I made it to the Finchley Memorial Hospital for the second time this week.

The first time was to learn how Goodgymmers can help water the garden over the coming months, when volunteers are away. I found out where the tap was and what to do if the water tank was empty and the outdoor tap not even dripping. So I met security who let volunteers in through a fire exit to a cleaning cupboard with a tap, where we can fill watering cans.

All prepped, I was ready this session to then train up Subham, who jogged along to help - but there was no need! The outdoor tap was running fine, so we hooked up the hose and ran around under Lisa's supervision, making sure everything was watered and happy. The friendly robin bounced around as usual, and we spotted many pollinators.

All in, it was a good test to make sure the volunteers have cover over the coming months. They're continuing with their normal Friday morning sessions, and will need some help putting woodchip on the beds soon, to help retain moisture and heat. Keep an eye out for more listings!

Two Goodgymmers, Theo and George joined the wonderful volunteers at Finchley Memorial Hospital for a session clearing the 'other' kind of beds and then planting some of the displaced sage and lavender plants.

We dug over the dandelions and pulled up pansies, but we left some clover for ground cover until the team are ready to start sowing in their veg. After digging in the shrubs, the volunteers watered everything well. After weeding the bed next to us, volunteers put weed suppressant sheets down in preparation for sowing beans.

The composting, planting and mulching in the raised beds is still not quite finished, so we hope to be back a couple more times in spring to help.