Clay Farm Community Garden

The summer heatwaves burned the Garden dry. We hope for autumn rains to bring it back to life. A big thank you goes to all the new volunteers, young and old, that we have welcomed from the neighbourhood to join the effort to keep the most needy plants alive in the perpetual drought conditions and water restrictions of the summer. We couldn’t do without you. Despite the heat, ever smiling volunteer groups from Astra Zeneca, IQVIA and SERCO have carried out more demanding maintenance tasks in the Garden.

The planned conversion of the pond – sadly a victim of much thoughtless damage – to a mud garden has been postponed until the weather is suitable. A meeting with Council planning and community development officers to discuss outstanding issues, future support, and moving forward to the adoption of the Garden by the Council from the developer was a positive step. Perhaps it has already happened when you read this!

From the ground beneath our feet to the roofs above our heads, nature has a role to play. Did you guess where the cover picture was taken? That’s right, it’s at the Garden. The green roof adds another environment for garden life to thrive, above ground. It has been incredibly resilient amid dry and hot weather, and has required no maintenance or water at all. Carol Wright