GoodGym’s specially select handpicked Mencap duo helped out in the garden at the Exchange in Erith.

First we watered the trees and shrubs and learnt how to recognise different plants such as Myrtle. Then we swopped watering cans for hoes and rakes and weeded the gravel walkways. If it was green – it went in the bin! Next we sieved a huge bag of compost in preparation for our final task. Moving indoors to the heat of the tram shaped greenhouse, we sieved the compost into three trays, taking care to smooth over the beds using scrapers so they were nice and flat. Then we used a sprinkler to moisten the trays before spreading 3 types of herb seeds, like chicory, into the soil. Adding a layering of compost to dust over the seeds, we moistened the trays again. Louis says the seeds will appear in a few days and will be used as herbs in the kitchen.

After an early morning of parkrun activity at both Bexley and Dartford parkruns, several Goodgymers met at the Erith Exchange ready to tackle the gardens. Upon arrival I was extremely jealous of the greenhouse with the massive tomato plants growing inside! 🍅

We met with Louis, who gave us tasks straight away, watering and fertilising the plants as well as weeding and planting in other areas.

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With all the gear and not much idea, we were guided by Louis who helped point out the weeds and and the best place for planting the seedlings. There were a mixture of nasturtiums, climbing beans and morning glory which were planted along the fences with the hope that they will climb and bloom.

After all the hard work we couldn’t leave with out visiting the Bookshop cafe for a lovely brunch and coffee! ☕️

One Goodgymer supported The Exchange, Erith, by raking a shady planted slope, pulling up weeds and helping out with other gardening tasks. The work will help prepare the site for a houseplant sale on Sunday 19 June.

After a Saturday morning parkrun we headed to the Old English Library to help out with the garden. Upon arrival, Nick had already set about working on the “spikey area” 🌵 and introduced us to the head gardener, Louis. We were given a brief history and tour of the garden. The area has improved lots over the last few years, after having all the overgrown brambles removed. Our job was to dead head the fading daffodils and spring tulips and get rid of any weeds and sycamore seedlings. After a short while we could see the improvement. We took a look in the bespoke built greenhouse which is based on the design of the very first mobile library which was located in Erith and the selection of propagated house plants. We couldn’t have left without having brunch in the Bookshop cafe!

Louis works on the garden Wednesday-Friday and holds 2 Saturday sessions a month.