The equinox has passed and it is officially spring. Muddy Fork, Retford’s Gardening for Wellbeing charity, has even enjoyed a few warmer, sunny days with blue skies. It is a delight to take a break in the sunshine, admiring the daffodils and watching the willows turn green. Pots and troughs of bulbs dotted around the site are providing extra splashes of colour, and the team is feeling energetic and motivated.
The security cameras installed last month have provided some fascinating wildlife videos (and, thankfully, no human intruders have been spotted so far). A busy bee buzzing repeatedly around one of the cameras seemed determined to get a selfie, and their old friend Peter Rabbit has been captured on screen hosting a party for his mates. They are welcome to play – as long as they stay on the right side of the supposedly rabbit-proof fence surrounding the raised beds.
Muddy Fork has certainly moved up a gear with the arrival of the longer, warmer days. The first early potatoes are in, and the freshly sown seed trays have now reached the point where there is very little space left for any more. Baby leeks are already peeping through, the experimental parsnips left in the polytunnel over the winter are looking healthy, the onions and garlic planted last autumn are coming along well, and last year’s kale is still thriving.
With final touches, weeding, turning over, and topping up of those beds still empty, it really does feel as though the garden is ready to go. Now, fingers are firmly crossed for a better summer than last year.
The Muddy Fork website can be found at www.muddyfork.uk. To make a referral, volunteer your services, or make a donation, please contact Rose, Muddy Fork’s General Manager, at rose.muddyfork@outlook.com. Visitors to the garden are always welcome.