tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43057010814807309092024-03-13T02:30:34.991+00:00Travels in and around my gardenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-53485042678923411892014-05-26T16:00:00.001+01:002014-05-26T17:11:22.832+01:00Nasturtiums - edible and beautiful<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In this post, my first under the new blog name, I'll be discussing the edible flowers and leaves of the nasturtium, tropaeolum majus, amongst other edible plants and garden related themes. This one has survived the winter, crawling along the ground, curling around other plants and exploding in a show of colour. Planted in a big pot with some rocket, long harvested and now bolted, it has provided endless interest for the past few months, when my 20ft high, 20 year old Ceanothus arboreus 'Trewithen Blue' broke in three and crashed into the garden, in the St Valentine's Day storm of 14th February 2014.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />I've been trying to get rid of a very invasive ground cover bamboo Pleioblastus Pygmaeus so there hasn't been much else to look at, apart from dead branches, except the curious nasturtium. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The year before I
grew a beautiful deep blood red nasturtium, but this one has many
colours on the same plant from cream flushed apricot/orange, to
vermilion contrasting with the blue-green circular leaves. It is the
same plant, I've checked!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Native
to South and Central America and sometimes called Indian Cress, the
leaves and flowers are edible with a peppery taste not unlike the true
Nasturtium (watercress) which is a member of the Brassica family. They
aren't related! You can use them in a number of ways like these ones</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://noshingwiththenolands.com/raspberry-pecan-nasturtium-spinach-salad/" target="_blank">Raspberry, Pecan, Nasturtium and Spinach Salad with a Raspberry Vinaigrette</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.kitchenlane.com/2012/08/too-pretty-to-eat-almost-nasturtium.html" target="_blank">Nasturtium Salad with Nasturtium Vinaigrette.</a></b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> If you like Vietnamese style </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">spring rolls, try</span><a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/summer-rolls-with-marigolds-and-nasturtiums/"> Summer Rolls with Marigolds and Nasturtiums</a></span></span></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<br /></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">It goes without saying that these flowers and leaves should be pesticide free, so it's better to grow them yourself than buy them from a nursery or shop.
You can make nasturtium butters and infuse vinegar with the leaves and
flowers, nasturtium pesto, and use the unripe seed pods as a substitute
for capers. For more nasturtium recipes and ideas visit<b> <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/tag/nasturtium" target="_blank">Tastespotting</a>. </b>Or how about some <a href="http://spanglishbaby.com/food/tortillas-de-cempazuchitl-marigold-tortillas-recipe/" target="_blank">marigold tortillas</a>? Or <a href="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2013/07/the-smell-of-summer-with-a-floral-salad-recipe-egg-and-tomato-salad-with-marigold-chive-flowers.html" target="_blank">Egg and Tomato Salad with Marigold and Chive Flowers</a>?
There are many flowers you can use, from courgettes to herbs, to
lavender and rose petals, to borage flowers in your Pimm's to flavoured
sugars. Apart from adding a wonderful splash of colour, they provide interesting and unusual tastes.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
</div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Why not try a Tactile Dinner, from La Cucina Futurista (the Futurist Cookbook)?</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b class="style11"> Diabolical Roses</b>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">
Red roses, battered and deep-fried</span>, <span style="font-weight: normal;">or</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="style11">Taste Buds Take Off</span></b>:
A soup of concentrated meat stock, champagne, and grappa, garnished
with
rose petals — “a masterpiece of brothy lyricism.” Heston Blumenthal,
eat your heart out! This bonkers manifesto has been tainted by
association with Mussolini who adopted it, but it contains some
delightful and challenging concepts and ideas about food. The Futurists
were concerned with, among other things, abolishing pasta and the knife
and fork. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<br /></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A good source of information is the <a href="http://theedibleflowershop.co.uk/" target="_blank">Edible Flower Shop</a>,
where you can also buy seeds, plants and dried petals - at a premium -
so you might want to take the ideas and buy the seeds somewhere else. If
you are catering, try <a href="http://www.maddocksfarmorganics.co.uk/buy_edible_flowers.html">Maddox Farm Organics</a>. A list of edible flowers with links to photographs, and a companion list of toxic plants, is on <a href="http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blflowers.htm">About.com</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1wHp8YyI4Y/U4M-2yG9p3I/AAAAAAAAB-Y/mgyAj7ga2Pc/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1wHp8YyI4Y/U4M-2yG9p3I/AAAAAAAAB-Y/mgyAj7ga2Pc/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Big mess o'branches!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theedibleflowershop.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Brie-with-violas-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://theedibleflowershop.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Brie-with-violas-2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Brie, studded with violas (from the Edible Flower Shop blog)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkrzH5vWjgY/U4MtlgnCUjI/AAAAAAAAB88/YV2TfXwt0Yk/s1600/IMG_4738b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkrzH5vWjgY/U4MtlgnCUjI/AAAAAAAAB88/YV2TfXwt0Yk/s1600/IMG_4738b.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Glorious painterly nasturtium flowers all on the same plant</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHHfUoPDJ8E/U4Mtm-7JBZI/AAAAAAAAB9I/lUkK5sbmB5M/s1600/IMG_4743b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHHfUoPDJ8E/U4Mtm-7JBZI/AAAAAAAAB9I/lUkK5sbmB5M/s1600/IMG_4743b.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vks3Cy17Ftg/U4Mtk2aBabI/AAAAAAAAB9A/-0OgVxskaL0/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vks3Cy17Ftg/U4Mtk2aBabI/AAAAAAAAB9A/-0OgVxskaL0/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ETEaETo5qY/U4NCcRFdyyI/AAAAAAAAB_I/GEOk5qTWRWQ/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ETEaETo5qY/U4NCcRFdyyI/AAAAAAAAB_I/GEOk5qTWRWQ/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Big basil leaf - last year these grew hand-sized</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last but not least, a species daylily that has been in my garden for some years and has decided to produce flowers again this year. It is Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus, a plant grown since the 16th century and has sweetly scented flowers.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5oGsUe-Knw/U4Mt0b63wtI/AAAAAAAAB-I/o1HnUXwMaWU/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5oGsUe-Knw/U4Mt0b63wtI/AAAAAAAAB-I/o1HnUXwMaWU/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beautiful and scented Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus (bought as H. flava) - they last more than a day, too</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span dir="auto"><br /></span></span></span></span></h1>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-29339640656703979502014-05-13T19:00:00.000+01:002014-05-13T19:04:07.748+01:00The last post!<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Beautiful and abundant</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the final post for Goldsmiths Community Garden, which was reclaimed just over two years' ago in a neglected corner of the community centre grounds. I no longer maintain the garden but appreciate the initial work, donations of time, resources and plants by volunteers and local community organisations and groups, and the regular maintenance of the garden every Sunday by the Community Payback Team. The garden has been transformed but more importantly kept under control and ownership, and this has spread to the rest of the grounds which now look wonderful, open and inviting.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">These photographs were taken on 13 May 2014 and the one of the bulb display in April. </span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thanks go to all the supporters of the community garden with special mention to Elwood Amey for his horticultural advice, experience and persistence; to Anne Marie at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LewishamGardens?fref=ts" target="_blank">Lewisham Gardens </a>for her enthusiasm, friendship and contacts; to Ruth Webber, <a href="http://www.downhamnutrition.org.uk/" target="_blank">Downham Nutrition Partnership</a>, for her encouragement and friendship in making the garden accessible; to <a href="http://www.deliciousmostnutritious.co.uk/" target="_blank">Delicious most Nutritious</a>, for their enthusiasm and participation in making use of the garden plants; to Goldsmiths centre users and groups for their voluntary work and donations; to <a href="http://growmayow.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Ruth and Suriya</a> for their inspiration and enthusiasm for creating the herb spiral and introducing me to permaculture; to Katy Delaney at <a href="http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/contact-us/Pages/contact.aspx?directoryid=262&source=%2Fcontact-us%2Fpages%2Fcontacts-a-to-z.aspx%3FLetter%3DG%26Page%3D1" target="_blank">Lewisham Council Green Scene</a> Community Garden Grants and compost/love food hate waste workshops; and to <a href="http://www.capitalgrowth.org/" target="_blank">Capital Growth</a>, the <a href="http://www.copperconsultancy.com/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-lives-on/" target="_blank">RHS/Groundwork Re-Use schem</a>e and <a href="https://www.growwilduk.com/about-grow-wild" target="_blank">Grow Wild</a>, and the <a href="http://www.mpga.org.uk/" target="_blank">Metropolitan Public Gardens Association</a> for grants and donations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kKhAVCrFh4/U3JWR16bGmI/AAAAAAAAB5U/8TpXdU4KlY8/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kKhAVCrFh4/U3JWR16bGmI/AAAAAAAAB5U/8TpXdU4KlY8/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdDhE900LhE/U3JWVX89PjI/AAAAAAAAB5g/LO2zHib1cWg/s1600/IMG_4706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdDhE900LhE/U3JWVX89PjI/AAAAAAAAB5g/LO2zHib1cWg/s1600/IMG_4706.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mtRmsNlg5g/U3JWSMDVBMI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/VZfvFxLgTS4/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mtRmsNlg5g/U3JWSMDVBMI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/VZfvFxLgTS4/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F104duJ5o00/U3JWXj4z9sI/AAAAAAAAB5o/Dei4_mgNuDI/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F104duJ5o00/U3JWXj4z9sI/AAAAAAAAB5o/Dei4_mgNuDI/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYWAd9eEi30/U3JWcz_gWVI/AAAAAAAAB54/lLlb09lfemU/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYWAd9eEi30/U3JWcz_gWVI/AAAAAAAAB54/lLlb09lfemU/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFQ5zN7KIMc/U3JWkoQMW1I/AAAAAAAAB6I/OtazMbmAzRs/s1600/IMG_4715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFQ5zN7KIMc/U3JWkoQMW1I/AAAAAAAAB6I/OtazMbmAzRs/s1600/IMG_4715.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXHTcSogAFU/U3JWuFzEveI/AAAAAAAAB6g/n9UP1fM3peg/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXHTcSogAFU/U3JWuFzEveI/AAAAAAAAB6g/n9UP1fM3peg/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dOHwHMApYw/U3JWotS9bNI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/6ekv22KvZmw/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dOHwHMApYw/U3JWotS9bNI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/6ekv22KvZmw/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5caxdTY_Ck0/U3JWsaGF-3I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/P_UZkkG_j8w/s1600/IMG_4717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5caxdTY_Ck0/U3JWsaGF-3I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/P_UZkkG_j8w/s1600/IMG_4717.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSfmxFHhCZI/U3JY7H4vG6I/AAAAAAAAB6o/t7k1ywRHXFA/s1600/IMG_4529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSfmxFHhCZI/U3JY7H4vG6I/AAAAAAAAB6o/t7k1ywRHXFA/s1600/IMG_4529.JPG" height="640" width="568" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-13772233541567825602013-11-17T10:59:00.001+00:002013-11-17T10:59:13.636+00:00In and around the local area<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouzqUfCC05M/Uohx09IJSHI/AAAAAAAABok/0FkHrk15AHo/s1600/IMG_4423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouzqUfCC05M/Uohx09IJSHI/AAAAAAAABok/0FkHrk15AHo/s1600/IMG_4423.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">View towards Crystal Palace from Durham Hill</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There is nothing like a crisp late autumn afternoon to go exploring the local area. The light is precious at this time of year and you have to make the most of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In all the years I worked in Downham and used the old (and lovely) swimming baths and library off Moorside Road, although I must have seen it I didn't really take that much notice of their location and the magnificent views across south London. Durham Hill, which is sometimes referred to as Downham Playing Fields, is accessible from various points along Downham Way, Moorside Road at the junction with Durham Hill (the road), and behind the Leisure Centre.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/__data/assets/image/0017/305027/downham-baths-01576-750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/__data/assets/image/0017/305027/downham-baths-01576-750.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Downham Swimming Baths (photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/lewisham/assets/histories/downham" target="_blank">Ideal Homes</a>)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZGwOVdURd4/Uoh2_5fnX1I/AAAAAAAABpE/YNZulKaNdo0/s1600/downhambaths.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZGwOVdURd4/Uoh2_5fnX1I/AAAAAAAABpE/YNZulKaNdo0/s1600/downhambaths.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'When I came back in 2002 the baths had closed and were in a sorry state' (text and photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.friendsreunited.com/downham-swimming-baths-now-in-a-very-sorry-state-this-photo-taken-4-3-02-by-nor/Memory/8a74b0b5-cff2-48b6-bff5-967a2b1c336a" target="_blank">Friends Reunited</a>)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The baths and library were eventually demolished to make way for the PFI financed Downham 'Lifestyles' Health and Leisure Centre, which combines health services and leisure activities in one odd looking building - from the front at least.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-luGsKPqQRlI/Uohxv4vI9eI/AAAAAAAABoc/TV8ZI8Pu5FA/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-luGsKPqQRlI/Uohxv4vI9eI/AAAAAAAABoc/TV8ZI8Pu5FA/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Downham Health & Leisure Centre, looking towards Downham Way/Launcelot Road</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4r5BpLPXUg/Uohx9aqqqsI/AAAAAAAABos/vLXQaS9_3fc/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4r5BpLPXUg/Uohx9aqqqsI/AAAAAAAABos/vLXQaS9_3fc/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Towards Downham Way, in the autumn sunshine.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIDV0lXEKiE/UohyCmT5X2I/AAAAAAAABo0/cKmOT8WlCNE/s1600/IMG_4426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIDV0lXEKiE/UohyCmT5X2I/AAAAAAAABo0/cKmOT8WlCNE/s1600/IMG_4426.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Towards Southover and Bromley Hill</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Closer to home near Goldsmiths Community Garden and the centre the prefab estate is being prepared for demolition and redevelopment. I'm struck by how quickly the lovingly tended gardens have been reclaimed by michaelmas daisies, brambles and bindweed; grass unmowed, shrubs not pruned back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Contrast the two photos below, taken in March 2011, with now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzGIMGjy4UI/UoigXNM7ENI/AAAAAAAABps/FIuYvdjB1Vc/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzGIMGjy4UI/UoigXNM7ENI/AAAAAAAABps/FIuYvdjB1Vc/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sJ3QjDEY34/UoigxAMn8FI/AAAAAAAABp0/bIwX9DbVYro/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sJ3QjDEY34/UoigxAMn8FI/AAAAAAAABp0/bIwX9DbVYro/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Eighteen months' later. The end of an era.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shyFM7QXzIU/UohxZ11_LHI/AAAAAAAABn8/_g2tzwLBqkw/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shyFM7QXzIU/UohxZ11_LHI/AAAAAAAABn8/_g2tzwLBqkw/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ot3Xse1SjXQ/Uohxrsb_tzI/AAAAAAAABoU/k4YKjvPnLSE/s1600/IMG_4373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ot3Xse1SjXQ/Uohxrsb_tzI/AAAAAAAABoU/k4YKjvPnLSE/s1600/IMG_4373.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Te7XhBu_9bQ/UohxjKPpWxI/AAAAAAAABoM/qDAbIX8K010/s1600/IMG_4371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Te7XhBu_9bQ/UohxjKPpWxI/AAAAAAAABoM/qDAbIX8K010/s1600/IMG_4371.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7dUqFcu-xQ/UoieTA0d7pI/AAAAAAAABpU/Fw9B5asy8gw/s1600/IMG_4366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7dUqFcu-xQ/UoieTA0d7pI/AAAAAAAABpU/Fw9B5asy8gw/s1600/IMG_4366.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-67445672463537773292013-09-12T17:42:00.000+01:002013-09-13T11:49:19.941+01:00Fruits of our labours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqw9_xckxpM/UjLW82bewxI/AAAAAAAABm4/cS3W4gHaIxs/s1600/IMG_4325A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQlvbje33lU/UjLW8cBS4dI/AAAAAAAABm0/PwgPxHaC5e0/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQlvbje33lU/UjLW8cBS4dI/AAAAAAAABm0/PwgPxHaC5e0/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1915680070"></span><span id="goog_1915680071"></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chill in the air</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">It's
been a fruitful year in the community garden, little by little; many
herbs have been picked and grown stronger for it, the bricks of the herb
spiral are hardly visible, one apple appeared on the fruit trees
planted in early spring and the trees are beginning to establish.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">A
few blackcurrants, peas and lettuces here, some tomatoes there.
