Work days – new members very welcome!

We often work at the London Road Station Partnership gardens on Tuesday afternoons between 2.00 and 4.00, but this may vary.

We usually meet up in the gated vegetable plot on the south side of the station by the east exit. If it’s raining, we may be in ‘the conservatory’: up the lane running parallel to the railway, through the gate, green door on the right.

If you’re interested in joining us, please e-mail lrspartnership@outlook.com or text/call 07709 069486.

2024 We’re up and running again … 

FRIDAY 29th March 2.00 – 4.00

• clear up shady triangle and mulch with compost
• top up soil in raised beds in edible growing area
• plant seed potatoes in old water butt
• sow green manure as appropriate in edible plot
• sow seeds in trays: lettuce and other salad leaves, borage, nasturtium, parsely, cavalo nero
• pot on kale, chard, cosmos
• clear up damage from dogs/foxes in tree-pits

TUESDAY 19th March and TUESDAY 26th March – sessions cancelled

TUESDAY 12th March 2024 2.00 – 4.00

• seed sowing

TUESDAY 20th February 2024 2.00 – 4.00

• prune the apples and pears
• tidy everything!
• check the water butts
• clear surface weeds from shady plot
• plant two foxgloves in shady plot

2023 A bit of a fallow year …

TUESDAY 8th February 2022 2.30 – 4.00

• turned the compost
• weeded the shady area
• took out sickly Mahonia and the miniature cypress from ceramic planter
• planted three pink-purple hellebores

TUESDAY 1st February 2022 2.30 – 4.00

• planted more polyanthus and cyclamen in the tree pits and the platform planters

MONDAY 10th January 2022 11.30 – 13.00

• pruned cordoned apples and pears

TUESDAY 21st January 2020 14.30-15.30

• planted up middle platform planter with polyanthus

SUNDAY 19th January 2020 11.00-13.00

• winter pruned the cordoned apples and pears
• cleared leaves from raised beds

Oops … we had a bit of a break in our blog but we’re getting going again now.

FRIDAY 2nd November 2018 14.00-16.00

• planted the shady triangle with cyclamen and foliage plants
• planted cyclamen in the shady plot planters
• watered thoroughly

TUESDAY 16th October 2018 14.00-16.00

• renewed planting in platform planters
• cleared leaves etc from shady triangle
• watered everything

TUESDAY 9th October 2018 14.00-16.00

• cleared parts of shady triangle
• harvested beans
• cleared chard
• replanted rosemary and sage in herb planters
• cleared and tidied tree pits – replaced polyanthus

TUESDAY 2nd October 2018 14.00-16.00

• harvested remaining apples and pears
• harvested beans
• cut back chard
• planted onions
• cut back geraniums in hanging baskets

We’ve kept going through September and October with our main focus on the edible plot, keeping it watered during the still very dry weather and harvesting an excellent crop of apples and pears. We’ve pruned the trees, planted onions, mulched the plot with our compost and we’re still harvesting kale, cavalo nero and even runner beans.

TUESDAY 4 September 2018 14.00-16.00

• watering where necessary
• checking planting in platform planters
• digging over and tidying shady triangle
• harvesting
• cleaning tools and compost caddies

We are still going, despite out of date records on our activities! We were slow to get going in 2018, but the garden is nevertheless producing well. Once the harvest is over, we’ll be replanting the tree pits in Shaftesbury Place, resurrecting the shady triangle with shade-loving ornamentals and putting a few colourful autumn and winter plants in our platform planters.

