...Gun!

Second Monday of the Month so Liz led GoodGym Richmond’s Group Run from the Tap Tavern out along the Thames Thames path towards our sponsored plots in Buccleuch Gardens where the main task was watering, trying to get as many plants as possible through this latest heatwave.

Liz, Anita, Honor, Sarah Jane, Africa, Suze, Adam, Harry and Steph were able to create a human chain, filling watering cans and trugs with muddy Thames water to give the Three Pigeons Plot a really good soaking. There was also time for weeding, washing-up used plant pots and taking some much needed water to the Arcade planters and around some of the benches.

Our Social afterwards was a trip to the nearby cinema to see The Naked Gun where row D was entirely GG red and the laughs distracted us (and hopefully everyone else in the cinema) from the aroma of mud, sweat and Eau de Thames.

Garden watered this afternoon!

Congratulations James, first task complete!

Happy 9th birthday GoodGym Richmond!

Celebrating nine years of keeping fit by doing good in Richmond at the riverside plot we take care of on behalf of Richmond Council. A sunny jog along the river, followed by lots of watering, weeding, clearing up and happy chatting as we went. And a biscuit to finish!

Thank you to all 591 people who have done a task in Richmond over the last nine years!

Friday 11th July afternoon planting mission in GoodGym Richmond’s sponsored plots in Buccleuch Gardens to plant out over one hundred plants grown from seed.

32 degree temperatures really not ideal so lots of watering integral to this task and lots of watering missions likely to be listed over the next couple of weeks to ensure that people and wildlife can look forward to swathes of honesty, angelica, salvia, dianthus, zinnia, cornflower, lobelia and more .

Lunchtime session at GoodGym Richmond‘s sponsored plots in Buccleuch Gardens: scouting for tasks to tackle during the evening group run session and undertaking a miscellany of saw and secateur wielding jobs.

Chris and Anita worked to create new supports for the self-seeded hop plants that have been coiling across the Three Pigeons Plot. Heading into the overgrown water meadow area by the river, a band saw was the perfect tool for harvesting Willow poles but also proved a useful implement for hacking a path through the monstrous nettles, Himalayan balsam, gunnera and Hogweed.

Meanwhile Ken did a brilliant job tackled the brambles which have become an increasing problem in recent months ( and only brambles were bashed, no plane trees were harmed ).

The beautiful deep pink ‘Duchess of Dalkieth’ rose donated by the Duke of Buccleuch also benefited from a little gentle deadheading.

Honor, Chris, Ken, Anita and run leader Liz achieved best possible performance on Monday’s group run task combining quality, speed and humour to transform seven benches in Buccleuch Gardens at zero cost.

Before and after shots of all the benches taken with added zest!: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKtzvMrI9_e/?igsh=Y3d1c2JxYmVsa2R4