Thanks to a Council grant we have been able to get some tree surgeons in to the Community Garden to remove a few problem or dead trees and bushes and trim some of the others. This will let more light into the garden for the benefit of all the trees, bushes, grass and other plants there.

This afternoon in the Community Garden we were giving out free hanging basket kits with spring bulbs and winter pansies, thanks to some funding from the Council. The offer was put out through our Whatsapp group and all 20 baskets were taken. The collection was done with social distancing and masks and there was no gathering! With winter nights ands weather drawing in and several more weeks of lockdown, hopefully these flowers as they grow will bring a note of hope and new life to cheer us up!

We're looking out for more offers as Christmas approaches. Look out here for news or, better still, why not join the community WhatsApp group? Send an email if you're interested.

The Groves Community Garden has been producing some lovely raspberries and redcurrants – free for anyone to pick and eat. The plum tree is looking like there will be a bumper harvest soon too. Is our jam-maker ready for action?

As the Coronavirus crisis continues and we enter a fourth week of lockdown', it is easy to get a bit down and 'stir-crazy' cooped up indoors. Don't forget you are allowed to take some daily exercise (just stay 2 meters away from everyone else!) so why not get some fresh air and sunshine and take a walk in the community garden to admire the second round of spring flowers?

The spring flowers are coming out in the Groves Community Garden. For your daily exercise (as allowed in the latest government Coronavirus advice) you could have a walk around the garden and look at the flowers to lift your spirits (just keep a safe distance from anyone else who may have the same idea at the same time). And if you fancy something a bit more strenuous, why not volunteer to do a bit of gardening? There are always jobs to be done to keep the garden maintained and tidy for everyone's benefit. If you'd like to help, send an email, or contact Judith‬.

Once again we fitted our picnic between rain showers! It was an excellent time together. Thanks to everyone who came and brought all sorts of delicious food and drinks. Thanks to M13 Youth Project for children's games. And thanks to Trae for capturing several of us in silhouette on the Community Garden walls.

It's time for our Bring & Share Picnic in the Community Garden. Saturday August 31, from 12:30pm. Everyone welcome – please bring some food to share.

​This year we will be joined again by community artist Trae who will be encouraging us to take part in creating some artwork to decorate the garden. M13 Youth Project will be providing some activities for children and young people. And all of us will be providing the food and (soft) drinks to share. It’s a great way of getting to know your neighbours better and enjoying some new tastes and flavours. We particularly welcome any new students who may have moved into the Groves recently.

STOP PRESS: Once again Akutu has made some jam from one of the plum tree in the garden (thanks to Matteo for helping pick the fruit). Jars available to Groves residents on a first come basis.

A lovely sunny day today in the Community Garden where the spring flowers are looking great. They won't be around much longer so why not take advantage of the great weather over the Easter weekend and come out and enjoy the garden?