Emily, John and Gosia visited Hogsmill Community Garden today to help out with a couple of maintanace tasks requested by our lovely host - Julie.

It has been raining this weekend (almost all the time), so it was hard to expect anything else this morning. Fortunately, the weather was quite merciful and gifted us with a calm cloudy sky and just an occasional light rain 🌧.

Our first task was to cut back overgrown lilac tree 🌳, mulberry bushes 🫐 and some pesky vines which occupied one of garden's fences (one on the left of the entrance). The shed was very well equipped and we got a pair of shears ✂️ for each, which allowed us to tackle the task in around 30-40 mins.

In parallel, we also poured out accumulated water from trays placed near the same fence (which were used for flower pots and planters 🌱). Some extra water from time to time is nice but certainly we didn't want these plants to drown 🏊‍♂️.

After completing our first task we sat down at the table for a tea ☕️ and a great chitchat 💬 with Julie. We learned a bit more about the history of the garden, as well as events already hosted and planned for the future.

After this small break we kicked off the second task which was to take down a garden pavillion 🎪. Completing this task wouldn't be possible wihout a wonderful collab between GG and our host (one person per each corner). All was dismantled and put intro a polytunnel (as instructed) in around 15 mins.

Julie was very happy with the outcome and she invited us again (as there is always plenty to do) 🙂. It was a great productive start of the day and certainly we shall be back

Theo & Petra met Julie on a sunny Sunday for our usual monthly visit at Hogsmill. In full bloom, it was a feast for the eyes. As usual, we tacked hedges but this time, with nicely sharpened sheers which made all the difference. See you next time.

Amy and Petra met Brian on sunny Sunday to help with paining a wooden flowerbed. Moving it from under very wet plastic sheet into the sun - that was the heavy lifting done. We then sanded it down and painted it whilst catching some sunshine. Stopped for cup of tea and a biscuit that Brian kindly provided. See you in April.

Back to Hogsmill after a short winter break and straight to the usual task- armed with new battery, Kieron tackled the hedge cutting using an electric strimmer with Petra using manual cutters for the hard to get bits by the fence. In the meantime, Farzeen and Emily levelled a patch of dirt where we moved the kids sandpit. As usual, all under the close supervision of the ever so lovely Brian! See you in March.

This Sunday morning was dedicated to cutting the luscious green grass! A bit of challenge with the grass being wet but we were not to be defeated. Easier to do without the collecting basket, raked the grass after and added onto the compost. Job done. See you in Nov!

Theodore and Petra met Brian at Hogsmill to attend to the ever growing hedges along the perimeter of the garden. Hedge cutters on borrowed battery time, shears that have seen better days but GG grit and enthusiasm is not to be defeated. Brian told us all about their open day on Saturday which went well and I am happy that we play small but regular part in keeping this piece of Kingston gem going. See you in October.