October News
With a stormy start to Autumn our very busy period has had its challenges, writes Head Gardener Tom Brown.
You will have all seen that the summer bedding has totally disappeared. We are now working on getting the Spring display planted before the full blast of Winter arrives. Keep an eye out for the gardeners who will meticulously plant more than twenty thousand plants and bulbs for the big show in March and April. But don't keep them chatting too long!
The gardening team have also cut down the Queen's House border and the meadows in the Rose Garden and Flower Garden. You may notice that this is slightly early. We carry out these essential tasks that can only be done in the Autumn whilst we establish these meadows, balancing the nutrient levels, planting naturalising bulbs and sowing wildflower seeds. Come the Spring don’t miss our new Crocus and Camassia display in the Rangers House meadow.
The Flower Garden lake also looms large on our project list. Clearance works are well under way along its border and we will be planting large waves of Cornus to bring deep gold, scarlet and green flares to the gloomy winter scene.
Annual lecture - sadly cancelled
The Friends are sorry to say that our annual lecture, which was due to be given by Andrew Scattergood CBE, the Chief Executive of the Royal Parks, on October 22, has been cancelled. This is due to circumstances beyond our control and we apologise for the disappointment. Tickets will be refunded.
Writing, rhyme and reason
If you're a poet - or would like to be one - come along to Jack Cooper's writing workshops in the Park.
Jack, our poet-in-residence, will guide you through activities to help you with your own metaphors and similes about the Park. He is holding writing sessions on November 9, January 11, March 8 and May 10.
If you'd rather just read and discuss poems written about the Park in a friendly, low-pressure environment, join Jack's workshops on December 14, February 8 and April 12.
All sessions will take place in the Learning Centre from noon until 1pm. Jack has asked members to send him suggestions for poems about the Park they'd like to cover in the reading groups (their own included). Email him via the contact form on www.jackcooperpoet.com or through info@friendsofgreenwichpark.org.uk, citing Poetry Group.Julia Holland will lead the next Bird Walk on October 27. 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.
The Queen's Orchard was the idyllic venue for the Photography Group's latest get together.
Member Ian Welsby said the weather was "perfect... for a change".
Nine photographers turned up, with most not having visited the Orchard for a long time. They loved the settings and subjects in this beautiful walled garden and, said Ian: "Impressive skills and techniques were practised."
The next meeting will be on November 9. If you're interested in joining and want more details email us at info@friendsofgreenwichpark.org.uk, citing Photography Group.
Discounts