Charlton Community Orchard now has a garden extension……

On 3rd November 20118 a group of our gardening volunteers arrived at the park to dig, mulch, “pipe” and plant the bed behind the first orchard, and close to the Old Cottage Cafe.  The ground was dug over and pipes for future watering needs, laid below the surface.  The area has also been given a wooden edging. The plot had proved to be very dry, particularly with last summers heat and lack of rain, as well as the dryness that comes from being next to a wall.  The pipes/tubing should make sure that water gets directly to the roots.  Fruit bushes were planted out, and after the exertions of the morning, refreshments were available and much appreciated.

Fruit trees and bushes planted

include:-

Rhubarb – Victoria

Raspberry – Autumn Bliss and Glen Ample

Gooseberry Hinomaki Yellow

Redcurrant – Rovanda

Loganberry Thornless

Blackberry Loch Tay

Blackcurrant Ben Sarek

Digging and weeding

 

Pipe Laying

 

Preparing the ground

On the 12th November another planting session put in spring bulbs (Crocus, Narcissi, Daffodils) which have been donated by Royal Borough of Greenwich.  The whole area was spread with leaves to make it appear undisturbed for the winter, which will hopefully protect the new planting from both animal, bird and human interference; though of course helpful bugs, insects and worms are more than welcome, even though they do attract the birds.