TUESDAY 3 April 2017 14.00-16.00

• planting: beetroot, broad beans
• sowing: chard, lettuce, cavalo nero, yellow courgettes, calendula
• plant potatoes in bags
• preparing hanging baskets: geraniums
• potting on: herbs and verbena bonariensis
• tidying and feeding strawberries
• more planting in shady plot

TUESDAY 28 March 2017 14.00-16.00

• repairing and replanting right side herb planter
• initial work on building potting bench
• clearing out storage
• checking hose and watering all areas
• weeding and dead-heading all ornamental planting
• further planting around tree-pit at entrance to Shaftesbury Place

On Wednesday 22 March, we – with Network Rail volunteers – sowed parsley, leeks and lettuce, cleared weeds, filled up compost in raised beds and planted up tree-pit at entrance to Shaftesbury Place.

TUESDAY 21 March 2017 14.00-16.00

• clearing shady plot, hoeing soil, weeding
• dividing up foxglove seedlings and replanting
• potting on calendula

TUESDAY 14 March 2017 14.00-16.00

• clearing shady plot
• renewing planting with polyanthus and pansies

THURSDAY 9 March 2017 14.00-16.00

• rebuilding right side herb planter DONE
• sowing seeds
• planting up tree pit at entrance to Shaftesbury Place
• re-planting the shady garden

We met on 28/2 and sowed: broad beans, nicotania, calendula and gaillardia – so far no germination but it’s early days!

TUESDAY 21 February 2017 14.00-16.00

• preparing for the new season
• washing out seed trays and pots
• planning new raised beds
• woodwork planning: rebuilding raised bed by south wall and replacing plank in mini-orchard
• planning our potting bench
• planning planting
• new purchases: mini-shed and trolley
• checking all areas

Tuesday 15 November 2016 14.00-16.00

• check platform planters
• clear tree pits in Shaftesbury place, plant with pansies
•  check herb planters – replace rosemary
• dig over shady triangle and add compost
• plant up bulbs in hanging baskets
• treat fruit trees – paint with grease

Tuesday 1 November 2016 10 – 15.00

• bagged up soil from raised beds
• dismantled raised beds
• removed weeds from station
• added planting to platform planters
• potted up plants removed from raised beds

Tuesday 25 October 2016 14.00-16.00

• tidy tree pits and plant pansies
• check platform planters
• water shady garden and wash out water butt
• pot up bulbs in hanging baskets
• cut back and water herb planters
• wash pots and seed trays

Tuesday 18 October 2016 14.00-16.00

• tidy tree pits and plant pansies
• dig over shady garden
• pot up bulbs in hanging baskets

Tuesday 11 October 2016 14.00-16.00

• clear and tidy up veg beds, planters, tree pits
•  clear tree pits in Shaftesbury place
• plant pansies etc in tree puts or planters
• dig over shady garden and water
• pot up bulbs in hanging baskets

Tuesday 26 September 2016 14.00-16.00

• check fruit on trees
• clear tree puts and replant if necessary
• check platform planters: clear and replant
• plant up bulbs etc in hanging baskets
• harvest beets
• check tap and water
• plan reconstruction of raised beds

Tuesday 30 August 2016 14.30-16.30

• further pruning on fruit trees – check, remove some applets
• feed fruit trees if possible
• feed courgettes and beans
• pot up herbs from ‘window box’ and marjarom
• pot on verbena bonariensis seedlings and others
• remove guinea impatiens and pot up for restoration!
• dig in compost and water retaining crystals to ‘south’ platform planter
• clear leaves and weeds from front of station
• propagate: geraniums, tarragon?, mint

Tuesday 23 August 2016 14.30-16.30

It was hot!

• clear up all edible plot beds
• water, water, water
• tie back nicotianas in platform bed

Tuesday 16 August 2016 14.00-16.00

• watering, if there’s been no rain
• tidying up tree pits, platform planters and shady triangle
• propagating
• sow more lettuce seed

Tuesday 9 August 2016 14.00-16.00

• pruned plum tree
• watering
• replanted strawberry plantlets
• made ‘fencing’ for platform planters from plum prunings
• planted up another hanging basket

Thursday 4 August 2016 14.00-16.00

Tuesday 2 August cancelled due to persistent rain

• renewed tree pits, planted red salvia
• cut back and tidied herb planters
• harvested chard
• planted second round of beetroot seedlings in far bed
• celebrated Marlene’s 80th birthday!

