Muddy Fork, Retford’s Gardening for Wellbeing charity based at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, is hoping that spring really is on the way. It feels as though the garden has been under water for months – not literally the case, but wellies are definitely the order of the day and everything is extremely wet.
However, the spring flowers have emerged, making everyone feel more cheerful, and the marsh marigolds in the stream are a delight to behold.
So far there is very little in the raised beds, but the mouse-proof box, built in the polytunnel to hold seed trays and provide protection until the seedlings are big enough to fight back, has proved its worth so far with good progress being made.
In the garden, Peter Rabbit has once again managed to break in, possibly with his friend the Easter Bunny in tow, but there is not much to eat for now and they have had to make do with nibbling at the herbs. A big hole has been left behind in the soil in the large planter containing several different varieties of mint, but mint thankfully is pretty indestructible.
The willow harvest is currently being used for replacement planters and fences, which is helping to make the garden look neater. It is also being used for craft work. However Muddy Fork has ample supplies available for sale, and will have a stock of willow bundles on the Muddy Fork stall in the Buttermarket at Retford Charter Day on 6th May. Do go along, find out more, make a donation, have a go at the activities on offer, or buy willow crafts or honey and preserves.
If you can’t make it on Charter Day, and would like to find out more, visit 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.