So much more than a walk around the garden

(A quick word from Becky, a new volunteer)

I've just got back from spending some time in the RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden, re-acquainting myself with some ancient and unconscious knowledge and soaking as much new detail as I could. I say ancient because I think that deep down in our bones we know that we have a responsibility to look after all life - and unconscious, because I'm not quite sure exactly what it was that took me to Flatford one free day (a few months ago) in the first place. Whatever it was, I found myself ringing Shirley, the garden's project officer earlier this week and off I went this morning to join the weekly volunteer work day (Thursday), meeting up with the friendly bunch of regulars, some of whom have contributed to the health and vitality of this young garden since it was first planted in early 2011. 

As all tended spaces are this garden is a work in progress, with a clear and strong purpose as well as a calm and peaceful energy. As I got on with my first job of painting the back gate behind the new information barn, I could hear laughing and joking, and 'Wows' and 'Ooooohs' from the steady stream of visitors. I'd turn round occasionally to be greeted with smiles and questions, and the occasional beam of sunlight - a near windless day made this sheltered area of the Dedham Vale feel quite mild. 

We stopped for tea mid-morning (there's a kettle in the barn) and a packed lunch a little later - I was still painting...happily. I'm not the speediest handyperson in the world but I'm quite careful (mmmmm maybe I'll get those old paints out later - a bit of unconscious creative cross-pollination going on here). After lunch I helped plant some Foxgloves and Evening Primrose plants - the idea was to fill up some spaces without getting too close to the bulbs, also keeping in mind what will be flowering when and how high they'll be - quite alot to consider actually. It was wonderful to be working with some very experienced people - there's nothing like learning on the job. What they do here, and try and encourage everyone to do in their gardens, is to plant for early and late nectar and pollen, that's top tip number one! Click here for more: http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/gardening/

Having spent just a few hours in the company of the birds and the bees, the humans and the essential creepy crawlies (leave those woodpiles please - they're vital!), I bid my goodbyes to the little team and set off on the public footpath back to Manningtree, very much looking forward to next week. In the meantime I'll be giving Dick, the volunteer coordinator a ring to get my first shift on the garden 'meet and greet' rota and I'll be looking up and trying to remember some of the plants, flowers and birds that I learnt today.  

Do come and visit soon if you're in the area - it would be lovely to see you!