Lettuces, leeks and broccoli grown in terracotta pipes it's been a year
of surprises all round. The brambles are nearly vanquished. When I
arrived at the centre on Tuesday green Marmande tomatoes were lined up
on the patio table - mysterious. I'll have to make a lot of space on my
south facing windowsills for them to ripen, now the temperature has
dropped. The ones left on the plants (not many!) may ripen if the sun
comes out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Trevor, super
volunteer at the IT Suite, and his wife Rita donated a compost tumbler
and a big bag of compost to the garden. All the fruit trees have
benefitted from this largesse, and the compost to come. The compost bins
built from pallets last year have got bigger and bigger and have now
become a repository for branches and twigs. A job for the autumn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Meishu and Una
from Kendale Allotments community gardens brought produce to the Downham
Nutrition Partnership AGM on 11 September, which shows what can be done
in smallish spaces.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqw9_xckxpM/UjLW82bewxI/AAAAAAAABm4/cS3W4gHaIxs/s1600/IMG_4325A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqw9_xckxpM/UjLW82bewxI/AAAAAAAABm4/cS3W4gHaIxs/s1600/IMG_4325A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kendale display at the Downham Nutrition Partnership AGM, with tomato varieties from Dr Tattersfield's garden, white borage, herbs, calendua from Goldsmiths Community Garden and green Marmande tomatoes from Kendale allotments</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMdZTWjKxmE/UjLWrcM3pjI/AAAAAAAABmQ/Z1VlTC19xjg/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMdZTWjKxmE/UjLWrcM3pjI/AAAAAAAABmQ/Z1VlTC19xjg/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A solitary Braeburn apple from the fruit trees planted in February this year</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nENVFJ3uMyc/UjLWu1SSt5I/AAAAAAAABmY/2f2E2khhKnc/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nENVFJ3uMyc/UjLWu1SSt5I/AAAAAAAABmY/2f2E2khhKnc/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Swiftly consumed by Kerry!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWuPof565s8/UjLW3k9gt1I/AAAAAAAABmk/qQMZdlK4T08/s1600/IMG_4321A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWuPof565s8/UjLW3k9gt1I/AAAAAAAABmk/qQMZdlK4T08/s1600/IMG_4321A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Una's produce from Kendale</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GftAT-C6IdI/UjHf5V3OYdI/AAAAAAAABlY/lbyt-tZ7y4o/s1600/IMG_4300.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GftAT-C6IdI/UjHf5V3OYdI/AAAAAAAABlY/lbyt-tZ7y4o/s1600/IMG_4300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Rosemary, sage and mint in the herb spiral, planted September 2012</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFHcfcekqxk/UjHYImk93wI/AAAAAAAABkE/cetGwBIAEU0/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFHcfcekqxk/UjHYImk93wI/AAAAAAAABkE/cetGwBIAEU0/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The herb spiral and brick bed, lavender still in flower 3rd September 2013</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-84902175967168932022013-07-24T07:53:00.000+01:002013-07-24T08:25:49.220+01:00Garden travels -Les jardins d'Evea, Maresquel<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In late May we visited old friends in Lesconil-Plobannalec located in the Pays Bigouden, Finistere, in the far south west of Brittany. As soon as I turned my camera on it died as I'd forgotten to charge the battery. This also happened to my phone. I had to rely on my memories, and last year's photos (as though I could forget this view of the harbour).</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4T6vpVzaKuY/Ue9uTcE1cfI/AAAAAAAABVw/b1erxuua5R8/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4T6vpVzaKuY/Ue9uTcE1cfI/AAAAAAAABVw/b1erxuua5R8/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Photo taken from outside the shop, which has an oyster stall on market days and displayed this copy of Liberation, which made me laugh every time I walked past.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WckWfGs3U8/Ue9wNtRtEeI/AAAAAAAABWA/412VU2xQ2Iw/s1600/horreur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WckWfGs3U8/Ue9wNtRtEeI/AAAAAAAABWA/412VU2xQ2Iw/s1600/horreur.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We spent Bastille Day (14 July) weekend at a friend's house in Humeroeuille, Nord Pas de Calais. This time, the camera worked and I used it to take photos of a garden that we'd visited three years ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.lesjardinsdevea.fr/en/" target="_blank">Les Jardins D'Evea</a> is on the road between <a href="http://www.informationfrance.com/hesdin.php" target="_blank">Hesdin</a> and the lovely walled town of <a href="http://www.informationfrance.com/montreuil-sur-mer.php" target="_blank">Montreuil Sur Mer</a>, behind a typical suburban house with a stunning front garden. Alain and Sylvie Dautreppe the owners have created this garden in only 12 years (and 8,500 plants!). It is one of the most eccentric gardens I've visited, with surprises at every turn, like this delightful quote. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPBIK-fF-JE/Ue9nJChyflI/AAAAAAAABUo/Sab1tb9tNt4/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPBIK-fF-JE/Ue9nJChyflI/AAAAAAAABUo/Sab1tb9tNt4/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The 5 acre garden is divided into areas and 'rooms' with plants from all over the world interspersed with old furniture, statues and farm equipment creatively and artfully displayed. You may run into chickens, ducks and turkeys along the way or encounter a japanese bridge. A stream forms the boundary of the garden, a tributary of the Canche. If you are in the area, pay a visit - 5,80 euros well spent!</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They sell very healthy plants (I was very tempted) and have a delightful small cafe and seating area.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVsAoVfLXVA/Ue9mRQaApqI/AAAAAAAABSc/wwZav0ovjdo/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVsAoVfLXVA/Ue9mRQaApqI/AAAAAAAABSc/wwZav0ovjdo/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msUK9DUs00g/Ue9mXMaC55I/AAAAAAAABSk/sb6ctXebEfg/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msUK9DUs00g/Ue9mXMaC55I/AAAAAAAABSk/sb6ctXebEfg/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S4yIXattVA/Ue9mYTn_tRI/AAAAAAAABSs/ivyPGc3GkLw/s1600/IMG_4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S4yIXattVA/Ue9mYTn_tRI/AAAAAAAABSs/ivyPGc3GkLw/s1600/IMG_4153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCXEe2SMfwI/Ue9mc684AuI/AAAAAAAABS0/rZcCgjcr76w/s1600/IMG_4154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCXEe2SMfwI/Ue9mc684AuI/AAAAAAAABS0/rZcCgjcr76w/s1600/IMG_4154.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1qpeJ5MIdY/Ue9mlauCrCI/AAAAAAAABTE/qMhX-gC6sMY/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1qpeJ5MIdY/Ue9mlauCrCI/AAAAAAAABTE/qMhX-gC6sMY/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TA7XhH_6k7I/Ue9mnB6kqDI/AAAAAAAABTM/bprLRynFID8/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fwkTjAVSWU/Ue9mxpwuspI/AAAAAAAABTk/GxNCVopHozk/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fwkTjAVSWU/Ue9mxpwuspI/AAAAAAAABTk/GxNCVopHozk/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFgvIDp0i3o/Ue9myDPM-QI/AAAAAAAABTs/2bA3BhwHs90/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFgvIDp0i3o/Ue9myDPM-QI/AAAAAAAABTs/2bA3BhwHs90/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CA5VG2yY6I/Ue9m45OxCOI/AAAAAAAABT8/65D9gTcgLNE/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2CA5VG2yY6I/Ue9m45OxCOI/AAAAAAAABT8/65D9gTcgLNE/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EfZgHuQvlc/Ue9m8YV_DPI/AAAAAAAABUE/XxLh9RpkDcI/s1600/IMG_4164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EfZgHuQvlc/Ue9m8YV_DPI/AAAAAAAABUE/XxLh9RpkDcI/s1600/IMG_4164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou-cDbaJMgg/Ue9m-zPhMhI/AAAAAAAABUM/WPougZGYFUY/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou-cDbaJMgg/Ue9m-zPhMhI/AAAAAAAABUM/WPougZGYFUY/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1hqnaq4fzo/Ue9nDLcE61I/AAAAAAAABUU/k8-pVzE3Too/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1hqnaq4fzo/Ue9nDLcE61I/AAAAAAAABUU/k8-pVzE3Too/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-78ui_z85g/Ue9nao4ewwI/AAAAAAAABVY/PLQn4efJyyg/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-78ui_z85g/Ue9nao4ewwI/AAAAAAAABVY/PLQn4efJyyg/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-biFeOuRZ2KM/Ue9nXHBFArI/AAAAAAAABVQ/22xui7Lh9Bc/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-biFeOuRZ2KM/Ue9nXHBFArI/AAAAAAAABVQ/22xui7Lh9Bc/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7UThsXy4i8/Ue9ndca8MdI/AAAAAAAABVg/CbS6kAZoFVA/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7UThsXy4i8/Ue9ndca8MdI/AAAAAAAABVg/CbS6kAZoFVA/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c1vSYzlbJ8/Ue9nRlgETYI/AAAAAAAABVA/JxL3tfkbw8g/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c1vSYzlbJ8/Ue9nRlgETYI/AAAAAAAABVA/JxL3tfkbw8g/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-60987710877886185702013-07-05T12:18:00.002+01:002013-07-05T18:18:34.130+01:00The pipes of broccoli<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yesterday was the first time I'd had a good look around the grounds, to see what progress has been made other than in the community garden. Outside the hall, the beds have been dug over and I discovered what had happened to the tray of broccoli seedlings I picked up from St Mungo's a few weeks ago. They seem to be thriving!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2fv36z6Ox8/UdZEMSGDQOI/AAAAAAAABOs/INyeHJoYfMM/s1600/IMG_4035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2fv36z6Ox8/UdZEMSGDQOI/AAAAAAAABOs/INyeHJoYfMM/s1600/IMG_4035.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFPcrBjxEs0/UdZERr-WBkI/AAAAAAAABO0/e-goyetIu4U/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFPcrBjxEs0/UdZERr-WBkI/AAAAAAAABO0/e-goyetIu4U/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the community garden itself, the blackcurrant bush planted last spring has produced a few berries. Watch out, Ribena... Herbs, traditional apothecary plants, fruit and vegetables all happily co-exist in this sunny open space.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0cPcsNDp74/UdZECjw3JvI/AAAAAAAABOo/SW957SKe7dA/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0cPcsNDp74/UdZECjw3JvI/AAAAAAAABOo/SW957SKe7dA/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These lovely dianthus are now in full bloom. They were from Lidl or Aldi, 99p specials. I don't know the name of the white, pink tipped rose although I've had a good look on the internet.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytdwfcV-ils/UdZDtZsRcwI/AAAAAAAABOE/e9N4Dmgtkco/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytdwfcV-ils/UdZDtZsRcwI/AAAAAAAABOE/e9N4Dmgtkco/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-By3fHteAM9w/UdZG_J2P-nI/AAAAAAAABPE/BEqi2KwxTCg/s1600/IMG_4026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-By3fHteAM9w/UdZG_J2P-nI/AAAAAAAABPE/BEqi2KwxTCg/s1600/IMG_4026.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Every Thursday morning the community garden is transformed with a shade sail and tent, books and toys and guinea pigs, for the pre-walkers outdoor play session run by Limelight. The session provides sensory experiences for the little ones, and it's great to see the garden put to such good use!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1fmdnrViYY/UdZDznB4OUI/AAAAAAAABOQ/lN_PzxVMOUQ/s1600/IMG_4028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1fmdnrViYY/UdZDznB4OUI/AAAAAAAABOQ/lN_PzxVMOUQ/s1600/IMG_4028.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4MtUdx4DxQ/UdZD3RPDYcI/AAAAAAAABOY/uOjana8VBoc/s1600/IMG_4029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4MtUdx4DxQ/UdZD3RPDYcI/AAAAAAAABOY/uOjana8VBoc/s1600/IMG_4029.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London, UK51.434884596443673 0.002112675393618701551.434266096443672 0.00085217539361870159 51.435503096443675 0.0033731753936187014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-21587882339357115432013-06-29T12:35:00.001+01:002013-06-29T12:35:35.473+01:00Midsummer update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7z1XUcjolk/Uc6ybH00ViI/AAAAAAAABKs/q_xZ9R4tkJs/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7z1XUcjolk/Uc6ybH00ViI/AAAAAAAABKs/q_xZ9R4tkJs/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Note the bucket and terracotta pipes - more later</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the community garden in mid-February 2013 before the fruit trees were planted. We received a grant of £150 towards a mini-orchard from <a href="http://www.capitalgrowth.org/" target="_blank">Capital Growth</a>, and Elwood kindly bought and collected them from <a href="http://www.keepers-nursery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Keepers Nursery</a> near Maidstone.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The photograph below was taken in May, with the fruit trees planted and settled in. We are now the proud guardians of three apple trees, three pear trees, a King James mulberry tree and a red filbert.