February Bulletin
Work has now started on the next phase of the Rose Garden landscaping and contractors Blakedown are making very good progress, writes head gardener Tom Brown.
Although the area is currently shut it won’t be long before the gardening team are in doing the planting shortly before re-opening in a few weeks.
To read more about the plans for the Rose Garden and the new pergolas click here.
Taking shape: Landscapers bring in heavy machinery for the remodelling of the Rose Garden
The snowdrop meadow is in full swing around the Flower Garden lake and if you have a moment it's not to be missed. The Royal Parks conservation volunteers will be helping us plant another 4000 'in-the-green' bulbs which will add more to the display next year.
The gardening team are focusing on mulching, and as you will see around the Park everything is looking spotless with fresh home-made mulch laid on top.
You would all have also noticed that the daffodil areas have been roped off inside the Blackheath Gate and we would hugely appreciate everyone keeping off the bulbs whilst they are at this delicate stage.
We have some key pruning happening. The roses and wisterias will be starting soon, shortly followed by our hydrangea borders. We will be preparing ourselves for the spring and summer ahead and are all looking forward to warmer weather.
Please keep off the bulbs... A host of daffodils is soon to explode near the Blackheath Gate
Add your voice to our appeal over Park police
We are again asking Friends to write to their MP and others about a plan to close The Royal Parks Police Unit.
Last month we stressed in our bulletin that the FoGP Committee is deeply concerned by the proposals which, if implemented, would see a loss of police coverage in Greenwich Park – with adverse implications for visitor safety and security, and for the enforcement of traffic regulations.
In Greenwich we currently have six officers who are responsible for the safety and security of all those who use the Park, providing seven days per week coverage, 365 days a year.
The Chairs of all the Royal Parks have combined in an appeal to Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, to ask him to think again. We would ask Friends also to write indicating their concern about this proposal to:
Sir Loyd Grossman, Chair of the Royal Parks, Head Office, The Old Police House, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH.
MP Matthew Pennycook, The House of Commons, Houses of Parliament, St Margaret St, London, SW1A 0AA.
Email: matthew.pennycook.mp@parliament.uk
Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JL.
Email: comm.po@met.police.uk
Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Anthony Okereke.
Email anthony.okereke@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
An update from The Queen's Orchard
Wildlife haven: One of the ponds in the Queen's Orchard, Picture by Ian Welsby, FoGP Photography Group
Despite the shorter and colder days, The Queen's Orchard continues to glow with opportunity and growth, writes Emma Paley, the Orchard's 'Kitchen Engagement Officer'.
The volunteers and I have had a delightful start to the year; harvesting winter crops, chitting potatoes, propagating plants and starting on some early seed sowing. We have tidied up all the pots and scrubbed them clean in preparation for spring.
There are some great crops which have kept us going throughout this winter period; Cavolo Nero, kale, perpetual spinach and rocket to name a few. Using fleece in the Orchard has helped us to push the boundaries of what we can grow during winter. Javelin Parsnips, Snowman carrots, Chinese broccoli and many more are cosily wrapped up, safe from the storms.
In the middle of winter, it is the perfect time to brainstorm and to start planning for the year ahead. I am looking forward to sharing 2025 with you all, where hopefully, The Queen's Orchard will be full of flavour, fragrance, colour and joy.
I am excited to tell you that we are renovating a border with the intention of planting up some shade-loving edibles. Thank you to the wonderful and passionate volunteers who have worked hard these past months. We are now at the stage where we can focus on other areas within the space.
So what's next?
February brings further attention to that border, tending to the new compost bays, sowing more seeds, and starting fruit tree pruning. We will also begin experimenting with Hugelkultur; a German style of farming from the 1970s which essentially creates a working compost underneath the beds. Exciting stuff!
Calling all poets
If you love poetry, why not join Jack Cooper's reading and writing workshops in the Park.
Jack, our poet-in-residence, is holding a session to read and discuss poems about the Park on April 12.
If you'd like to write your own poems, Jack will guide you through activities to help you with metaphors and similes about the Park on March 8 and May 10.
Run wild with family discovery days
The Field Studies Council is running a number of eco adventures in the Learning Centre for families over half term next week. These include wildlife walks and tree discovery days. The courses are free but please book your place here
Bird walk
Julia Holland will lead the next Bird Walk on February 23. Meet at the Blackheath Gate at 8.30am. There is no need to book, but bring binoculars if you have them. The walks last approximately two hours.
February light: A beautiful silhouette in the early evening by Gwen Tew, FoGP Photography Group
Photography group
The next meeting of the Photography Group will take place on March 1. If you're a keen photographer - or just keen to learn - and are interested in joining this lively and growing group email us at info@friendsofgreenwichpark.org.uk, citing Photography Group.