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The Lakehouse and AHS Gardeners update
Further to the post on 22 April this year, the plot on the corner of Blake Hall Road/ Blake Hall Crescent and Belgrave Road has developed even beyond our wildest expectations.
Redbridge Council issued us with a small bag of wildflower seeds which, after preparing the plot, we scattered.
Some of us were a little sceptical regarding how the rain garden/wildflower plot would develop. In order to make the plot look cared for, volunteers planted contributions from their own gardens. One of our volunteers provided signs and we kept a close eye on how the plot was being respected by the public.
Thanks also to the residents adjacent to the site, who were not originally part of the planting team but have offered the use of their water supply when needed.
The wet weather and the stony quality of the soil have proved to be the perfect combination for the wildflowers. Locals who travel past on the 101, W19 and 308 buses, have mentioned how lovely it looks.
Additionally, our gardening team was somewhat concerned during a heavy downpour as to whether the new drainage system, recently installed, would prove adequate. However, it coped well with the deluge of water, as seen in the photos.
The team continue to monitor the site and take pride in how the plot enhances the area. Bees and butterflies have been spotted which contributes to the wellbeing of our environment. The social interaction of not only the volunteer gardening group but others who have commented on the work is very positive in bringing people together.
We will continue to care for the site and look forward to supplying further updates.
Rosemarie Coffey, Lakehouse and AHS Gardeners
Summer trip to Sissinghurst Castle and the end of year Garden Party
Instead of the June meeting the AHS held its Annual Summer Trip, this year to the beautiful garden of Sissinghurst, created by Vita Sackville West and Harold Nicholson and now owned by the National Trust. Over 70 members and friends went on the visit on a day that started wet but cleared later. At the May meeting Ruth Martin gave a talk about the history and creation of Sissinghurst so hopefully those members who heard the talk were able to use their knowledge to understand and see how the garden has developed and appreciate its beauty today.
An end of year (that is the horticultural year) social for Aldersbrook Horticultural Society took place on a wet Tuesday evening in July. However, despite the weather, about 40 members turned out to share food which members brought and Prosecco provided by the AHS. Although, most of the evening took place indoors, when the sky cleared members were able to admire Theresa Holland’s beautiful garden. A horticultural quiz was enjoyed by several members and won by Julie Donovan. Ruth Martin, the chair of AHS, thanked Theresa for hosting the evening and announced the first meeting of the next horticultural year on Tuesday September 10th when Manoj Malde, a leading garden designer and RHS Ambassador will speak.