It was a beautiful sunny morning for five of us plus Arthur to join Annie for a spot of clearing in the Hervey Road sports field garden.

After a trundle over with the wheely bin full of tools for the jobs at hand we got stuck in giving the lavender we've previously planted (and that's now thriving and becoming a little unruly) a trim, digging up alkanet, clearing leaves and making numerous trips to empty full bags and return for more.

You'll be pleased to know the final pair of secateurs were located in Annie's house but that was after Arthur and I returned to painstakingly look through all the remaining leaves (or in Arthur's case having a whale of a time kicking them all over the car park 🫣)

Anyway thank you all, the lavendar is looking much better tended to after an hour of work so great job team and kudus to you all for doing the litter pick today 💪

Until next time!

Rachel

It was great to be back at Hervey road, a garden built from scratch by volunteer leader Annie and her helpers and located in a rescued sports field.

Two Good Gymers had two tasks: the first, handled by Ivar, was to plant lavender in the gaps between the lavender that Good Gym has been steadily planting over the last year to replace the stuff that inattentive drivers have mashed with their cars; and the second, handled by Julian, was to tackle our perennial enemies of alkanet and bramble to give space for the lavender to flourish. In an hour we'd achieved a lot and the two intrepid Good Gymers left to prepare fro their next mission of the day.

Eleven GoodGym legends headed over to Hervey Road Sports Field Community Garden last night to help break new ground by planting lavender and with the ground baked dry after the recent weather, it wasn't quite as simple as digging a few holes.

We spent the evening getting diggy with it, carefully planting the lavender before giving every new addition a much-needed drink. Because when in drought, watering is every bit as important as planting, and we made sure the new plants had the best possible start in their new home.

A huge congratulations to Aman on joining the TaskForce, its brilliant to have you taking on this new role. And another big congratulations to Mark for completing his 10th Good Deed!

Thanks to everyone who came along for a lovely evening of gardening, teamwork and plenty of puns courtsey of Aman and Ivar.

Until next time you lavly bunch!

Rachel

On a very warm and barmy evening, nine GoodGymers made their way (gently) to Hervey Road Sports Ground. Some ran (slowly in the heat), while others walked. We all panted breathlessly and wondered if we would ever feel a gentle breeze again…

When we arrived at the sports ground community garden, we were greeted by James, the son of Anne, who is behind the Hervey Road Sports Ground gardening project. Poor Anne has broken her wrist, so James (who had even cut short his holiday!) stepped in to brief us in her place. Thank you, James, and get well soon, Anne!

Over the last few years, GoodGym has regularly helped with the annual lavender planting around the border of the car park. This time, GoodGym was replacing some of the lavender plants that hadn't survived with 27 fresh new ones.

After some clear instructions from James, we all set about watering, digging holes, adding soil and planting the lavender. Before long, the wonderful fragrance of lavender filled the car park. There was just enough time for a final group photo before we sauntered home in the now cooler evening light, leaving behind a little more L❤️vendar than we'd arrived with.

Title by @Aman

Gardening at Hervey Road when the temperature is close to body temperature, what can possibly go wrong? For starters, the gate was locked. The first few minutes were spent trying to find someone to contact to get the code or walk along the field to find another way in. We had no luck with either, so we decided to go to Annie’s place to do some gardening instead. Then, out of nowhere, a woman from across the street appeared, who happened to know the code. We were finally in, and the code to the gate is now a secret that a select few Goodgymers are in on.

Today’s main task was to water the trees and plants that were struggling in the extreme heat. Four watering cans made their way across the car park countless times, providing much needed water to the scorched ground. But all this hard work and scorching sun made us see stars in the end. We decided to wrap up a few minutes early, to seek out some shade and a cold drink. If trees can feel gratitude, then the ones at Hervey Road are feeling it right now!

On this fine morn, the brave gardeners of Goodgym — Sir Ivar, Dame Carolin, and Squire Sam — gathered at the enchanted garden of Hervey Road to perform acts of noble horticulture. With secateurs as their trusty swords and a bucket for their spoils, they ventured forth to tame the wild lavender that had grown too bold.

Swift hands and Annie’s keen eyes guided the pruning, filling the air with the sweet, magical fragrance of lavender — enough to enchant any wandering soul. The precious sprigs were carefully gathered, destined to bring joy indoors.

As the sun climbed higher, the trio turned to a few rogue weeds daring to challenge their domain. With courage and a touch of mischievous glee, they vanquished the intruders, leaving the garden orderly and serene.

Thus ended the quest of the day: lavender subdued, baskets full, and spirits lifted, ready to return another day to their verdant realm.