Garden update

 Garden Update! 


Hey everyone, Shanice here! 

I thought I would write a little update for you.

Maria has now left Chalk Farm Hotel LDC for a new exciting adventure. 🎕

That means the garden gang are now in the capable hands of Jack and Andy! We also have various members of hotel staff, office staff and trustees helping out while we hire a new support worker. 


The progress in the garden has been amazing! 

As I am usually based in the office, popping up to see the secret garden once or twice a week is crazy. There are so many changes happening daily. From new trees being planted to removing big areas of bamboo. So much is being done.

The main pond we found a few months back has now been filled in. It would have been lovely to make the large pond a main feature in the garden, but it needed a lot of work, maintenance and money. We also felt it would be too risky to have such a large open area of water for both students and hotel guests. 

In its place will be a grass area and rockery. 

The garden students couldn't believe how much soil it took to fill it in! Luckily we had our six compost heaps! 
 




The garden team have also been getting the allotment ready for next years harvest! Potatoes and beans are in and growing! 


Garden Volunteer Day! 

We are hosting a garden volunteer day on the 30th March. 

The idea of the day is to make as much progress in the garden as possible. There is only so much we can do ourselves in the garden, both physically and financially. So to have some outside help will make a huge difference! 

I have approached local businesses to offer their support. Whether that be volunteering hours, equipment, materials etc. The feedback has been great and, I don't want to reveal too much, but we have got a couple of big businesses on board! 🎉

You do not have to be a business to take part. Please email me on shanice@chalkfarmldc.co.uk if you are interested or would like more info. 


Ramp grant 

We are very aware that the only access we have to the secret garden is a set of stone steps. 

Accessibility is obviously very important to us. So, we have started to plan the installation of an access ramp leading to the secret garden. I have applied for a grant to pay for the ramp, we will keep everyone updated on the progress. 


Thank you everyone for your continued support with the secret garden project. And as always, if you would like to donate anything to the project (seeds, bulbs, ornaments etc.) please let me know. 


Thanks 

Shanice 

 




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