The sun was out a lot more in March, as well as the last few weeks, and what a difference it makes to the garden with the first of the tulips and crocuses making an appearance.

Head Gardener, Penny Austin, and our wonderful volunteers have worked hard completing the Winter fruit tree pruning throughout February and March, while the mammoth task of clearing, then planting bare root plants and new hedging also got underway. There's been a lot of perilous planting on the steep slope around the new platform and steps into the garden, which will look amazing once everything blooms, while Soce the cat, recently discovered the catnip...

Penny's plans to build a hotbed are also surging ahead, which will use heat from decomposing organic matter to raise the temperature of the soil in an enclosed space, and extend the growing season.

Now we’re charging through April, a lot of bulbs are coming up, adding more vibrant natural colours to the garden. The new hedging is also coming into flower to create a bit of shelter and help stop soil erosion.

Penny and the volunteers have continued to clear different areas and mulching in preparation for more pumpkins and squashes this summer, which will keep the weeds down as they grow. The team have also built a lovely arch with a pear tree that will be trained to grow over it.

Planting continues on the banks below the house and around the new steps that Innes has been building, with evergreen shrubs that can tolerate the shade, as well as hold the soil in place to stop any erosion. Plus, there's been a lot of seed planting of flowers and more edible produce for the ever-busy Vegan Café!

As you can see, there's always plenty going on in the garden. So, if you'd like to get involved and help us continue to grow, our garden volunteer days are currently Mondays and Thursdays. You’ll receive a free vegan lunch as a thank you for your time and will also have the opportunity to take part in any of Penny’s gardening workshops or courses for FREE!

If you'd like to get involved and help us grow, just skip back to the Volunteering section on the garden webpage and sign up! Hope to see you in the garden soon…