This evening we headed to our sponsored riverside plot at the Three Pigeons. We go every month but this one was different as we were saying goodbye to a very special GoodGym Richmond member: Anita

Anita has been a member since 2017, was the first Richmond member to hit 500 good deeds and is already 150 beyond that. Beyond how much Anita has done for the community, she has been instrumental in the taking on, designing, leveling up and maintaining of our riverside plot. On task nights that means instructions with military precision but behind the scenes there has been even more work, liasing with the council, getting plant donations, planning task nights to make the most of them, and single-handedly looking after the area through drought periods and special events.

Although there is sadness at Anita's leaving as she heads off to an exciting new chapter in Swansea, the evening was a celebration of all that Anita has done - including her signature tasks: watering from the river and weeding with table knives! You can see more of what we got up to here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOX_wlTCBPT/?igsh=cDYxanUzbm43eXJ5

❤️Thank you so much Anita, from all of us and everyone who has walked past the arcade and Three Pigeons ans enjoyed the results of her hard work. ❤️

Greater Bigger Greener

Following on from Monday’s Big Green Group run mission, Naomi, Anita and new member Jack continued Richmond GG’s ‘The Great Big Green Week’ project with an evening of planting. Going greener and hopefully more wildlife friendly were the recently weeded areas beside three of the seven benches in Buccleuch Gardens, Richmond. Those who attended on Monday will know these benches as Doc, Dopey and Bashful. https://www.goodgym.org/reports/once-upon-a-time-in-great-big-green-week

Unfortunately It was not a straightforward task. Not only because of the heat and the rock hard ground but also because of the many steps involved: excavating compost from the bottom of the Arcade compost heap; digging in compost and manure-based soil improver; digging-out planting holes; planting; watering-in ; and finally tidying up.

Planted tonight were 2 Eunonyma Harlequin 4 compact hebe champagne ice 4 compact hebe Mrs Winder 42 bacopa plugs 2 x small fuchsia 4 x osteospurnum 2x petunia Harebell, Virginia stock and seeds.

Look out for Big Green Week watering missions on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th June to help get the new new planting established . There are also a pair of watering cans hidden at the side of the Arcade by the compost heap and solo, self-logged watering missions are hugely appreciated.