</span></span> The apple trees flowered and have produced fruit. The idea was to replace the brambles, which local people could pick if they dared, with something more substantial and less thorny! Removing the chain link fence from behind the palisade means that we can remove the bindweed more easily too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kSMEZQII4w/Uc6yodtfiPI/AAAAAAAABLM/gDjpb5glSOY/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kSMEZQII4w/Uc6yodtfiPI/AAAAAAAABLM/gDjpb5glSOY/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The community garden benefitted last year from the Groundwork Hampton Court Flower Show re-use scheme, and again this June from their <a href="http://london.groundwork.org.uk/news--events/news/2013/chelsea-flower-show-re-use.aspx" target="_blank">Chelsea Flower Show re-use scheme</a> co-ordinated by Anne Marie of <a href="http://lewishamgardens.webs.com/apps/blog/show/26924343-groundwork-re-use-scheme-recycling-chelsea-flower-show-plants-" target="_blank">Lewisham Gardens.</a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last year the plants were collected and distributed at St Swithun's, Hither Green Lane, and this year at <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110118095356/http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/imagecache/csLarge/case-studies/node/add/casestudy/Maggie_s_centre_London_013.jpg" target="_blank">Spring Gardens</a>, Hither Green, a homeless hostel managed by the St Mungo's charity. The first articulated lorry turned up bearing large quantities of york stone, paving blocks and aggregate and the driver kindly gave us both a go of the grabber remote control - an unrealised dream until then!</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Payback has paid off!</h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The payback team have taken the community garden to their hearts. Without their careful tending of the garden every Sunday, I would need to be there a lot more.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhnxtRLoM9I/Uc6ykNXs7eI/AAAAAAAABLA/G561QeLNPI8/s1600/IMG_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhnxtRLoM9I/Uc6ykNXs7eI/AAAAAAAABLA/G561QeLNPI8/s1600/IMG_3972.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">White borage, lovage and achillea with fruit trees in the background</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every time I visit there is a delightful new addition to the garden - this edging was made and installed by the team. The team have taken enthusiastically to planting, and the 40 or so plants I collected from Spring Gardens were in the following day. In some surprising places....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-jyOWrA0cM/Uc6zJmNrWcI/AAAAAAAABMg/-LekKm5hNHA/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-jyOWrA0cM/Uc6zJmNrWcI/AAAAAAAABMg/-LekKm5hNHA/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Imaginative use of the terracotta pipes, and a galvanised bucket! I hope to encourage the team to eat the lettuces and peas growing out of the pipes, which Anne Marie refers to as chimneys. The plants seem to like it and who knows, it may start a trend!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ5Mh0tckvI/Uc6y-GRLUPI/AAAAAAAABMA/Q7KGd_HFgkg/s1600/IMG_4010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ5Mh0tckvI/Uc6y-GRLUPI/AAAAAAAABMA/Q7KGd_HFgkg/s1600/IMG_4010.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Courgette and leek, 'pipe' grown</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Apothecary Garden</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here are some photos of the apothecary garden, in full bloom. The white borage plant, bought last year from Dig This nursery in New Cross Gate (do pay a visit, if you need some herbs) surpassed all expectations.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlhZx4LwPdY/Uc6yzfkzkQI/AAAAAAAABLo/PDfdH54KNPQ/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlhZx4LwPdY/Uc6yzfkzkQI/AAAAAAAABLo/PDfdH54KNPQ/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-4zCjZdQzU/Uc6y2qQ8fII/AAAAAAAABLw/FwyvpS9uC0U/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-4zCjZdQzU/Uc6y2qQ8fII/AAAAAAAABLw/FwyvpS9uC0U/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riNN8CRtpxw/Uc6yelSBenI/AAAAAAAABK4/FieWn45qXb0/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riNN8CRtpxw/Uc6yelSBenI/AAAAAAAABK4/FieWn45qXb0/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAKIGbrQwPE/Uc6y6OQu1-I/AAAAAAAABL4/BvKlrcqm11c/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAKIGbrQwPE/Uc6y6OQu1-I/AAAAAAAABL4/BvKlrcqm11c/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3r56YDTuDyM/Uc7FDftdErI/AAAAAAAABMs/-aPgaLkQ1fo/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3r56YDTuDyM/Uc7FDftdErI/AAAAAAAABMs/-aPgaLkQ1fo/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The herb spiral, created last September</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is a garden I visited recently, in Downham. It was created and maintained by a group of disabled people, who due to funding cuts no longer tend it. I am looking at it for a project involving older people and gardening, and another to link community venues and green spaces across Downham, Whitefoot and Grove Park. Can you guess where it is?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRWAldazWP4/Uc6yq05dffI/AAAAAAAABLY/vBK-PjcBgdo/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRWAldazWP4/Uc6yq05dffI/AAAAAAAABLY/vBK-PjcBgdo/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please visit the <a href="http://www.downhaminteragency.org.uk/#/wellbeing/4573049666" target="_blank">Downham Interagency website</a> for details of how to get involved in these projects.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London, UK51.434717386248245 0.002241421426333545251.434098886248243 0.00098092142633354534 51.435335886248247 0.0035019214263335451tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-80295035330564619932013-01-22T17:56:00.000+00:002013-03-09T08:30:15.462+00:00Big Dig 16 March 2013 and progress on the garden(s)<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Come along to the <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.bigdig.org.uk/" target="_blank">Big Dig 2013</a> </b></span>on Saturday 16 March 2013 at the community garden from 11am - 2pm. We have three builders' bags ready to fill and plant up with vegetables for the spring and summer, and fingers crossed the fruit trees and nut bushes will have arrived. We were awarded a grant of £150 by Capital Growth to replace the decades-old brambles with something less spiteful but still edible! The bags were donated to us by </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/contact-us/Pages/contact.aspx?directoryid=262&source=%2finmyarea%2fopenspaces%2fnature-reserves%2fdownham-woodland-walk%2fPages%2fdefault.aspx" target="_blank">Lewisham Green Scene. </a></b></span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCXFDHVX-74/UTry-LKqD0I/AAAAAAAABE4/A9-DsynNgKk/s1600/bigdig+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCXFDHVX-74/UTry-LKqD0I/AAAAAAAABE4/A9-DsynNgKk/s640/bigdig+2013.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.permaculture.co.uk/image/view/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.permaculture.co.uk/image/view/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Photo of re-using builders' bags courtesy of <b><a href="http://www.permaculture.co.uk/readers-solutions/reusing-builders-bags-vegetable-beds" target="_blank">Permaculture</a></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Progress at the community garden</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">An amazing transformation has taken place in the grounds of the community centre, thanks to the Community Payback team who have been working in the grounds and at the centre since the end of September 2012. Not forgetting the loan of Elwood's chipper (and a donation for the petrol and blade sharpening) which has been reducing vast quantities of vegetation into spreadable mulch. So much mulch.<b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pXDyz9W2j0/UP7Myd4xqnI/AAAAAAAAA58/UEvZsU_HrEU/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pXDyz9W2j0/UP7Myd4xqnI/AAAAAAAAA58/UEvZsU_HrEU/s400/IMG_3621.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Shredded vegetation spilling over the top of the compost bins!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We now have four compost bins in the community garden, all nearly full to the brim and the team will be constructing more for the hall garden. The team have been clearing the areas around the perimeter fence and taking the chain link down. The community centre can now be seen!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUvS1VXUQc4/UP7OrsjqM5I/AAAAAAAAA6s/AQF2CpUdc3I/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUvS1VXUQc4/UP7OrsjqM5I/AAAAAAAAA6s/AQF2CpUdc3I/s400/IMG_3789.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The front entrance, swept and kept tidy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_KaGXerS_s/UP7OsTt2-NI/AAAAAAAAA6w/WBKg1LAjhV8/s1600/IMG_3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_KaGXerS_s/UP7OsTt2-NI/AAAAAAAAA6w/WBKg1LAjhV8/s400/IMG_3783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Shrubs pruned and edging tidied</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9birYHhAws/UP7OtBlTNeI/AAAAAAAAA68/YQSxTD0Z6Qs/s1600/IMG_3788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9birYHhAws/UP7OtBlTNeI/AAAAAAAAA68/YQSxTD0Z6Qs/s400/IMG_3788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Transformation of the community centre grounds from a wilderness</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The team have also helped at the centre, moving furniture, cleaning and redecorating.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here are some photos I took of the garden, towards the end of October, in the late autumn sunshine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRId-IXqp-M/UP7LVHMuN2I/AAAAAAAAA5M/Wyyj_pGN1M8/s1600/IMG_3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRId-IXqp-M/UP7LVHMuN2I/AAAAAAAAA5M/Wyyj_pGN1M8/s400/IMG_3624.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mduYTHjjF78/UP7MhaQAnBI/AAAAAAAAA5s/YEEN7qph5vs/s1600/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mduYTHjjF78/UP7MhaQAnBI/AAAAAAAAA5s/YEEN7qph5vs/s400/IMG_3615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZXR9Vp8J1E/UP7MpD1RRFI/AAAAAAAAA50/VLZHrJYAXPQ/s1600/IMG_3618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZXR9Vp8J1E/UP7MpD1RRFI/AAAAAAAAA50/VLZHrJYAXPQ/s400/IMG_3618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsZvwLUV1kU/UP7M1KFB94I/AAAAAAAAA6E/hnPJK-i7UVc/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsZvwLUV1kU/UP7M1KFB94I/AAAAAAAAA6E/hnPJK-i7UVc/s400/IMG_3625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZMrh7EirY8/UP7Mz57ohvI/AAAAAAAAA6A/FCMZpf57dTk/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZMrh7EirY8/UP7Mz57ohvI/AAAAAAAAA6A/FCMZpf57dTk/s400/IMG_3620.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The path to the gate, edged and swept</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-55326170303637449492012-09-17T18:08:00.002+01:002012-09-21T10:34:46.493+01:00Garden Party<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13478873200401162" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Goldsmiths Community Centre Garden Party</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13478873200401263" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On Saturday September 22nd from 12
to 4 pm all are welcome to enjoy Goldsmiths Community Centre's Apothecary
Garden to mark the end of the <a href="http://www.goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Hubbub media resource project</b></a> and to raise
funds and awareness for the <b><a href="http://www.goldsmithscommunitycentre.info/#/health-and-wellbeing/4535605863" target="_blank">Goldsmiths Well Being Room</a></b>.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Di92hQQxbEg/UFd3B1g1kzI/AAAAAAAAA3s/z_M8RYzW8Ac/s1600/IMG_3547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Di92hQQxbEg/UFd3B1g1kzI/AAAAAAAAA3s/z_M8RYzW8Ac/s400/IMG_3547.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating the herb spiral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As suggested by the CEL students who took part in the Hubbub
project the themes of the garden party are Well Being and Making
Connections. This will be an opportunity to find out more about the Well
Being Room at Goldsmiths Community Centre, and what health and Well
Being services are available locally and at the Community Centre.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/542127_10150827034434786_833528689_n.jpg" style="height: 660px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 493px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay oven for delicious pizzas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Healthy hot food will be available fresh and hand made from the
pizza oven, and a range of traditional home made produce like cakes,
lemonade, ginger beer, chutney, pesto and hummous will be on sale.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTKnR_K_0DQ/UFd28-mTDLI/AAAAAAAAA3k/xvo-0yxSoiE/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTKnR_K_0DQ/UFd28-mTDLI/AAAAAAAAA3k/xvo-0yxSoiE/s400/IMG_3526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There will also be a book stall, bric-a- brac and raffles.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Come and enjoy the last of the good weather in a beautiful garden setting. See you on Saturday 22nd!</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SPONSORED BIKE RIDE</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Goldsmiths Community Centre Well Being room is a project that's
been running since 2009 and making a positive difference to the local
community of Downham.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Well Being Room is a hub for health and well being in Downham.
