Muddy Fork, Retford’s ‘Gardening for Wellbeing’ charity, enjoyed excellent harvests over the summer, though not without considerable effort on the watering front during the drought. With autumn seemingly arriving early this year and the leaves turning, beans and tomatoes, although still productive, are reaching the end of the season. Butternut squashes are ripening and, to everyone’s surprise, the very first Muddy Fork pumpkin has been harvested.
The bees have not been so fortunate. A hornet’s nest in the owl box has disturbed them, making them aggressive – not unreasonable given that hornets can attack and kill bees, along with other large insects. After being fully masticated, the victims are fed to the hornet larvae in the nest rather than eaten by the adults. Understandably, this has left the bees on edge. Despite this threat, they have still produced a good supply of honey, which will be available to buy soon.
Supporters can also help Muddy Fork by purchasing cards created during a block printing session for participants and volunteers, kindly run by Peter Rixham of Rixham Jones Interiors. These cards are now on sale at the new Hummingbird Collective shop in Retford’s market square, with all proceeds going to the charity. In addition, produce is available from the Muddy Fork honesty stand, now relocated near the orchard gate. Visitors to the garden are always welcome. The charity’s website, www.muddyfork.uk, provides more details. Current referral levels remain healthy and some new volunteers have recently joined, but more of both are always welcome.
To make a referral, volunteer, or donate, contact Rose, Muddy Fork’s General Manager, at rose.muddyfork@outlook.com.