Tuesday 26 July 2016 14.00-16.00

• cleared useless beans and replaced with Italian climbing beans
• potted on remaining beans
• planted beetroot seedlings in bed beside apple trees
• watering!

Tuesday 19 July 2016 14.00-16.00

• harvested lettuce, chard and first lot of beetroot
• pruned apples and pears

Thursday 14 July 2016 14.00-16.00

• harvested more potatoes, courgettes, kale, beetroot, lettuce and chard
• tidied up edible plot
• restored hanging baskets
• weeding

Tuesday 12 July 2016 14.00-16.00 downpours!

• sowed beetroot, Italian beans, marigold, basil and kale

Monday 4 July, Tuesday 5 July 2016 14.00-16.00

• harvested first lot of potatoes
• tidied veg plot and watered
• cleared and replanted platform planters

Tuesday 24 May 2016 14.00-16.00

• plant lettuce, cavalo and chard seedlings in shady bed
• thin ‘luscious lettuce’
• clear frisee lettuce and dig over
• water everything
• check fruit trees
• plant more in tree pits

Tuesday 17 May 2016 14.00-16.00

• plant up platform planters
• more plants in tree pits
• water and general maintenance
• prepare shady green leaf bed
• do hanging baskets

Tuesday 10 May 2016 14.00-16.00

• plant up hanging baskets
• pot up seedlings: cavalo, endive, marigolds etc
• sow more seeds? Beans, Thai basil?
• tidy platform planters and tree pits, weather permitting
• plant courgettes, beans, weather permitting
• protect platform planters from people sitting on them!

Tuesday 26 April 2016 14.00-16.00

• pot up marigolds, chard and lettuce
• plant hanging baskets
• sow wildflower seeds
• tidy up platform planters and tree pits
• check potatoes for earthing up and fruit trees
• check pots and plant blueberry
• sow flatleaf parsley and beeteroot

Tuesday 19 April 2016 14.00-16.00

• rake new wood chip and add to shady triangle area DONE
• pot up marigolds, sweet peas and basil HALF DONE
• earth up potatoes DONE and TO DO
• drench platform planters to deal with vine weevil TO DO
• water and check herb planters DONE
• plant hanging baskets TO DO
• sow cavalo nero TO DO
• wash pots ALWAYS!
• check fruit trees and spray TO DO AGAIN

Tuesday 12 April 2016 14.00-16.00

• drench platform planter to deal with vine weevil NOT DONE
• Pot up marigolds, sweet peas and basil NOT DONE
• plant marigold seedlings DONE
• thin lettuce seedlings Done
• plant blueberry bush NOT DONE
• check fruit trees: spray and feed if necessary NOT DONE
• shady triangle: review planting NOT DONE
• planted up Rosemary DONE
• refreshed Todmorden lovage DONE
• protected Nick’s planter from sitting!

Tuesday 5 April 2016 14.00-16.00

• finish cleaning compost bin DONE hooray!
• spray fruit trees CHECK
• clean seed pots and trays DONE AND MORE TO DO
• review planting in shady plot TO DO
• plant leeks in edible plot DONE
• sow more seeds – aquilegia, courgettes, chard, kale TO DO
• drench platform planter to deal with vine weevil TO DO

Tuesday 22 March 2016 14.00-16.00

• plant potatoes  DONE
• plant pansies, primula and daffodils in planters and shady plot DONE
• plant clematis in Lewes planter DONE
• tidy shady plot and sow aquilegia seeds NOT DONE
• sort out display case NOT DONE
• renew soil and plant new herbs in herb planters DONE
• prepare edible plot beds and plant rhubarb and onions DONE
• spray fruit trees NOT DONE

Tuesday 15 March 2016 12.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00

• sow seeds DONE
• plant potatoes NOT DONE
• dig over shady garden NOT DONE
• prepare beds in edible plot NOT DONE

Tuesday 8 March 2016 10.30- 12.00? or 2.00 – 4.00

We’ll probably do a garden centre visit and a bit of work in the morning.