It provides sign posting to local health and well being services as well
as offering low cost complementary therapies.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">To support this Rowland Smith and Elwood Amey who run the project are taking part in the Question Challenge bike ride . . . </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">WHO? Elwood and Rowland as they run the Well Being Room, also other
members of <b><a href="http://www.duckcc.com/" target="_blank">DUCK Cycling Club</a></b> doing their own fund raising challenges
and joining in just for fun.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />WHERE? Visiting all the places that sound like questions within cycling distance of London, so….starting at:<span style="color: black;"> HOWE, Norfolk, then WARE, Hertfordshire, then HOO, Medway, ending at WYE in Kent.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">WHEN? Friday 5th October to Sunday 7th of October 2012</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>WHY? Why
not? Cycling is a great way for people to keep fit. Elwood and
Rowland want to use this challenge to show that anybody can take up
cycling AND enjoy it AND raise some money to support a great project.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you'd like to support a health project that's been making a difference since 2009 please visit the Charity Giving website <b><a href="http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/questionchallenge" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/questionchallenge</a></b> and make a donation to support the Goldsmiths Community Centre Well being Room.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road,, London, Greater London SE6 1RW, UK51.434694827019349 0.00137329101562551.432220327019351 -0.0035622089843749998 51.437169327019348 0.006308791015625tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-43761397110631841912012-08-31T09:39:00.000+01:002012-11-17T05:57:47.200+00:00Travels on a floral theme<div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b>The floral bridges of Quimper </b></div>
<div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="color: black;">A recent visit to Quimper in Brittany. Quimper is the ancient capital of Cornouaille and in the Breton language is called Kemper which means confluence; of three rivers the Odet, Steir and Jet. This was my second visit in 23 years (the last time being the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution) and I was amazed to see beautiful floral displays on the bridges. The cathedral is dedicated to St Corentin, a 5th century hermit who in legend nourished himself on a miraculous fish which re-grew the bits he ate! The cathedral is also home to Santig Du, the Breton name for 'little black saint', who dedicated his life to helping the homeless. We left a loaf of bread on the table beneath his statue, which will be distributed to the poor, and were immediately rewarded by an enquiry about the car our friend had been trying to sell! There is a <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cury" target="_blank">church in Cornwall</a></b>, on the Lizard peninsula, dedicated to St Corentin who as well as being the patron saint of Cornouaille is the patron saint of seafood (and very good it is too). Trading links between Cornouaille and Cornwall were once very strong, and the Breton towns and villages have similar prefixes - Tre, Pen and Ker.</span></div>
<div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AR0Yzu4vk_E/UEBqKo9LBHI/AAAAAAAAAys/S0Iuri2whus/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AR0Yzu4vk_E/UEBqKo9LBHI/AAAAAAAAAys/S0Iuri2whus/s640/IMG_3440.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mD1q8Dx_mg/UEBq1j9uR6I/AAAAAAAAAy0/owXhFGFrK_I/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mD1q8Dx_mg/UEBq1j9uR6I/AAAAAAAAAy0/owXhFGFrK_I/s640/IMG_3438.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-c-2ZwK0kc/UEBq64Z_L1I/AAAAAAAAAy8/P8MkssMQ8n4/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-c-2ZwK0kc/UEBq64Z_L1I/AAAAAAAAAy8/P8MkssMQ8n4/s640/IMG_3439.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Outside the cathedral itself the floral displays are stunning. There was a lovely carousel on the themes of Jules Verne, including a mini Nautilus. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyBijn1zBZY/UEBuWcbUAbI/AAAAAAAAAzc/_Gng2FVpDxQ/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyBijn1zBZY/UEBuWcbUAbI/AAAAAAAAAzc/_Gng2FVpDxQ/s640/IMG_3425.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47LK715RaCA/UEBucTmIoWI/AAAAAAAAAzk/baV-tjrOGE8/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47LK715RaCA/UEBucTmIoWI/AAAAAAAAAzk/baV-tjrOGE8/s640/IMG_3427.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLsRkYnFgoY/UEBuhJCffoI/AAAAAAAAAzs/g-2sznJOqZg/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLsRkYnFgoY/UEBuhJCffoI/AAAAAAAAAzs/g-2sznJOqZg/s640/IMG_3434.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral of Saint Corentin, Quimper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9Zzc-RjLdY/UEBzXf03hfI/AAAAAAAAA0M/WCRxYZ0V7QY/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9Zzc-RjLdY/UEBzXf03hfI/AAAAAAAAA0M/WCRxYZ0V7QY/s640/IMG_3420.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floral display by the war memorial at </span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ploërmel</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, Brittany</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="color: black;">If you are visiting this beautiful part of France be sure to call in at <a href="http://lesperdinettes.fr/" target="_blank">Les Perdinettes</a>, </span><span style="color: black;">place de la Roche,</span><span style="color: black;"> Lesconil. Opened in May 2012 by our friend </span><span style="color: black;">Hélène </span><span style="color: black;">Boisson, if you can read French <b><a href="http://www.letelegramme.com/local/finistere-sud/ouest-cornouaille/leguilvinec/plobannalecles/deco-cadeaux-helene-boisson-ouvre-les-perdinettes-24-05-2012-1713723.php" target="_blank">here is a review</a></b>! What does Les Perdinettes mean? </span><span style="color: black;">Hélène is the granddaughter of Pierre Corentin Draoulec, who was known as Perdine, and returned to her Breton home after a high flying career in the media representing French singers and actors.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzFGpo0OsAg/UEB5AfunI2I/AAAAAAAAA0s/1A4C8Jz65ZA/s1600/IMG_3449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzFGpo0OsAg/UEB5AfunI2I/AAAAAAAAA0s/1A4C8Jz65ZA/s640/IMG_3449.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hélène at Les Perdinettes</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ-AW8fmZsE/UEB6nWbRHRI/AAAAAAAAA00/s9hgtkg9BcI/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ-AW8fmZsE/UEB6nWbRHRI/AAAAAAAAA00/s9hgtkg9BcI/s640/IMG_3444.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pierre Corentin Draoulec, known as 'Perdine' with his wife in traditional headdress of the Pays Bigouden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti7j49femGk/UEB-g-CS9NI/AAAAAAAAA1U/zaGe0dQDkgA/s1600/IMG_3446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti7j49femGk/UEB-g-CS9NI/AAAAAAAAA1U/zaGe0dQDkgA/s640/IMG_3446.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Hélène transforms found objects into beautiful creations</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3-u6bAB9Xc/UERfZHAdBmI/AAAAAAAAA10/VR0NXJ8zUhA/s1600/bridgechair+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3-u6bAB9Xc/UERfZHAdBmI/AAAAAAAAA10/VR0NXJ8zUhA/s640/bridgechair+017.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of French 'Bridge' chairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com159 Boulevard Amiral de Kerguélen, 29000 Quimper, France47.994947699103435 -4.102621078491210947.992291199103434 -4.1075565784912111 47.997604199103435 -4.0976855784912107tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-12845151528249327592012-08-20T11:29:00.000+01:002012-08-20T19:57:31.392+01:00Bugs, butterflies and a new neighbour<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On Friday 17 August we held the 'Build a Bug Hotel' workshop</span>.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> We had a great day for it and all enjoyed talking about bugs, looking for bugs, identifying some and building various homes for them.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We used bug ID cards - twelve in all including beetle, butterfly, honey bee, wasp, earthworm, centipede, slug, snail, ant, woodlouse, garden spider and grasshopper. We found every one except the centipede and grasshopper - we heard the last one, but couldn't see it! I'd seen one earlier in the week, by the preschool fence.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKZ_BlcHnSE/UDIJd-bYkUI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/-QXbz8GK5Ck/s1600/insect+cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKZ_BlcHnSE/UDIJd-bYkUI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/-QXbz8GK5Ck/s640/insect+cards.JPG" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bug ID cards - we found nearly all of them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
After a general chat about which bugs we found scary or friendly, where they are likely to live and what they feed on, we took a tour of the garden. Under the cardboard and plastic is teeming with wildlife - and look what we found...</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1w1qM_klXQ/UDH4fcAHrlI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/pLJYMzilAg4/s1600/toad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1w1qM_klXQ/UDH4fcAHrlI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/pLJYMzilAg4/s640/toad.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common toad (photo courtesy Jo Cooper) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More about common toads from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust </span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.arc-trust.org/animals/common_toad.php" target="_blank">here</a></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We saw some lovely butterflies, including a large white (otherwise known as cabbage white), peacock and gatekeeper butterflies</span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. </b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We also found a colourful stripy caterpillar which will become a Cinnabar moth.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr align="left" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYhD83b1KVM/UDIBZWAMx1I/AAAAAAAAAu0/pdQDPMANTuw/s1600/IMG_3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYhD83b1KVM/UDIBZWAMx1I/AAAAAAAAAu0/pdQDPMANTuw/s400/IMG_3373.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peacock butterfly on the preschool buddleia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
More about the Peacock butterfly from Butterfly conservation <b><a href="http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/text/1758/the_peacock_butterfly.html" target="_blank">here</a></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38Tg9i4R1T4/UDIB597kd8I/AAAAAAAAAu8/S6v5_jlYCwk/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38Tg9i4R1T4/UDIB597kd8I/AAAAAAAAAu8/S6v5_jlYCwk/s400/IMG_3319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gatekeeper butterfly on golden marjoram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
More about the Gatekeeper butterfly on BBC Nature <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Gatekeeper_Butterfly" target="_blank">here</a></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/successn/images/cinnabar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/successn/images/cinnabar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnabar moth caterpillar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More about the Cinnabar Moth at Buglife-The Invertebrate Conservation Trust <b><a href="http://www.buglife.org.uk/discoverbugs/bugofthemonth/Cinnabar+moth" target="_blank">here</a></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
To encourage butterflies into your garden visit the <b><a href="http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=649" target="_blank">RHS website</a></b> and download the list of plants and larval habitats. I was very pleased that we have so many in the community centre grounds, not just in the garden.</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
After finding out where bugs like to live, we set about designing our ideal bug hotel and then made some small ones to take home. During lunch, we all tasted some lavender and wildflower honeys and put our apple cores, banana and melon skins on the compost heap. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBrgpasu5xE/UDIAp7mOtVI/AAAAAAAAAus/zkMit1fBNkQ/s1600/IMG_3368.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBrgpasu5xE/UDIAp7mOtVI/AAAAAAAAAus/zkMit1fBNkQ/s400/IMG_3368.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender honey and a splendid bug hotel design in progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFNxHEZCTyM/UDIEiPaVxpI/AAAAAAAAAvI/krcw2XvowYc/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFNxHEZCTyM/UDIEiPaVxpI/AAAAAAAAAvI/krcw2XvowYc/s400/IMG_3371.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Designing the bug hotels</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmoly61lroU/UDIEl4U4KCI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/vG-R3pHSHK0/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmoly61lroU/UDIEl4U4KCI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/vG-R3pHSHK0/s400/IMG_3377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCvi0Lzymb0/UDIIYjRQF4I/AAAAAAAAAwA/rGJ8tTOmHh8/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCvi0Lzymb0/UDIIYjRQF4I/AAAAAAAAAwA/rGJ8tTOmHh8/s400/IMG_3374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKOJyl3ziWk/UDIIb4ektzI/AAAAAAAAAwI/-6pxkyR48Fo/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKOJyl3ziWk/UDIIb4ektzI/AAAAAAAAAwI/-6pxkyR48Fo/s400/IMG_3375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mini hotel designs using straw, sticks and twigs, leaves, wood and stones</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">to take home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bug 'hotel' is constructed!</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Without having to buy anything, we constructed the hotel from five old pallets, scavenged bricks and stones, donated logs and rotting wood, twigs, branches and dead leaves from the garden - here is the result! Thanks go to our intrepid builders (and their helpers). </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8DcL_dTr8M/UDIHR3AfjeI/AAAAAAAAAv4/KTZAIAJXt-c/s1600/building+a+bughotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8DcL_dTr8M/UDIHR3AfjeI/AAAAAAAAAv4/KTZAIAJXt-c/s400/building+a+bughotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Two old pallets, logs, bricks and stones, straw, twigs and branches for the first two storeys of the bug hotel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54a9vfX2l0Q/UDIErLXWleI/AAAAAAAAAvY/GZf8g-r-GlI/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54a9vfX2l0Q/UDIErLXWleI/AAAAAAAAAvY/GZf8g-r-GlI/s400/IMG_3380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Four proud hotel builders, with their handiwork</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTgHqYxwuT8/UDIEywkdK7I/AAAAAAAAAvw/NhS_MvuQyAM/s1600/IMG_3381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTgHqYxwuT8/UDIEywkdK7I/AAAAAAAAAvw/NhS_MvuQyAM/s400/IMG_3381.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The later addition of a bridge, to help bugs get to the upper floors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bug hotel is still a work in progress and later we will add some tiles, hollow canes and eventually a green 'roof'.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you can donate canes and tiles and other goodies to the hotel, c</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">ome along to the Edible Gardens Open Day on 15 September from 11am -4pm and the Wellbeing Community Event on 22 September from 12-4 pm and add to it yourself!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-11563291235809998342012-08-03T13:47:00.000+01:002012-09-02T17:10:51.027+01:00Permaculture comes to Downham<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What is permaculture? I've been finding out! Here's a quote from the <a href="http://www.permaculture.org.uk/" target="_blank">Permaculture Association</a>.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Permaculture works with nature to make a better world for all. By
observing the natural world we can see a set of principles at work.</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">" </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As a recent convert to sheet mulching (see my previous posts <a href="http://goldsmithscommunitygarden.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/cardboard-conundrum.html" target="_blank">Cardboard Conundrum</a> and on <a href="http://goldsmithscommunitygarden.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/musings-on-roses-lasagna-gardening.html" target="_blank">lasagna gardening</a>) and a long time foe of waste, I am curious to know more about it. I will </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">find out </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">shortly! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Contact <a href="mailto:organicgardener@yahoo.co.uk">organicgardener@yahoo.co.uk</a> for more details and to see if there are spaces available.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">PLEASE NOTE PERMACULTURE WORKSHOP HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 15th SEPTEMBER, 11am - 3pm to coincide with Edible Open Gardens Day. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<b>Composting workshops at Goldsmiths Community Centre</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last week I attended the first of a series of free composting workshops. My garden is not really big enough for a compost heap and I've made do with a wormery instead. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What goes into a wormery is very different from compost ingredients. Once the compost bins had been built (out of old pallets) on Bring a Plant Day I was given loads of stuff to start it off, from chicken and guinea pig litter, grass clippings, newspapers and cardboard, tea bags, prunings and all sorts - even two bags of horse manure! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLIDe88IIf0/UBu6k0h1rbI/AAAAAAAAAtU/AtciIMJ75Jc/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLIDe88IIf0/UBu6k0h1rbI/AAAAAAAAAtU/AtciIMJ75Jc/s640/IMG_2762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under construction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EA_CZU9W_o/UBu2sGvKGDI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Jm6pYRH4e8c/s1600/IMG_2816Comp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EA_CZU9W_o/UBu2sGvKGDI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Jm6pYRH4e8c/s640/IMG_2816Comp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The compost bins - week one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE96xChcEGg/UBu3oSLvqmI/AAAAAAAAAs4/4DQbk18WKDw/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE96xChcEGg/UBu3oSLvqmI/AAAAAAAAAs4/4DQbk18WKDw/s640/IMG_2895.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Week three - doesn't show the huge pile of grass clippings yet to be added</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I now have so much stuff that I am leaving it to rot down in black bin bags, in the empty compost bin, before adding it to the existing pile. The heap itself looked a bit dry the other week so I stuck a hosepipe in the middle of it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I found out on the composting workshop that was the wrong thing to do! A closer inspection revealed slimy lumps of grass clippings and other bits of vegetation all stuck together and excluding the air. I must have a funny sense of smell as I thought it smelled quite nice, but Kristina with her professional 'nose' detected sulphur - not good.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We learned what can and cannot go into the compost heap, and the very good idea of preparing a mix of carbon (twigs, newspaper) and some nitrogen (green waste) <u>before </u>it goes on the heap. I think at first I had so much stuff that I just chucked it on willy nilly, ending up with a dry looking top layer. If I haven't been at the centre for a week or so it sure mounts up - I think I may have been too successful in persuading everyone to 'donate' their waste.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After the workshop finished I forked most of the slimy stuff out and put it on top of the cardboard mulch, then filled the holes left in the heap with little twigs. Next time I will inspect it and do a more thorough job - possibly starting again from scratch!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are still spaces on this great free workshop, on Wednesday 8th, Friday 10th and Wednesday 15th August. I learned a lot, and so will you! Contact Kristina to book: <a href="mailto:kristina.green@lewisham.gov.uk">kristina.binns@lewisham.gov.uk</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ks_xwAfdJA4/UBvFkVlMZUI/AAAAAAAAAtw/q3jfn2Q5cgI/s1600/compostworkshops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ks_xwAfdJA4/UBvFkVlMZUI/AAAAAAAAAtw/q3jfn2Q5cgI/s640/compostworkshops.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-70645360014146161492012-07-25T09:02:00.001+01:002012-09-02T17:11:02.844+01:00Free workshops start today - here comes summer at last<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Glorious weather, finally! Just in time for the workshops to start. Today from 10am onwards Kristina Binns from Lewisham Council is providing a recycling information stall in the centre reception area. At 1.30pm she will be hosting a composting workshop and at 3.30pm a Love Food Hate Waste workshop. If you come to both as I'm going to you can learn all about creative ways of using leftovers, storing food correctly and if you can't use it, compost it! More information on these workshops and permaculture/build a bug hotel can be found on the earlier blog post <a href="http://goldsmithscommunitygarden.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/summer-holiday-workshops.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Please come along and check it out to see if there are spaces available - you can visit the garden in progress too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have to say the compost heap is smelling lovely at the moment. Very compost-y, is that the word? Rowland helped me water the garden including the heap and planted several herbs and medicinal plants </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">from the <a href="http://lewishamgardens.webs.com/apps/blog/show/17025846-lewisham-groups-benefit-from-rhs-hampton-court-flower-show" target="_blank">big plant giveaway</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. We had a closer look at the St John's Wort growing by the preschool fence. Rowland showed me the translucent spots on the leaves that mature to produce the oil. It is an exquisite plant</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">, very delicate in contrast to its showier relatives. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.herbal-menopause.com/images/StJohnsWort-100x153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://www.herbal-menopause.com/images/StJohnsWort-100x153.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - link to uses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today (when I'm not at the workshops) I will be mostly raiding the allotment garden for more plants. It's getting overgrown so I will be doing it a favour. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zctUbSNYLc/UA-VU3_dgbI/AAAAAAAAArs/vLBz_zrqtUg/s1600/IMG_3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zctUbSNYLc/UA-VU3_dgbI/AAAAAAAAArs/vLBz_zrqtUg/s400/IMG_3289.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The circular bed and herb border</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Now there is more light coming in through the fence, the lavender bushes are flowering for the first time in years. Marjoram, which must have self-seeded, is growing underneath and the soil is very compacted and mossy. They really need to be in a sunnier spot so once they've finished flowering I'll cut back and transplant. That area is crying out for some woodland plants: foxgloves and pulmonaria </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
On the home front, the rain has obviously benefitted the garden and my agapanthus which usually produces one measly flower head if anything, has four large globes. It's growing in a very large pot among japanese anemones. This was sold to me many moons ago as Anemone hupehensis 'Hadspen Abundance' but it doesn't look like the photos being a lighter pink. It is alive with honey and bumble bees.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-it0ZIzUdTMA/UA-lGxGDRFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/V0u47ww-CfE/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-it0ZIzUdTMA/UA-lGxGDRFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/V0u47ww-CfE/s400/IMG_3282.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agapanthus </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdFiazM19qA/UA-lJvSSneI/AAAAAAAAAsI/eFj6fducGdQ/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdFiazM19qA/UA-lJvSSneI/AAAAAAAAAsI/eFj6fducGdQ/s400/IMG_3284.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anemone hupehensis 'Hadspen Abundance' - or is it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I just had to include a photo of this beautiful rose, Joie de Vivre. I'm still reading 'No Dig Gardening' by Ruth Stout and will have to put off the review and received wisdom until next time! It's such a harsh climate on the eastern seaboard of the United States. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NHhuMTZ7yU/UA-VO1AeJOI/AAAAAAAAArk/O22S-g__QiE/s1600/IMG_3281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NHhuMTZ7yU/UA-VO1AeJOI/AAAAAAAAArk/O22S-g__QiE/s400/IMG_3281.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/Hampton-Court-Palace-Flower-Show/2010/News-views/Hampton-Court-plant-news/A-flurry-of-fine-new-roses" target="_blank">Joie de Vivre, rose of the year 2011</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><b>WORKSHOPS IN NEW CROSS</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><b>Three
Cafe Crema garden events for aug-oct 2012</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><b>August
11th 10-1</b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><b>Horticultural
workshop and fruit tree pruning</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;">Paul
Ritchens from The Kings Cross Skip Garden leads this session on pest recognition
and organic pest control strategies. This session would be great for beginners
and enthusiasts and people who really don't want to douse their trees and
gardens with harmful pesticides but don't want everything to get eaten either...
