Tonight, we returned to Mostyn Gardens in Merton Park to create a new border for the external bed (an area we previously helped clear of weeds).

Some of us were tasked with digging a trench. Thankfully (or maybe not, given the resulting mud! 😉), the weather had softened the ground (improved further by the downpour while we were mid-task!) making it fairly soft and easy for our spades to make an impression.

With wheelbarrows at the ready, a couple of the team log-ged some serious miles collecting the wood for the border, piling it up ready to be staked into the ground.

For those seeking a slightly lighter task, there was also some pruning of the plum trees to be done - perfect for branching out from the rain! Handy that we came prepared with our secateurs.

Once the trenches were dug, it was all hands needed to fill them with logs and replace the (by now) mud.

It was good to welcome a couple of GoodGymers from out of the area and also Mik to his first task - not the easiest or the driest, but hopefully enjoyable nonetheless.

We got even more done than anticipated and are certainly helping this garden grow into something very special! 

Rain stopped play (or work) initially, as a thundery downpour soaked the garden, although full marks to Jade and Jo who kept calm and (tried to) carry on. Thankfully the deluge was quite brief and we could soon get stuck in clearing logs and stones in preparation for a new woodland display under the laurel tree, then digging it over, plus some general tidying and weeding. The garden is looking blooming lovely at the moment and the new insect hotel is the bee's knees.

It was one of the hottest evenings of the year but the heatwave didn't deter seven magnificent GoodGymers from running, walking or cycling up the steep hill that leads to the Ridgway. It was good to be back after our visit in May and this time we set to work trimming back a large tree, transplanting a shrub, spreading mulch and doing some weeding. Maggie and her husband kindly supplied juice and ice creams, which ensured there were no meltdowns. We look forward to returning in August.

Tonight, the team showed that even with a few regulars missing, a dozen hands can make a huge impact! We arrived to find Neaz and the team of Friends of Mostyn Gardens, ready to tackle an overgrown flower bed. Hacking back elderflower, pulling out stubborn ivy, and getting our hands dirty digging out weeds and turning the soil - it was a satisfying session.

Having cleared the way for the planting, we look forward to returning at the end of July to help with more jobs. Well done team!

Tonight we returned to finish the weeding job we started on our last visit, with almost double the volunteers but with what seemed like half the tools (as these had been locked in an office in error).

Despite the tool-to-volunteer ratio challenge, the team were able to batch up and tackle different areas of the grounds, whilst chatting with the first timers (welcome Sophia, Clara and Jeff!) and catching up on the latest goings on.

Of course we absolutely smashed it, completing the job in the time available. Having filled 9 bags with green rubbish, we were suitably rewarded with a caterpillar (cake). Later on Sophia's mum arrived with her car, to collect all the bags and take them for composting. Thank you and that's a bonus 'good' deed for when she signs up 😉, we look forward to welcoming you to the team soon. Well done everyone!

Next week's 'group' task is at Raynes Park station on Monday (2nd June) at 7.30pm - shifting compost onto the platform, we need advance sign ups to arrange the SWR safety training (for those that haven't had the pleasure already; a bonus behind the scenes experience). Join us if you can: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/help-friends-of-raynes-park-station-with-moving-compost-4264a7a8-3dbf-402d-98ed-f94a42becb5c