Emily, Tom 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

For the next few weeks 7 Goodgymers from Kingston and beyond signed up to help collect and submit data from their different areas of butterflies and moths in different surroundings including parks, hedgerows and gardens. This will help see how these wonderful species are doing in the current times and climate.

This morning I kicked my count off by observing some hedgerow by the Hogmill River. There mainly seemed to be just the one type here. Will hopefully see some more different types when I go looking in Richmond Park next week.