Also good for new gardeners and allotment holders. After the morning session
there will be a break for lunch (you are welcome to bring a picnic or you can
buy something from the Cafe) followed by a short practical session looking at
the new espalier trees and doing some summer formative pruning. Session ends at
1pm. All welcome, free. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;">Please drop in to the Cafe or text Kiri to reserve a
place. 07950 552 571.</span></div>
<div>
Many thanks to Lewisham Council's <b>'Community Gardens Small Grant
Award' </b>for funding this event.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Come and try your hand at Botanical
Illustration at Cafe Crema....</b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px;">Free
botanical illustration workshops will be held on Sat 15th sept and oct 13th from
3.30 til 5.30.</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">Learn
to paint and draw botanical specimens with professional artist Alison Day from
Lewisham Arthouse.</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">Explore
the autumn colours, shapes and textures of the local flora found in the wildlife
garden at Café Crema. Suitable for adults and children over 10 yrs, (or younger
if they are very keen.) No previous experience needed. Materials provided. You
are also welcome to bring your own sketchbooks/ pencils if you prefer.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">These
two events are organised in partnership with London Wildlife Trust.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">To
reserve a place please text </span><span class="ecxskype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate ! important; bottom: auto ! important; clear: none ! important; color: rgb(0, 173, 237) ! important; cursor: pointer ! important; direction: ltr ! important; display: inline ! important; float: none ! important; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif ! important; font-weight: bold ! important; left: auto ! important; line-height: 17px; list-style: disc outside none; overflow: hidden ! important; padding: 0px ! important; page-break-after: auto ! important; page-break-before: auto ! important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto ! important; table-layout: auto ! important; text-align: left ! important; text-shadow: none; top: auto ! important; vertical-align: baseline ! important; width: auto ! important;" tabindex="-1"> <span class="ecxskype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> <span class="ecxskype_pnh_textarea_span" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><img class="ecxskype_pnh_logo_img" src="http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w4/pr04/ltr/i_safe.gif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; height: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; max-height: 24px !important; max-width: 24px !important; min-height: 8px !important; min-width: 8px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 1em !important; word-spacing: normal !important;" /><span class="ecxskype_pnh_text_span" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> 07950 552 571</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;"> or
email: </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4305701081480730909" style="background-color: white; color: purple; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">freshfilmscafe@hotmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">.
You will need to drop by to leave a £3 deposit to keep your place, but this will
be returned to you on arrival. Refreshments will be provided.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 17px;">Cafe
Crema: 306 New Cross Road, London SE14 6AF. Close to the Town Hall and almost
opposite the venue, minutes from New Cross Gate station. Tel: </span><span class="ecxskype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate ! important; bottom: auto ! important; clear: none ! important; color: rgb(0, 173, 237) ! important; cursor: pointer ! important; direction: ltr ! important; display: inline ! important; float: none ! important; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif ! important; font-weight: bold ! important; left: auto ! important; line-height: 17px; list-style: disc outside none; overflow: hidden ! important; padding: 0px ! important; page-break-after: auto ! important; page-break-before: auto ! important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto ! important; table-layout: auto ! important; text-align: left ! important; text-shadow: none; top: auto ! important; vertical-align: baseline ! important; width: auto ! important;" tabindex="-1"> <span class="ecxskype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> <span class="ecxskype_pnh_textarea_span" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"><img class="ecxskype_pnh_logo_img" src="http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w4/pr04/ltr/i_safe.gif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; height: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; max-height: 24px !important; max-width: 24px !important; min-height: 8px !important; min-width: 8px !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: middle !important; width: 1em !important; word-spacing: normal !important;" /><span class="ecxskype_pnh_text_span" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; border-collapse: separate !important; bottom: auto !important; clear: none !important; cursor: pointer !important; direction: ltr !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 1em !important; left: auto !important; letter-spacing: 0px !important; list-style: disc none outside; overflow: hidden !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; page-break-after: auto !important; page-break-before: auto !important; page-break-inside: auto; right: auto !important; table-layout: auto !important; text-shadow: none; top: auto !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important; word-spacing: normal !important;"> 020 8320 2317</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road, London, Greater London SE6 1QD, UK51.434828595290718 0.002017021179199218851.432354095290719 -0.002918478820800781 51.437303095290716 0.0069525211791992185tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-76074968404768762272012-07-18T06:20:00.000+01:002012-07-18T10:55:41.297+01:00Apples and pears and surprising discoveries<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Espalier fruit trees</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some examples of espalier trained apples and pears in the walled garden at <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/st-johns-jerusalem/" target="_blank">St John's Jerusalem</a>, a 13th century chapel in Sutton-at-Hone, in the Darent valley. The chapel and gardens are open one afternoon a week from April until September.</span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bKqSHYcNV1s/T_mNKQh9HLI/AAAAAAAAAlM/fVCTqoHd73E/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bKqSHYcNV1s/T_mNKQh9HLI/AAAAAAAAAlM/fVCTqoHd73E/s640/IMG_1260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSz-yM_zPI4/T_mNtc_LfII/AAAAAAAAAlY/TQeu6IPrqWQ/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSz-yM_zPI4/T_mNtc_LfII/AAAAAAAAAlY/TQeu6IPrqWQ/s640/IMG_1262.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walled garden at St Johns Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Two crimson roses have emerged from the blanket of brambles and weeds, liberated at last into the air and sunlight. The cardboard collars seem to be working! Both are highly fragrant, one is more 'winey' than the other. Karen and I compared the scents. I shall miss her volunteering after her baby yoga class and her serene take on life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I dug out some huge bramble roots and covered the areas with cardboard - another trip to the Co-op is in order for more supplies. There are plenty of worms and the soil is easy to dig. Under the plastic are some truly humungous slugs. Karen said she has made a gastropod restaurant (no, not a gastropub although if you included beer...) where she puts all her leftover lettuce and berries and her plants are untouched.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Light in the garden has made such a difference, as well as being able to see in and out and chat through the fence. The woodbine, lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina', is in full flower alongside the climbing rose 'Masquerade' on the fence by the preschool. They are so similar in colour that it's hard to make out the rose blooms among the honeysuckle but both are beautiful. You just have to get close, which is not a bad thing.</span> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDzda4dGR_I/UAWfTRSu_LI/AAAAAAAAAog/izVzFcLFNWo/s1600/IMG_3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDzda4dGR_I/UAWfTRSu_LI/AAAAAAAAAog/izVzFcLFNWo/s640/IMG_3260.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Woodbine; Lonicera Periclymenum Serotina</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSwHYHnP-1g/UAWf6xCk5tI/AAAAAAAAAoo/C4ifb3ZuIUw/s1600/IMG_3252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSwHYHnP-1g/UAWf6xCk5tI/AAAAAAAAAoo/C4ifb3ZuIUw/s640/IMG_3252.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Roses among the thorns; is this William Shakespeare?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Wellbeing Service has moved into Room 3 and the corridor is bright and cheerful with posters and information. Yesterday I met Sorrell Robbins, who responded to the <a href="http://lewishamgardens.webs.com/" target="_blank">Give 2 Hours campaign</a> to volunteer in the garden. Sorrell is a herbalist and was able to give me valuable advice as well as identifying plants in the centre gardens that can be used in the apothecary garden. I was immediately able to pass on my new knowledge of St John's Wort to Karen as there is some growing by the preschool fence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Time for a raid on the allotment garden, now sadly overgrown - if I'm not careful I may start tidying that up too. Picking strawberries from the few that haven't been eaten by snails, a hidden bramble ripped my hand. This garden is a testament to time-limited funded projects and I feel sad that all the energy and enthusiasm that went into designing it and tending it has gone. An hour or two a week would keep the cafe in fresh veg and salad, at least for some of the year. There has to be another way otherwise sustainability will become just another buzzword, a metaphor for someone else will do it and no-one does.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The herbs are looking very perky and comfortable now. After weeding the beds and pruning the weigela to a more upright shape, I planted some of the treasures from the <a href="http://lewishamgardens.webs.com/apps/blog/show/17025846-lewisham-groups-benefit-from-rhs-hampton-court-flower-show" target="_blank">big plant giveaway</a> last week. Anne-Marie from Lewisham Gardens organised a delivery from the show gardens of <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Hampton-Court-Palace-Flower-Show/2012" target="_blank">RHS Hampton Court Flower Show</a> by <a href="http://www.london.groundwork.org.uk/" target="_blank">Groundwork London</a>, sourced a garden big enough to accommodate 2,000+ plants at St Swithuns in Hither Green and then let community groups, gardens, churches and schools know, compiling a list and arranging times to visit. On Saturday in the pouring rain, representatives came along and filled a wheelbarrow (one person demanded more but that's another story!). Congratulations and a big thank you to Anne-Marie, her actions and organisational skills have benefitted many groups in Lewisham and their gardens will all look the lovelier for it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some of the plants are still in my garden, ready for planting next time. It was so interesting planting through the cardboard and mulch. More on 'No Dig' gardening next time, I now have the book originally published in 1962. Couldn't resist it!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TK9oJhZy8Lo/UAW3XMe1BtI/AAAAAAAAAo0/VokotV5Yd7E/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TK9oJhZy8Lo/UAW3XMe1BtI/AAAAAAAAAo0/VokotV5Yd7E/s640/IMG_3249.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A herb quintet - mint, sage, fennel, chives and marjoram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbl-THy_TNg/UAW3cnNcsPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/p-2SrLfYaVM/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbl-THy_TNg/UAW3cnNcsPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/p-2SrLfYaVM/s640/IMG_3256.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowering thyme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uV07zLqAJdY/UAW3h3G9_AI/AAAAAAAAApE/giyuHirQXxA/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uV07zLqAJdY/UAW3h3G9_AI/AAAAAAAAApE/giyuHirQXxA/s640/IMG_3257.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat Head lavender, flowering for over a month</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-1886074903775281662012-07-10T13:25:00.001+01:002012-09-02T17:11:44.513+01:00Summer Holiday Workshops<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We have an amazing variety of workshops this summer!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Thanks to the generous support of Lewisham Council we will be running workshops for children, families and adults over the holidays from 25 July to 17 August.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Where?</span></b></div>
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Room 3, the community garden and reception at Goldsmiths Community
Centre, Castillon Road, SE6 1QD [<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/6VqV"><span style="color: #06082c; text-decoration: none;">map</span></a>].</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Permaculture Kids Club comes to Goldsmiths! </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">PLEASE NOTE THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><b>15th SEPTEMBER 11am-3pm</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As part of the project we are offering a one day
Permaculture ‘taster’ workshop for a maximum of 15 parents and children, by Ruth and
Suriya who host the Permaculture Kids Club at <a href="http://growmayow.blogspot.co.uk/p/regular-activities.html" target="_blank">Grow
Mayow Community Garden</a>, Sydenham. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theherbspiral.com/images/SpiralforIndexPagelarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://www.theherbspiral.com/images/SpiralforIndexPagelarge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A herb spiral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What is <a href="http://permaculture.org.uk/knowledge-base/basics" target="_blank">permaculture</a>?
It's a design approach to any human activity and is a combination of Ecology,
Architecture and Organic Gardening. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Who is it for?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Parents with children age 6-11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Maximum 3 places per family (eg 1 parent + 2 children). There are 15 places in total. Light refreshments are available, please bring lunch (to share if possible!).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">More information/booking</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Read all about the principles of Kids' Permaculture <a href="http://firehorsey.wordpress.com/kids-permaculture-the-principles-explained/" target="_blank">here </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Email: <a href="mailto:organicgardener@yahoo.co.uk" target="_blank">organicgardener@yahoo.co.uk </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">or <a href="mailto:jane.hearn@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk">jane.hearn@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk</a><br /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Build a Bug Hotel in the community
garden 17 August 10-2pm</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PLEASE NOTE THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What is a bug hotel?
