The mud in the garden at Muddy Fork, Retford’s Gardening for Wellbeing project, has subsided at last, though the soil remains wet and claggy. Continuing rain at least saves on the watering, though persistent high winds can make things dry out. The long-awaited sunshine has shown up for a few odd days only.
But with the longest day now in sight, there has been an explosive amount of growth in the garden, not all of it in the right places.
The willow structures are a case in point. In early June, any evidence of ‘structure’ disappeared almost overnight into the jungle. Remedial action is underway, with the new growth being woven back in. This remains work in progress, the ‘topknot’ still needing serious attention.
And not everything has managed to grow. The French beans, having been fortified against rabbits (with fences and gates) and birds (with netting), then succumbed to slug attack and were eaten all the way down to the ground. Thankfully other crops are thriving, and many of the healthy seedlings in the mouse-proof box in the polytunnel are still awaiting planting out.
It’s also that time of year when bees swarm, and the Muddy Fork team has successfully relocated one such swarm into the bee area. Other reports of swarms are coming in; Muddy Fork’s experienced beekeepers may be able to help if you get in touch and provide the details.
We must accept that nature has a mind of its own. Some things grow, some things don’t, slugs, rabbits and mice need to eat, and our plans may not be in line with theirs. But whatever happens, the joys of working in the garden, of being in the fresh air, experiencing the natural world, and feeling better for it, are always there for everyone involved in Muddy Fork.
If you would like to find out more, check out Muddy Fork’s website www.muddyfork.uk. To make a referral, offer your services as a volunteer, or make a donation, you can contact Rose, Muddy Fork’s General Manager, at rose.muddyfork@outlook.com. Visitors to the garden are always welcome.