The summer weather has once again been kind to Muddy Fork, Retford’s ‘Gardening for Wellbeing’ charity. The succession of heatwaves, followed by well-timed rainfall, has boosted growth and eased the watering effort. It is a striking contrast to last year, when crops struggled to grow at all. The cool spring also appears to have benefited some fruits and vegetables, while the reported national increase in butterfly numbers seems evident locally, judging by the many caterpillars removed from the purple sprouting broccoli and safely relocated.
Beans have thrived – broad beans, runner beans, and dwarf French beans in both green and yellow varieties. The polytunnel has become a jungle of tomatoes in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes. Cucumbers, courgettes, cauliflowers, chard, and cabbages have all been enjoyed, with squashes on the way. Even the orchard plums survived without being completely eaten by wasps.
Muddy Fork recently welcomed representatives of Retford Rotary Club, who presented a generous donation of £700. Retford Rotary has supported Muddy Fork for many years, and it was a pleasure to welcome their new President, Mary Saddington, along with Mark Parker, International Chair, and David Towers, Environmental Chair. The visitors toured the garden and enjoyed coffee with the Friday team – a great example of local community support, without which the project could not continue.
For more information, visit http://www.muddyfork.uk. Visitors are always welcome. To make a referral, volunteer, or donate, contact Rose, General Manager, at rose.muddyfork@outlook.com.