If you look it up on Google there are horror stories of hotels and bed bugs,
but this is different; a home for bugs to shelter, live and reproduce in that we will design and build ourselves. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGoe88B3Sqs/UAJzG0I8oNI/AAAAAAAAAns/Mi5Qqzyp0MI/s1600/bughotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGoe88B3Sqs/UAJzG0I8oNI/AAAAAAAAAns/Mi5Qqzyp0MI/s640/bughotel.JPG" width="446" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Who is it for?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Parents with children age 6-11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Maximum 3 places per family (1 parent + 2 children, 2 parents + 1 child). There are 15 places in total.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Where?</span></b></div>
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Room 3 at Goldsmiths Community
Centre, Castillon Road, SE6 1QD [<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/6VqV"><span style="color: #06082c; text-decoration: none;">map</span></a>].</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>More information/booking</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Contact Jo
Cooper: <a href="mailto:jo.cooper@pre-school.org.uk">jo.cooper@pre-school.org.uk</a>
or on </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">020 8695 5955 option 3</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Composting workshops starting 25
July, on Wednesdays and Fridays</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There are 15 spaces available on each
workshop, which is just over an hour long. The workshops have been arranged at
times to suit everyone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Suitable for adults and young people age 16+</b></span><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It’s best to book so you don’t miss
out, but if you haven’t booked you’re welcome to see if there’s space to join
us on the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pspzlFRhwk/UAJy8EgXKvI/AAAAAAAAAnk/xoYKK_FYyPM/s1600/compostwkshp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pspzlFRhwk/UAJy8EgXKvI/AAAAAAAAAnk/xoYKK_FYyPM/s640/compostwkshp.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>More information</b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For more information about the workshops contact <a href="mailto:kristina.binns@lewisham.gov.uk" style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">kristina.binns@lewisham.gov.uk</span></a><br />
Alternatively call 020 8314 2145 to leave a detailed message. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/3886289998" target="_blank">BOOK YOUR PLACE ONLINE NOW</a></b> (opens new window) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Love Food Hate Waste workshops and information stall starts 25 July</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We waste a staggering amount of food in this country, due to confusion
over date labels, buying too much and not using cooked or uncooked food in
creative ways. Learn how to love food, and hate waste!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There are 15 spaces available on each
workshop, which is just over an hour long. The workshops have been arranged at
times to suit everyone. It’s best to book so you don’t miss
out, but if you haven’t booked you’re welcome to see if there’s space to join
us on the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AFfGKMxcvM/UAJyVqnpQMI/AAAAAAAAAnc/KZZ7z8SNRus/s1600/lfhw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AFfGKMxcvM/UAJyVqnpQMI/AAAAAAAAAnc/KZZ7z8SNRus/s640/lfhw.JPG" width="448" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Suitable for adults and young people age 16+</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On Wed 15th August there will be a Love Food Hate Waste and Recycling stall in reception from 1.30pm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br />
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Where?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Room 3 at Goldsmiths Community
Centre, Castillon Road, SE6 1QD [<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/6VqV"><span style="color: #06082c; text-decoration: none;">map</span></a>].
Room 3 opens on to the newly created Goldsmiths Community Garden which grows
herbs and medicinal plants for the learning and enjoyment of all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>More information</b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For more information about the workshops contact <a href="mailto:kristina.binns@lewisham.gov.uk" style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">kristina.binns@lewisham.gov.uk</span></a><br />
Alternatively call 020 8314 2145 to leave a detailed message. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3893244800" target="_blank">BOOK YOUR PLACE ONLINE NOW</a><span id="goog_717334040"></span><span id="goog_717334041"></span></b> (opens new window) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Recycling</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Unsure about what should and what should not go in your recycling bin? Come along and find out!<b> </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://recycleforlewisham.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/caretakers-newsletter-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://recycleforlewisham.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/caretakers-newsletter-2.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The recycling stall will be in the community centre reception on the following days/times:</span><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wed 25th July 10am</span><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wed 1st August 1pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Fri 3rd August 3pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wed 8th August 1.30pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Fri 10th August 11.30am</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Where?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Reception at Goldsmiths Community
Centre, Castillon Road, SE6 1QD [<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/6VqV"><span style="color: #06082c; text-decoration: none;">map</span></a>]. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>More information</b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For more information about the information stall contact <a href="mailto:kristina.binns@lewisham.gov.uk" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">kristina.binns@lewisham.gov.uk</span></a><br />
Alternatively call 020 8314 2145 to leave a detailed message. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/3886289998" target="_blank"></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #06082c; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Interested in food and cooking? There are lots of activities at the community centre this summer from <a href="http://goldcatcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/summer-programme-limelight-family.html" target="_blank">Limelight Family Learning Centre</a> and <a href="http://goldcatcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/come-and-join-us-at-cook-and-eat-club.html" target="_blank">Delicious Nutritious UK</a>!</span></b></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road, London Borough of Lewisham, SE6 1QD, UK51.434801841667777 0.002102851867675781251.432327341667779 -0.0028326481323242185 51.437276341667776 0.007038351867675781tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-84283560727699710022012-07-01T09:43:00.000+01:002012-07-01T18:27:18.876+01:00Sage advice<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some years ago I planted a number of lavenders with the intention to create a 'river of lavender' in my front garden. My sister, an archaeologist, made annual trips to Jordan between 1998-2006 to restore one of the temples at Petra and remarked on a garden high above the Siq where lavender was grown and appeared to tumble over the cliff edge. If I find the photo she sent I'll add it to this post.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We may be only 90ft above sea level here but I imagined the lavender weaving its way through other plants. Only one survived; the rest shrivelled into non-existence, dwindling over time. The couple of purple sages I planted at the same time stomped all over the remains. Several years on I now have a 'river of sage' - not quite the same, but attractive in its own way! For years I disliked the dried blood smell of sage even in stuffing and have only recently come to appreciate it. Now I have so much of it I suppose.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFTVOJ9SIa4/T-__QJk8oGI/AAAAAAAAAiI/uX_1BHdLpVk/s1600/IMG_2780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFTVOJ9SIa4/T-__QJk8oGI/AAAAAAAAAiI/uX_1BHdLpVk/s640/IMG_2780.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple sage with periwinkle and crocosmia 'Lucifer' - you can't see the other plants it weaves through (a lot)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
The botanical name <i>Salvia</i> derives from the Latin<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin" title="Latin"></a> <i>salvere</i> ("to feel well and healthy, health, heal"), the verb related to <i>salus</i> (health, well-being, prosperity or salvation); referring to the herb's healing properties. The common modern English name <i>sage</i> derives from Middle English<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_English" title="Middle English"></a> <i>sawge</i>, which like the botanical name, stems from <i>salvere</i>.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Having dug out an elderly sage bush, long past its useful life, from the raised bed I planted some more, including the common green-leaved sage, the purple one and the multicoloured variety 'Icterina' </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">as I knew they would thrive. Here is the lovely Icterina, a couple of months on, between spearmint and chives. I have been trying to find beauty and cleaning products that contain sage - any ideas?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi1T1mR6WdA/T-tAn7fxSAI/AAAAAAAAAgk/PhbpDeMjjlE/s1600/IMG_3078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi1T1mR6WdA/T-tAn7fxSAI/AAAAAAAAAgk/PhbpDeMjjlE/s640/IMG_3078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvia officinalis 'Icterina'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgxFZ7sgLHY/T-tCB0Uhq7I/AAAAAAAAAgs/73ZMxN8KRoA/s1600/sage+hackneycityfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgxFZ7sgLHY/T-tCB0Uhq7I/AAAAAAAAAgs/73ZMxN8KRoA/s640/sage+hackneycityfarm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a poorly looking one, but with a nice label (Hackney City Farm)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Herbs in New Cross Gate</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Opposite New Cross Gate station is the Hobgoblin pub and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2076829343">Dig This Nursery</a></span>. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I stopped at the traffic lights long enough to read the list of herbs on sale and will definitely be paying a visit. They seem to stock lots of different varieties - what a change from the likes of Homebase/B&Q and garden centres like Ruxley Manor and Phoebe's. I've noticed a gradual narrowing of choice to larger (and more expensive) pots and less variety and it doesn't seem that long ago that I could pick up small pots of feverfew and lady's mantle for £1.50. At that price it doesn't matter that much if it turns up its toes; at £7.99 you not only have to make a bigger hole but I would feel </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">precisely £6.49 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">more pain if it then upped and died.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAFzuHDHt04/T_AdE0TxTVI/AAAAAAAAAiU/_5rc3gOFBXc/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAFzuHDHt04/T_AdE0TxTVI/AAAAAAAAAiU/_5rc3gOFBXc/s640/IMG_3102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dig This Nursery in New Cross Gate</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Out of interest I popped in this morning and picked up 6 pots of herbs for a tenner. That's more like it. 2 x elecampane (Inula helenium), 2 x lovage (Levisticum officinale) 1 x borage (Borago officinalis) - time for a Pimms! - and 1 x winter savory (</span></span><span class="st" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Satureja montana). No summer savory unfortunately, but there was <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/08/alys-fowler-tree-spinach" target="_blank">tree spinach</a> which looked very interesting. I wonder if it's the same as the 'spinach' you get in Greece... another time.</span><br />
<span class="st" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span class="st" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The savorys are interesting, winter is perennial and summer an annual. Like many herbs they belong to the <a href="http://www.kew.org/science/lamuses.html" target="_blank">Lamiaecae family</a> and both are considered to be an antidote to flatulence. </span><br />
<span class="st" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9mvWvJqOdw/T_Ae3192PBI/AAAAAAAAAic/bIHtj2ATRqU/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9mvWvJqOdw/T_Ae3192PBI/AAAAAAAAAic/bIHtj2ATRqU/s640/IMG_3104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'curry' plant, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/3911.shtml" target="_blank">Helichrysum italicum</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've grown the curry plant on and off for years. It smells more like curry powder than what I would call curry and is found in the <a href="http://www.corsica-isula.com/mountains.htm#%20%20Flora%20&%20Fauna." target="_blank">Corsican maquis</a> where it is more shrubby, along with several very pungent and beautiful herbs and plants. Our wet climate often makes it leggy and flop over.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-82510012226878085912012-06-24T12:42:00.001+01:002012-06-24T12:42:32.170+01:00Cardboard conundrum<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last week I removed some of the plastic and put cardboard in its place, then covered it with compost. The cardboard came out of the recycling bin, and was pre-wetted before being laid down on the dead grass and weeds. I also found some rolls of wallpaper and copies of the Mature Times and Metro, so all of that was used too. It looks quite weird and I will find out tomorrow if it has been effective. The plastic was moved to kill off another area. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If I can get my hands on enough cardboard (and copies of the 'Mature Times' :-)) I will try some further experiments with this technique, including in the compost bin. I figure if the cardboard is soggy enough you could put several layers between compost etc. <a href="http://emmacooper.org/blog/composting-cardboard" target="_blank">Emma Cooper</a> has tried composting cardboard on its own. There is not much more old compost left, about two bags of John Innes and three of ericaceous, so I will be on the look out for more. Suggestions welcome!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcPNwc3kEnM/T-bQPAFEQpI/AAAAAAAAAfA/HQwtgJzetXQ/s1600/IMG_3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcPNwc3kEnM/T-bQPAFEQpI/AAAAAAAAAfA/HQwtgJzetXQ/s640/IMG_3040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But where is the cheese? - John Innes & Ericaceous compost, grass clippings, cardboard, wallpaper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRYiASb9Pqg/T-b21cA8zDI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Qc-4YMl6o6I/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRYiASb9Pqg/T-b21cA8zDI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Qc-4YMl6o6I/s640/IMG_3041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new bed staying remarkably clear of weeds (just a few seedlings and a bit of bindweed/avens)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More on roses. I managed, in the limpid light of yesterday, to capture on camera the colour of the lovely coppery pink rambling rose 'Albertine' in my garden. It flowers only once but over several weeks. The buds remind me of very expensive coral lipstick but it is beautiful at every stage. I also took a photo of 'New Dawn' which is scrambling over a rose arch and trellis and is about the most shapely flower I know.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4-yY-OfAIc/T-bhF-L318I/AAAAAAAAAfc/UoYVI4sLcW8/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4-yY-OfAIc/T-bhF-L318I/AAAAAAAAAfc/UoYVI4sLcW8/s640/IMG_3068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGBjkVJPwGM/T-ah2vnDbDI/AAAAAAAAAeY/E_7xj1c5KF8/s1600/IMG_3065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGBjkVJPwGM/T-ah2vnDbDI/AAAAAAAAAeY/E_7xj1c5KF8/s640/IMG_3065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yesterday - Rosa 'Albertine' - wichuriana rambler (1921, Barbier Freres et Cie, Orleans, France)<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWdylm8IHGc/T-bHPiFZVyI/AAAAAAAAAe0/QJVW618ZNaI/s1600/IMG_3036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWdylm8IHGc/T-bHPiFZVyI/AAAAAAAAAe0/QJVW618ZNaI/s640/IMG_3036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa The New Dawn, wichuriana rambler (1930, Dreer, USA)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="st"><span class="f"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'New Dawn' is a sport (mutation) of 'Dr. Van Fleet'<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i></i>and was introduced by Henry Dreer</span><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> of Riverton, New Jersey in 1930. It holds the first plant patent ever granted in the USA.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'Dorothy Perkins', a</span></span><span class="st"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> favourite of my grandmother and my sister, was bred by Jackson & Perkins in the USA and introduced in 1901. It was named after Charles Perkins' granddaughter - I always thought it was named after the shop, but it's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Perkins" target="_blank">the other way round</a>! </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com2Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road,London Borough of Lewisham, London SE6 1QD, UK51.4353996 0.002531151.4329251 -0.0024043999999999997 51.437874099999995 0.0074666tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-82890891888974025322012-06-23T17:28:00.000+01:002012-06-24T10:40:09.607+01:00Make a wormery for under £20<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In 1989-90 the council introduced wheelie bins and I had a plastic dustbin to spare. What to do with it? At around the same time I was still a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and received their monthly magazine The Garden, then pocket sized. To my surprise there was an article about making a wormery out of an old dustbin. The article showed a photo of a line of six bins, but I had just one. I think the article was by someone from the Henry Doubleday Research Institute, now <a href="http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/" target="_blank">Garden Organic</a>.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bpecbloggers.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/worm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://bpecbloggers.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/worm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bpecbloggers.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/how-to-make-a-wormery-for-super-rich-compost/" target="_blank">Image (c) Brighton Peace and Environment Centre</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b>The benefits of a wormery</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Aside from being able to chuck your veg and fruit peelings into it and various bits of greenery, worms make great compost and liquid feed for the garden. Where a garden is too small to accommodate a compost bin, a wormery is a compact alternative. It is faster than composting.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I have to say I am shocked at the cost of ready made wormeries, which to my mind are too small. The cheapest I could find was nearly £40 and the most expensive over £100 for what is after all a few bits of plastic. If you already have a plastic dustbin you can save £11 but even if you don't the total cost of a big one (80 litres) works out at less than £20 and about an hour's work. Less if you are good with a drill/skewer.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
