Thursday, 29 July 2021

Volunteer day at the Empty Common Community Garden

On the 15th of July, a local company sent volunteers to the garden; a lot was completed on the day!

Relocation of wild garlic


Wild garlic was relocated into the shaded bed near the compost toilet and some pendulous sedge was planted to replace the garlic. Charlotte thinks the garlic will be a good ground cover for the bed.


The creation of the hazel barrier

A hazel barrier was made, in order to prevent people cutting through our bike rack area. We want to plant a ground cover plant there, such as ivy.



Windows were sanded and painted for the meeting hut and panels were made from pallets to cover our wood storage space, so we can lock it up.


     As well as this, some of the volunteers dug a drainage trench around the base of the meeting hut. This was filled with hardcore, followed by gravel. 
Finally, a wildlife wood pile was created for ground beetles and hopefully stag beetles too! Stag beetles are found in the southern area of England, especially around woodland areas. However, they are also sometimes found in gardens that have a lot of trees.

The group of excellent volunteers

    We are definitely all impressed by the group's hard work.

Sunday, 11 July 2021

The annual Transition party and a walk into our garden!


Last Sunday, Transition Cambridge hosted their annual party at the Empty Common. But first, here's a look into Michela's perspective of a walk around the garden, a few hours before the party.


One of the two wonderful entries to the garden...

From left to right: the flag looking as magnificent as ever, the ECCG-carved wood, the polytunnel.


Our very own pond (I wonder who lives inside!)



Rebecca (a volunteer taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award) near some of the beds.


Just around an hour before the party, with much collaborative effort, bunting was attached all around the garden.



(The right-side entrance. Some tree climbing was involved to put this part up!)



At this stage, it may have been fairly empty (other than those who helped set-up)...


...but the party itself was certainly not!



This blog was written by Michela (who is currently participating in the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award).