Despite that awful drizzly rain that seeps through every crack, last Saturday November 12, a few dedicated Community Garden volunteers met to construct a screen on the rear elevation of the gazebo using the ancient craft of willow weaving.
There certainly appeared to be no shortage of willow for this grows abundantly in the Garden, located in Love Lane beyond the schools, and a volunteer had constructed the cross braces framework earlier in the month using chestnut poles, donated by local woodsman Mike Pepler, so what could be simpler?
Well, it seems there are traditional patterns of weaving – an alternating weave, as seen in wicker baskets – or there is the uniform “Danish weave” – as seen by Pip on a family visit to Denmark . . . decisions, decisions!
However two other volunteers came to the rescue, deciding on a traditional basket weave for the central panel and flanking this with Danish weave to each side – everyone’s happy, and some two hours later, the gazebo has been transformed.
This now-secluded social space has also been ‘dressed’ with several terracotta pots containing tulip bulbs and hanging baskets which will be used next summer for strawberry plants and/or tumbling tomatoes. There are also plans to create a flower border – some donated grasses and irises are waiting in the wings!
The latest additions are two cold frames, donated by Madeleine Eve, which now await over-wintering tender plants and then early spring sowings.
Our last 2016 session is on Saturday week, November 26 (11-1pm) after which the weather is likely to be against us – and there are hedge saplings to plant out, broad beans to sow, and rubbish to burn.
Plans for 2017 are slowly taking shape but are likely to include the installation of a much-needed toilet facility for which we are actively fund-raising – all offers of help would be much appreciated. There are more access paths to be laid and raised beds to construct and plant. Please do come and see the Garden’s progress for yourselves, you’ll be most welcome.
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Photos: Pip Al-Khafaji