You can also make one on a smaller scale, with a smaller bin, for use on a balcony. The principles are the same. It doesn't work with a flip-top bin, only one with a tight fitting lid. </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Start the wormery in the summer when the weather is warm.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
If you know someone who loves fishing, they will be fighting you for the worms or sneaking out and taking a load of them. That's ok, as long as you have enough! </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
There are two things to bear in mind; worms don't like it too cold, or too acid. I have wrapped the dustbin in an old blanket when the temperature dropped too low. Don't shove more food in than they can eat, once it gets going and the worms start multiplying you can add more. Go easy on the citrus peelings - orange, lemon, pineapple, tomatoes - as it makes the environment too acid.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Here is a shameless plug for Wilkinson - it is very cheap and sells lots of good garden stuff, reminiscent of Woolworths. </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b>What is sedge peat?</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
It is formed from grasses and sedge<a href="http://www.arcticatlas.org/glossary/#Sedge"></a> species,
primarily <i>Carex</i>, with <i>Juncus</i>, <i>Eriophorum</i>, and <i>Scirpus</i>. It is particularly suitable for breeding worms. Moss peat is too acid and should not be used.<b> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greenleafsupply.com/images/Screenedpeatb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://www.greenleafsupply.com/images/Screenedpeatb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greenleafsupply.com/soils.cfm" target="_blank">Image (c) Greenleaf Supply</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b>The ingredients</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
A plastic dustbin, cost about £11 </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
A drill for making holes in the bin, alternatively a metal skewer heated up (be careful!)</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Bricks or something to stand the bin on, and a shallow plastic container like a big cat litter tray to catch the liquid feed </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
A bag of gravel, cost about £3</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Water</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Short thin pieces of wood (not creosoted or painted)</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
A bag of sedge peat, cost about £3</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Brandling worms (tiger worms) - leave some wet newspaper out in the garden for a week or so and you will soon have enough. Collect as many as you can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chopped up raw vegetables and fruit - <b>no meat, no dairy, no cooked and very little citrus</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Instructions</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mark a line about six inches up from the base of the bin. Drill or skewer evenly spaced holes around this line, about six inches apart. What does this do? Provides drainage and humidity.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Make a few holes in the lid in the same way. This provides air to the wormery. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Place the bin in position on top of the bricks or in the container - it will get quite heavy when it is filled.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pour the gravel in to come just above the holes. Why? So the drainage holes don't get blocked.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pour in the water to just below the holes. This is the 'sump'. What happens to it? As the worms make the compost, excess moisture full of nutrients drips into the water, raises the level and makes liquid feed which comes out of the holes. Hence the container!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Place the pieces of wood across the gravel in a criss cross pattern. This acts as a barrier between the sump and the peat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Add the sedge peat, breaking it up if it is lumpy and reserving a little.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now for the fun part. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Add the brandling worms that you have collected, then</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> a little chopped up veg and fruit, some of it a bit rotten (use a compost caddy if you have one or a plastic container with a lid). Cover with a thin layer of the sedge peat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Put torn or shredded wet newspaper (re-use the paper for collecting the worms) over the top of it all then put the lid on.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>After care</b></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Try not to keep opening the lid too much to see how the worms are getting on. After about three weeks you can add some more veg and fruit, sparingly. The worms will have multiplied. If you find little white worms in the bin, it is too acid so try to balance it out by adding a little sedge peat to neutralise it. I had to do this several times at first. The white worms don't do any harm, they are an indicator. </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Also beware of fruit fly larva on fruit skin - give it a wash in clean water or a wipe before adding to the bin. There are few things less pleasant than opening the bin and a cloud of fruit flies in your face.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Once you have the balance right, the wormery should smell really nice every time you take off the lid.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Dsc7tDQMXs/T-bgNob7TOI/AAAAAAAAAfU/fZLHgsCDCtw/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Dsc7tDQMXs/T-bgNob7TOI/AAAAAAAAAfU/fZLHgsCDCtw/s400/IMG_3070.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The venerable wormery - 22 years and still going strong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
You don't need to feed them so much in the winter when they aren't so active. </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Happy worm farming!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-4547893805563379882012-06-23T08:01:00.000+01:002012-06-23T08:01:44.881+01:00Future plans and inspiration<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Community spirit</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I met a very nice neighbour on Monday, he and his wife live opposite the garden and he walked across Boundfield Road to ask what I was up to. Guess what, I was still trying to clear the fence! The following day I was invited to his garden where he presented me with tomato, carrot and cabbage plants.<b> </b>As there is still so much ground to clear in the community garden, they have found a good home in the Allotment Garden at the back of the centre. Thank you Carlton for your generosity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Apples and pears</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Clearing the bindweed and brambles,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">from the fence,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> and reducing a thicket of lonicera nitida thanks to Karen the intrepid volunteer, I had a thought about espalier trained fruit trees. I know next to nothing about them apart from admiring them, and having an idea to fan train</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> peaches or nectarines against the wall of the Allotment Garden a couple of years back. It didn't come to anything at the time but must have lain dormant! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNwCCK7khF4/T-VhGYZqQ-I/AAAAAAAAAck/hGYrf5iTE5k/s1600/2gvprog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNwCCK7khF4/T-VhGYZqQ-I/AAAAAAAAAck/hGYrf5iTE5k/s400/2gvprog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Allotment Garden, a project for local families 2009-11 (London Action Trust/Big Lottery)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thanks to the wonders of the web there are numerous articles about <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/growfruitandveg_espalierapple1.shtml" target="_blank">espalier </a>and <a href="http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=626" target="_blank">fan training</a>. Like many things in this life it boils down to whether you have a) <b>the time</b> to grow and train one year 'unfeathered maidens' or b) <b>the money</b> to buy them already trained with two or three tiers in place. The difference being a) a couple of years or b) about £40!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5B-N4doVDxs/T-LmXdU_g2I/AAAAAAAAAcM/0TzKhGaKzgM/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5B-N4doVDxs/T-LmXdU_g2I/AAAAAAAAAcM/0TzKhGaKzgM/s640/IMG_0954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Espalier trained apples, with Achillea 'Red Velvet' and Anthemis tinctoria 'E C Buxton' - edible and desirable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here is an example of knee high espalier trained apples. Quite the fashion, or was two years ago at Hampton Court flower show. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road, London Borough of Lewisham, London SE6 1QD, UK51.434775088029163 0.002145767211914062551.432300588029165 -0.0027897327880859373 51.437249588029161 0.0070812672119140623tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-66312412432983628352012-06-16T08:26:00.000+01:002012-06-21T10:13:56.355+01:00Community Garden news<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was delighted to receive notification of a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">£350 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">grant from Lewisham Council for a project at the community garden yesterday. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Great news! I'm waiting to hear from the Payback Team when they are able to start digging the garden, hopefully next or the following week.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With the grant we can purchase a wall sundial for the garden, it looks like slate but is made from recycled coffee cups. Now for some sun...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.riverocean.org.uk/shop/shop-images/sundialwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.riverocean.org.uk/shop/shop-images/sundialwall.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycled sundial - very eco-friendly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We can also build a bug hotel and I've been saving bits of wood and broken pots, bamboo canes and other stuff. There are some pallets at the community centre to give it a head start. What is a bug hotel? If you look it up on Google there are horror stories of hotels and bed bugs, but this is different; a home for bugs to shelter, live and reproduce in. Here are two examples. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk/images/Bug-Hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk/images/Bug-Hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of a bug 'hotel' from <a href="http://www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk/gardens.html" target="_blank">Earthworks St Albans</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/docs/002__008__news__MOB_Bug_Hotel__1298305573_standard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/docs/002__008__news__MOB_Bug_Hotel__1298305573_standard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bug 'mansion' from the <a href="http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/ngus-council-supports-scottish-wildlife-trust-in-bringing-nature-to-children" target="_blank">Scottish Wildlife Trust</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have set aside a little budget for materials but I would rather use it for something else - see 'Fundraising ' below - so if you have old tiles, smallish logs or fir cones to spare I'd be grateful for any donations!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There will be a workshop to design and build the bug hotel at Goldsmiths Community Garden, please</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><a href="mailto:hubbub@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank">let me know</a> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> if you are interested in attending - date to be confirmed but it will be sometime in August. We'll be doing some design work, drawing and building so it should be fun for everyone.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Permaculture</b><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;">As part of the project we are offering a one day Permaculture ‘taster’ workshop for a maximum of 15 local people, by Ruth and Suriya who host the Permaculture
Kids Club at <a href="http://growmayow.blogspot.co.uk/p/regular-activities.html" target="_blank">Grow Mayow Community Garden</a>, Sydenham. What is <a href="http://permaculture.org.uk/knowledge-base/basics" target="_blank">permaculture</a>? It's a design
approach to any human activity and is a combination of Ecology, Architecture and Organic
Gardening. Wow. Please <a href="mailto:hubbub@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk" target="_blank">let me know</a> if you are interested in joining this workshop - date to be confirmed, as above.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;"><b>Composting, recycling and Love Food Hate Waste</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1f6gbJ_AuyE/T9wtXC2nGmI/AAAAAAAAAa4/JTolKtcdg70/s1600/rw-2012-supporters-badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1f6gbJ_AuyE/T9wtXC2nGmI/AAAAAAAAAa4/JTolKtcdg70/s200/rw-2012-supporters-badge.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Next week is <a href="http://www.recyclenowpartners.org.uk/recycle_week_2012.html" target="_blank">Recycle Week</a> - bet you didn't know that (nor did I). Three or four years ago I ran some recycling workshops for local organisations and schools - I love finding out what can and can't be recycled, what it's made of and what happens to it and so on. Call me a nerd! <a href="http://www.wrap.org.uk/" target="_blank">WRAP</a></span>, in conjunction with Lewisham Council, delivered a session on composting after North Downham Training Project opened their garden, which won a <a href="http://www.conservationfoundation.co.uk/award_info.php?id=14" target="_blank">London's Green Corners Award</a> in 2007. It's time for another one.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;">Kristina Binns from Lewisham Council has kindly offered to run workshops on <a href="http://recycleforlewisham.com/2012/06/12/new-compost-workshops-2012/" target="_blank">composting</a>, recycling and Love Food Hate Waste as part of the project. What is Love Food Hate Waste? It's a brilliant <a href="http://england.lovefoodhatewaste.com/content/save-time-money-0" target="_blank">website</a> with all sorts of hints and tips about saving food and money. We waste a staggering amount of food in this country, due to confusion over date labels, buying too much and not using cooked or uncooked food in creative ways. Delicious Nutritious will be running cook and eat sessions at the community centre, as will Limelight Family Learning Centre as part of their Summer Programme and this workshop will complement their sessions. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;">Everyone is welcome. Please <a href="mailto:hubbub@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk" target="_blank">let me know</a> if you are interested in joining these workshops - date to be confirmed, as above.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;"><b>Community event</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #06082c;">There is a little money in the budget that can be used towards a community event to celebrate the community garden on 18 August. It is still in the planning stage, but the famous Smoothie bikes will be there!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwLKGhGY3mM/T-Lllk8IwxI/AAAAAAAAAcE/KgiX_8USNKw/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwLKGhGY3mM/T-Lllk8IwxI/AAAAAAAAAcE/KgiX_8USNKw/s400/IMG_0949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red leaved basil in herb border - Hampton Court Flower Show 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Fundraising</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every seed I planted of the red-leaved basil has germinated and I now have loads of plants, far more than I can use. Last year one big plant on my kitchen windowsill lasted into the winter, and it looks fantastic in a mixed bed if you can keep the snails and slugs off it. I also have other plants; curly parsley, oriental and California salad mix and Marmande tomatoes. Last year I bought some <a href="http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/hanging-baskets/wilko-everyday-value-hanging-basket-35cm/invt/0070679/?htxt=CqRsbJu%2FutV8PO2VUe7M5tbw0eF0%2BgiZGsyhRiL%2FA7J%2FD5ckTwx4gGk9NGxRQ2HoBcTxJmxJa8Ar%0AIS49VztZhg%3D%3D" target="_blank">very cheap hanging baskets and liners</a> from Wilkinsons, filled them with mixed salad leaves and herbs and suspended them from crooks in the garden. Worked a treat as it frustrated the snails no end!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To raise some money for the garden I will offer them for 50p each - all for a very good cause!</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I would like to use the money raised to go towards learning materials as at the moment this blog is the main source of information. They are not quite ready yet but in a couple of weeks' time they will be available. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I will also be fundraising for a new fence and gate to the garden, a new lawnmower and tools. Watch this space.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-16970167546297849252012-06-15T09:00:00.001+01:002012-06-21T09:25:19.489+01:00Another layer of 'lasagna' rained on<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The almost continuous rain over the past couple of weeks has ensured that the new plants have settled in.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now what is needed is a bit more sun as most of the plants were chosen for their tolerance to drought and a hosepipe ban was in force when they were planted. Doh!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b42mqtGd3D4/T9mwDzkJBMI/AAAAAAAAAZA/8SK3MjkcZWs/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b42mqtGd3D4/T9mwDzkJBMI/AAAAAAAAAZA/8SK3MjkcZWs/s400/IMG_3005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The circular bed after a lot of rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There is a mini rain shadow in the roof overhang of the raised bed against the wall and the back of the bed is dry. The plants don't seem to mind apart from the oriental poppies, which are just underneath it; they seem to be putting down roots though not doing as well as my Mrs Perry this year. Before it got battered by the rain, that is. Here is a photo of the first flower to open, on Jubilee weekend. I love the blowsy, opulent flowers. Who is Mrs Perry? Amos Perry, nurseryman, who discovered this salmon sport in his Winchmore Hill garden in 1906, named it after his wife. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zUL3C48EkQ/T9rlp9wDm4I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/vcodqD_mxv8/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zUL3C48EkQ/T9rlp9wDm4I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/vcodqD_mxv8/s400/IMG_2972.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papaver orientale 'Mrs Perry' </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7cHoaxyjbs/T9mxdb53H7I/AAAAAAAAAZM/tOOGzS1sCnM/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7cHoaxyjbs/T9mxdb53H7I/AAAAAAAAAZM/tOOGzS1sCnM/s400/IMG_3008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'rain shadow' at the back of the raised bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More on lasagna gardening</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A pile of grass clippings the height of the compost container was deposited a couple of weeks ago, the result of mowing the community centre grounds. Some went into the heap and about a third was left to be rained on and start the process of decay. Some of the pile was layered on top of the cardboard in the prospective veg patch. I am keeping the different piles separate at the moment. Doesn't look much like lasagna to me! or at least one that I'd fancy eating. The compost heap/layered garden is now the lucky recipient of a similar sized pile of nettles which are slowly rotting - I'll give this plenty of time as the last thing I want is another load of nettles.