With the clocks going back, there is now a real sense that the year is drawing to a close. Surprisingly, though, there are still signs of life in the garden at Muddy Fork, Retford’s Gardening for Wellbeing charity. Some of these are more welcome than others – a plague of caterpillars has devastated a range of brassicas, but a few determined pumpkins have yet to realise that Hallowe’en is over and are still trying to grow. Peppers and chillies continue to flourish, with the fiery Firecracker variety helping to keep Bonfire Night sparks flying. Next year’s broad beans are already thriving, and the donated crab-apple tree has excelled this season with a spectacular crop of fruit perfect for making jelly.
Funding for the future is always an important focus for Muddy Fork, and a recent grant from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has been warmly welcomed. Steve Abson, the Trust’s East Midlands Regional Development Manager, visited the garden and has since provided valuable guidance on other funding opportunities and grant applications – support that the team deeply appreciates.
The generosity of local businesses has ensured that this year’s Muddy Fork raffle will be a true Christmas cracker. A full list of prizes will soon be available on the Muddy Fork Facebook page. Raffle tickets, along with honey, preserves, and wreaths, will be on sale at the Christmas stall in the foyer of the Idle Valley Visitor Centre from Monday 24th November to Friday 12th December, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
Visitors are welcome to drop by the Muddy Fork garden while at the centre, or find out more online at http://www.muddyfork.uk. To make a referral, volunteer, or donate, contact Rose, Muddy Fork’s General Manager, at rose.muddyfork@outlook.com. Rose can also arrange raffle tickets if you are unable to attend in person – just get in touch!