Tree Planting and Maintenance
An early morning sun in late February already warms us as, carrying tools, four Green Martinstown enthusiasts clamber up a reverse-pudding-bowl West Country hill just above Loscombe Farm towards the tree planting area. Part of the collection of Douglas Fir, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Hazel and Oak whips has already been planted. We are there to finish the job, and stake each young tree, thus creating a new Dorset ‘clump’ for the future. A micro-ecosystem for wildlife up above the farm is being born: I am assigned to fasten the stakes starting at the bottom of this green hillside – the others continue the planting at the top.
I am secretly grateful for the respite from conversation to fully take in the beauty and glory of the landscape: the Paul Nash paintings of my youth seem omnipresent all around me as, tree for tiny tree, I gently bind each one to a robust stake that dwarfs them with a protective strength. As a true ‘tree whisperer’ – wishing each tree well as I bind them – I am glad that no one hears this particular conversation!
The week before the whole G M team were out in force to check the line of 70 Queen’s Canopy trees planted in honour of the late Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in 2022 just over the hill at Grove Hill Bottom. All the trees needed checking for signs of life, stakes needed replacing, some strengthening and repairing of deer guards took place, a little weeding where needed. 7 trees needed replacing but the others are flourishing.
Children’s Morning
After the success of the Children’s dance morning early February, G M is planning a new hands-on Children’s session with the seasonal theme: Germination and Pollination. The whole cyclical process of a plant’s life will be explained and demonstrated as the children are helped and encouraged to sow and plant while learning about this. This will take place on 26th April, 10.00am start, in the community garden at the Vicarage: parental guidance/ presence required. Watch out for the posters. To book call Trilby on: 07969076934
The Rectory Community Garden – All welcome
The Community Garden at the Rectory is up and running – or should I say growing.
Rev Teresa, our wonderful vicar, has kindly made a part of the vicarage garden available to anyone who wants to spend some time in nature, with their hands in the soil, tending and caring for the plants or simply to enjoy some peace and quiet. Of course it is a Community garden and it is available to meet others and spend some gentle time outside together.
The entrance is on the corner of Blagdon Close along a woodchip path and over a small metal bridge across the stream. There are going to be regular work sessions but anyone is welcome to come at any time and tend the garden.
We are currently looking for cuttings of plants, spare seeds or seedlings. So if you have any please let us know or drop them down to the garden.