</span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkjDk8d1qec/T9mygfyCAlI/AAAAAAAAAZU/RYLLE4iKw84/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkjDk8d1qec/T9mygfyCAlI/AAAAAAAAAZU/RYLLE4iKw84/s400/IMG_3006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 'lasagna' layer - semi rotted grass clippings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-39697793060370874872012-06-05T13:00:00.000+01:002012-06-06T07:06:25.392+01:00Musings on roses, lasagna gardening<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Roses grow on you, sometimes a bit too much</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Reflecting on how much time and effort I can put (even with volunteer help) into the traditional method of double digging the community garden, I consulted with Elwood Amey. Elwood is a gardener by profession and helped the older people's group design the garden structure some years ago. He is also a trustee of the community association and a partner in the <a href="http://www.goldsmithscommunitycentre.info/#/health-and-wellbeing/4535605863" target="_blank">Wellbeing Service</a> which inspired the idea of an apothecary garden.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We had a conversation about roses and which ones to keep. They hadn't been pruned for so long that one had reverted to its wild state and it will have to come out. While not the biggest of the bunch, it will take some doing. I've already got rid of one which was fighting to survive the competition from pernicious weeds and not really in the right place, unless you want your legs scratched to pieces as you pass. Another is defying attempts to grow up the trellis on the bunker, stretching out to the light in the opposite direction.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ideally I'd like to replace them all with Rosa Mundi, the 12th century apothecary rose said to be named after<a href="http://rosesforenglishgardens.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/rosa-gallica-versicolor-rosa-mundi-or.html" target="_blank"> Fair Rosamund, mistress of Henry II</a>! Unlike the floribundas and the hybrid teas, lovely though they are, it won't end up with flowers waving 8-10 feet in the air. One of my earliest memories is of my grandmother's square rose bed featuring the gorgeous 'Peace' in her garden, located at the foot of the Peak District National Park; but she did employ a gardener to keep them in good shape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZgqhsBJIXg/T83PxYS7AmI/AAAAAAAAAXM/ti2ECfv8FZs/s1600/rosamundi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZgqhsBJIXg/T83PxYS7AmI/AAAAAAAAAXM/ti2ECfv8FZs/s400/rosamundi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa Mundi (Copyright <a href="http://www.classicroses.co.uk/products/roses/rosa-mundi/" target="_blank">Peter Beales Roses</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I love roses and have grown many</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> (and lost some to disease or being in the wrong place) - here are two of them.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26_a5tzkc_g/T83jppGvwCI/AAAAAAAAAXY/I_oyjYEusZ4/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26_a5tzkc_g/T83jppGvwCI/AAAAAAAAAXY/I_oyjYEusZ4/s400/IMG_2977.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highly scented Portland Rose 'Jacques Cartier' (1868)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HpbxIUtJoA/T83jvAUl8SI/AAAAAAAAAXg/oVjbasBJpoA/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HpbxIUtJoA/T83jvAUl8SI/AAAAAAAAAXg/oVjbasBJpoA/s400/IMG_2978.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hybrid musk 'Cornelia' (1925)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mulches and 'lasagna' gardening</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Elwood suggested I cut down the big weeds, cover some of the areas with cardboard, followed by a deep mulch of bark chippings and plant through that. Brian kindly supplied a very large double sheet for the area that I've designated for fruit bushes and some vegetables. I've pinned it down with the bags of old compost for the moment. I'm fond of the <a href="http://www.thecottagegardensociety.org.uk/" target="_blank">cottage garden look</a> and have planted a hollyhock picked up for a song at <a href="http://farmsteadroadcommunitygarden.webs.com/" target="_blank">Farmstead Road Community Garden</a> stall at the Phoenix Festival.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Intrigued by the idea of a cardboard mulch I went on a journey through the internet and discovered the wonderfully named lasagna gardening. The idea of No Dig gardening was developed in the 1950s in the USA by Ruth Stout, who lived in Poverty Hollow, Connecticut, and wrote a book Gardening Without Work; for the Aging, the Busy and the Indolent! Sounds appropriate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_jiIgkABe4/T83sYtqbFII/AAAAAAAAAXs/w8M-BkDwrOw/s1600/stout-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_jiIgkABe4/T83sYtqbFII/AAAAAAAAAXs/w8M-BkDwrOw/s400/stout-cover.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here is a <a href="http://philadelphiacountymastergardeners.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/second-saturday-lasagna-gardening.html" target="_blank">presentation</a> on lasagna gardening by Philadephia County Master Gardeners (Penn State University), and an interesting <a href="http://chopwoodcarrywaterplantseeds.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/lasagna-gardening-no-digging-no-tilling.html" target="_blank">blog</a> about it. Enjoy!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-67099539890328485562012-05-19T10:54:00.000+01:002012-06-05T09:51:01.996+01:00Slow but rewarding progress<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Excavations and planting at the community garden continue. Lush and bosky from the recent rain, the 'lawn' turns out to be meadow, with some interesting wildflowers in the mix, some associated with herb gardens and remedies. A weed is only a plant you don't like, as I often remind myself. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On Monday I got in early and spent time digging up loads of herb bennet or wood avens (<a href="http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/avens083.html" target="_blank">Geum urbanum</a>) which had wrapped itself around the circular bed, yesterday I uncovered a patch of germander speedwell (<a href="http://www.aphotoflora.com/images/plantaginaceae/veronica_chamaedrys_germander_birds_eye_speedwell_flower_02-05-04.jpg" target="_blank">Veronica chamaedrys</a>)</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and last week a very healthy marjoram (<a href="http://www.ageless.co.za/marjoram.htm" target="_blank">Origanum majorana</a>) plant under one of the rose bushes.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The digging is proving a formidable task, but I have had offers of help including from the tutor of the baby yoga class. There is a lot of curiosity from the local community and I've had many an interesting chat through the fence!</span> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgyZAtvmdk0/T7dJnaef5WI/AAAAAAAAAUI/5zOJSvlFoXA/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgyZAtvmdk0/T7dJnaef5WI/AAAAAAAAAUI/5zOJSvlFoXA/s400/IMG_2875.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful paeony, liberated from a blanket of brambles and ivy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Helped by the acquisition of about 35 bags of old compost the soil from excavated areas can now be replaced, to an extent. Some of the bags fell apart or were so waterlogged that any nutrients have long since leached out but they are all being put to use either in the excavated areas or smothering the weeds! Thanks to Brian for wheelbarrowing them in.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The raised bed is starting to look great, I wish I knew the name of the red paeony it is truly beautiful. I noticed a few bindweed shoots appearing in the circular bed but Andrea had done a really good job of tracking down the roots and they came out easily.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E22J26A7i8E/T7dKfxVKhxI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Vb8-iP5rkzs/s1600/IMG_2878.jp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E22J26A7i8E/T7dKfxVKhxI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Vb8-iP5rkzs/s400/IMG_2878.jp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The french lavender is in flower and the plants are settling in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since the circular bed has been cleared the garden is being visited by a group (?) of sparrows. My own garden in Brockley is visited by every other bird, small, medium and large, but not sparrows and I'm heartened to see them.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As an urban kid they were all I saw apart from pigeons</span>!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlH5iaBq5NE/T7dNnUxe_oI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_9br2dOTyyc/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlH5iaBq5NE/T7dNnUxe_oI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_9br2dOTyyc/s400/IMG_2877.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got to do something about those doors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Having cleared a lot of the brambles, bindweed is now springing up by the fence.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Press on regardless. Still much to do, but it's taking shape - and looks a lot better than it did!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you would like to help out in the community garden please get in touch. I am there on Mondays and Tuesdays but occasionally can't resist another day if I'm not busy. If you would like to help or visit, contact the community centre on 020 8698 3741, email me at hubbub@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk or use the comments section below, </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLjGjl6c6pE/T7dOuBOC15I/AAAAAAAAAUo/jOzXzsRAmSY/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLjGjl6c6pE/T7dOuBOC15I/AAAAAAAAAUo/jOzXzsRAmSY/s400/IMG_2807.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The heavily 'pruned' roses, which are fighting back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJSHHIf4wRM/T7dTYJYnJfI/AAAAAAAAAU8/8ZEyk5zVtCQ/s1600/IMG_2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJSHHIf4wRM/T7dTYJYnJfI/AAAAAAAAAU8/8ZEyk5zVtCQ/s400/IMG_2811.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the preschool garden and chicken coop across the bags of compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road, London, SE6 1QD51.434855348897983 0.001974105834960937551.432380848897985 -0.0029613941650390623 51.437329848897981 0.0069096058349609373tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-19093028091533160832012-05-13T18:54:00.001+01:002012-05-13T18:54:59.665+01:00What is an apothecary garden?<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The word 'apothecary' is derived from <em>apotheca</em>, meaning a place where wine, spices and herbs were stored. During the thirteenth
century it came into use in this country to describe a person who kept a stock
of these commodities, which he sold from his shop or street stall.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">By the mid-sixteenth century apothecaries had become the equivalent of today's
community pharmacists, dealing mainly with the preparation and sale of substances
for medicinal purposes. Authority over medical practice, however, lay with the
College of Physicians.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">From 1672 until 1922, the Society of Apothecaries manufactured and sold medicinal
and pharmaceutical products at the Hall, and in 1673 it founded the Chelsea Physic
Garden, only relinquishing managerial control in 1899.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVKSXF6x3dA/T6_ndUFlAkI/AAAAAAAAARE/iF5T0gwFxaU/s1600/chamomile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVKSXF6x3dA/T6_ndUFlAkI/AAAAAAAAARE/iF5T0gwFxaU/s200/chamomile.gif" width="187" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Apothecaries' Physic Garden at Chelsea was founded as an educational enterprise;
it was also established in conjunction with the possession of the Society's first
ceremonial barge. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> In July 1673 the Society took the lease on three-and-a-half acres of land on
the riverfront at Chelsea and proceeded to build a bargehouse and cultivate a
physic garden where, for well over two centuries, Apothecaries' apprentices and,
later, medical students, were taught Botany and Materia Medica.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">The</span> Worshipful Society of Apothecaries</a> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDOH4O9P2CI/T6_qixyr0HI/AAAAAAAAARY/q9YeC37OCSQ/s1600/herb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDOH4O9P2CI/T6_qixyr0HI/AAAAAAAAARY/q9YeC37OCSQ/s1600/herb.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The word Physic means the art or skill of healing. As a species name, the word 'officinale' denotes a plant that was traditionally sold in
apothecary shops and was considered to have medicinal or healthful
properties. Many plants in the apothecary or physic garden were grown for cooking, healing, dyeing wool and fabric and 'strewing', or scattering over the floor for their perfume. Pennyroyal and Lady's Bedstraw kept fleas at bay. Traditionally apothecary or physic gardens grouped the plants according to their healing or soothing properties.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-3LpIHkaJQ/T6_rS1GehlI/AAAAAAAAARg/iTOLE9hfn1M/s1600/artemisia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-3LpIHkaJQ/T6_rS1GehlI/AAAAAAAAARg/iTOLE9hfn1M/s200/artemisia.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
There isn't enough space in the Goldsmiths Community Garden for a full scale apothecary garden like the one at <a href="http://www.cowbridgephysicgarden.org.uk/" target="_blank">Cowbridge Physic Garden</a>, west of Cardiff, or the <a href="http://www.faversham.org/community/clubs/abbey_physic_garden.aspx" target="_blank">Abbey Physic Community Garden</a> in Faversham. The aim is to make it an educational space for all generations to enjoy and for the garden to evolve over time. Please contact me at <a href="mailto:hubbub@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk" target="_blank">hubbub@goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk</a> for more information, and to visit the garden (currently Monday & Tuesday only).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIcRXDgxYvw/T6-7emlWtuI/AAAAAAAAAQY/umJ3oo5sPjI/s1600/IR88837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIcRXDgxYvw/T6-7emlWtuI/AAAAAAAAAQY/umJ3oo5sPjI/s400/IR88837.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hemerocallis flava with sweet cicely, rue, hop, thalictrum and lemon balm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
Read <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/plants/8847598/Look-after-yourself-the-natural-way.html" target="_blank">this article</a> by Francine Raymond in the Sunday Telegraph, October 2011.<br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snYgORGH5vc/T5fR8aMJt9I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/0XoBtNgJoE0/s1600/IMG_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snYgORGH5vc/T5fR8aMJt9I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/0XoBtNgJoE0/s400/IMG_2779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Sage, periwinkle (Vinca minor) and catmint (Nepeta <span class="st"> x faassenii)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com1London Borough of Lewisham, London SE6 1QD, UK51.4353996 0.002531151.4329251 -0.0024043999999999997 51.437874099999995 0.0074666tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305701081480730909.post-77361403734732326892012-04-21T10:42:00.000+01:002012-06-22T08:56:23.770+01:00Update on the community garden<h4 style="color: #38761d;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>A bit of background</b></span></h4>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I rented Room 3 at <a href="http://www.goldsmithscommunitycentre.info/" target="_blank">Goldsmiths Community Centre</a> in mid-February as the base for a project </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <a href="http://www.goldsmithscommunityhub.org.uk/" target="_blank">Hubbub Community Media Resource</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">, funded by Whitefoot and Downham Local Assemblies</span>. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The
project helps local groups and organisations with publicity, marketing
and fundraising using social media and aims to paint a picture of the
local area through community reporting by adult education students and
local people. Room 3 has exclusive use of what is known as the
'pensioners' garden (although I've not seen a pensioner in it!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The
garden had been neglected since the group who maintained it stopped.
I'd had a go at it a couple of years' earlier, at that time a new <a href="http://www.goldsmithscommunitycentre.info/#/health-and-wellbeing/4535605863" target="_blank">Wellbeing Service</a>
at the centre had been set up and I had the idea to create a 'physic'
or apothecary garden to complement it, growing herbs, aromatic and other</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> plants </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">used
in traditional medicine, for learning and enjoyment. I applied for
funding, didn't get it, and moved on to other things. When I came back
and looked out on it, the idea resurfaced!</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
<b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bring a Plant Day</b></h4>
<span class="fw_sanitized"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
First of all thank you very much to all
who came to the Bring a Plant Day on Monday 16 April , for their labour
and plants, and for the <a href="http://lewishamgardens.webs.com/apps/forums/topics/show/7595556-the-goldsmiths-community-garden-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fantastic write up</a>
of the day on this blog. There's not much more I can add, except it was
quite spontaneously planned but we chose the right day for it! The
plants have all been well watered now, despite their drought tolerance
and a hosepipe ban. From an occasional hacking away in my lunch hour,
the concerted effort by everyone last Monday has really made a
difference and I met some lovely new people who are as interested in
gardening as I am.</div>
<br />
<img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/1604dxw.jpg" /><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
A word on <b>those </b>brambles.
The green palisade fence which was put up last year augmented a chain
link fence which had been there since the 1970s. The brambles were grown
to stop intruders, and were pretty successful although the centre is
not immune to stuff being hurled over or finding a way through. </div>
<br />
<img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/sfxe11.jpg" /><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
When
it opened in 1939 the community centre had no fence at all and opened
out on to a recreation space of 13 acres, where the Excalibur prefabs
now stand (not for much longer). </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
The
community centre has been inextricably linked with gardening and food
production over the past 70+ years. One of the first groups to be set up
was the Goldsmiths Community Centre Gardening Society (now Goldsmiths
Gardeners), formed in 1939 and who manage the Crutchley/Hazelbank Road
allotments to this day. They held their first annual flower and
vegetable show at the centre on August Bank Holiday 1939 and from
1940-1945 managed the open space as 144 allotments - 'Dig for Victory'!
Thanks to local residents I have copies of certificates awarded by the
Society for 'Truss of Tomatoes' and 'Prettiest Front Garden'!</div>
<br />
<img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/8xsdok.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/33tqdqf.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
For
more than 30 years the Gardeners Society acted as a garden centre,
providing seeds, bulbs, plants and compost to the local community. They
still meet in the growing season on Sunday mornings at the centre. If
you would like to know more about the history of the community centre
click <a href="http://www.goldsmithscommunitycentre.info/#/centre-history/4535564737" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
A big thanks again to everyone and to all the contacts I've made subsequently!</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17594941038340385504noreply@blogger.com0Goldsmiths Commmunity Centre,.Castillon Rd, London, Greater London SE6 1QD, UK51.434989116699271 0.002317428588867187551.432514616699272 -0.0026180714111328123 51.437463616699269 0.0072529285888671873