Isobel set us to work clearing cooch grass from around some of the younger plants and the herb circle. A surprisingly addictive activity, similar to litter picking. You just can't put your trowel down until you've done one more clump!

Fortified by watermelon and stroop waffles we left the beds clearer than when we arrived which is always a very satisfying feeling!

A gaggle of us then set off for our return run with pockets full of fresh mint - thank you for the route Cassy.

Already looking forward to our next visit!

On Wednesday we were asked to help the Oxford Preservation Trust with work at Iffley Glebe.

GLEBE:
noun 1. HISTORICAL a piece of land serving as part of a clergyman's benefice and providing income.

We had a few tasks to take care of:

• Maintaining the ancient wall by weeding all the little plants that start growing in the crevices and end up damaging the wall structure. There were also nettles, sycamore and cottoneaster growing in and beside the wall which needed cutting back or pulling out. This will enable a proper assessment of the wall for repairs to be undertaken.
• A walk around the meadow, moving dead wood on the grass to the edges of the glebe so that as much as possible can be cut.
• Lopping down low hanging branches of trees overhanging the field, so that the tractor can get as close as possible when mowing.

Once suitably covered in bug repellent we set to work, whizzing through the list in record time. The run back to base was a delight, taking in the Thames path, but could have been improved by inhaling slightly fewer midges!

Thanks to Ben for the report title!