It feels as though the growing season at Muddy Fork, Retford’s Gardening for Wellbeing charity, has barely begun. The weather has continued to be mostly cool and grey and, despite the long, light days, everything has been slow to get going.
But broad beans have been harvested and enjoyed, and there are healthy-looking potatoes and other vegetables on their way in the garden and tomatoes and cucumbers in the polytunnels. Courgettes are not the only things which seem reluctant to take off, but seedlings are still alive!
And the odd miracle has occurred. The French beans, completely demolished by slugs last month, have made an amazing comeback and have been left alone this time; maybe the slugs have indigestion?
Putting on the replacement cover funded by Retford Rotary for one of the old polytunnels has also taken more time than expected. A combination of bad weather and the need for even more careful preparation has held this up. However, after much work digging out round the edges to make the foundations more secure and weather-proof, all that’s needed now is a fine, calm day and enough pairs of hands.
Out in the community, Muddy Fork has donated surplus tools to the Friends of Worksop Station, who do so much to keep the historic site looking attractive and neat, maintaining the flower beds through the seasons. A presentation to David Pidwell, representing the Friends, took place at the end of June.
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 and the honesty stand at the gate may even have some produce on it.