• mulching with mature compost SOME
• potting on polyanthus and marigolds DONE
• tidying up display case TO DO
• restocking herb planters (depending on weather) TO DO – waiting for warmer weather
• planting up right hand tree pit DONE
• sow seeds: basil (red and green), lovage, sweet peas DONE
• chit potatoes
• plant more daffodils in shady plot DONE

Tuesday 23 February 2016 2.00 – 4.00

• General tidying DONE
• planting daffodils etc in tree pits and platform planters DONE
• mulching with mature compost TO DO
• potting on polyanthus TO DO
• tidying up display case TO DO
• restocking herb planters (depending on weather) TO DO
• planning seed sowing and edible plot DONE 1/3
• spray fruit trees again DO LATE MARCH

Thursday 17 November 2015 2.00-4.00

• clear tree pits and refresh w compost
• plant tree pits
• tidy herb planters
• clear leaves from shady plot
• replant ceramic planters
• winter wash on fruit trees and grease bands
• tidy geraniums and other pots

Tuesday 10 November 2015 2.00-4.00

• renew planting platform planters
• clear tree pits and plant
• sweep up leaves
• pot on propagated seedlings?

Tuesday 3 November 2015 2.00-4.00

• clear up edible plot
• check canker on apple tree and cut if necessary
• prepare geraniums for winter
• clear and tidy tree pits, and plant winter flowering plants
• tidy platform planters, and planter winter flowering plants
• clear leaves from shady triangle and dig over

Tuesday 13 October 2015 2.00-4.00

• tidy platform planters and renew ‘Nick’s’ planter
• clear leaves from shady plot and aerate soil
• sweep up leaves
• tidy edible plot and renew soil in central bed
• cut back and tidy herb planters
• tidy tree pits

Tuesday 29 September 2015 2.00-4.00

• prick out and thin lettuce seedlings
• general tidy
• harvest leeks, apples and pears

Tuesday 22 September 2015 2.00-4.00

• pot up propagated plantlets
• harvest fruit???
• check lettuce seedlings
• plant onions
• plant more bulbs in shady plot
• general tidying – remove nicotianas from platform planters?

Tuesday 15th September 2015 2.00-4.00

• plant bulbs in shady plot – DONE FOR TREE PITS
• pot up propagated plantlets – NOT DONE
• water edible plot – NOT NECESSARY, IT’S RAINED, HARD
• give fruit trees some TLC – ALL OK
• plans for Autumn

Tuesday 8th September 2015 2.00-4.00

• watering – again!
• tidy up shady triangle
• clear and tidy tree pits
• cut back herbs and tidy
• cut back growth on tomatoes and squash
• plant bulbs!
• weed leeks

Tuesday 1st September 2015 2.00-4.00

• Clear beans and ‘finished’ veg from beds DONE
• Cut back leaves on tomato plants DONE
• Plant lettuce seedlings DONE
• Cut back and tidy mint DONE
• General tidy, particularly shady triangle DONE

Tuesday 25th August 2015 – cancelled because of heavy rain.

Tuesday 18th August 2015 2.00 – 4.30

• water and clear! DONE
• sow oriental leaves, lettuce and spinach DONE
• check fruit trees and prune DONE
• resurrect herb planters DONE

Tuesday 11th August 2015 2.00 – 4.30pm

• propagating: geraniums, pinks, lavender, heuchera
• resurrect herb planters: renew soil, cut back plants and water well TO DO
• sow Alliums in shady plot or in pots TO DO
• mulch central beds
• sow flower seeds DONE
• water and clear up shady plot DONE

Tuesday 3rd August 2015 2.00 – 4.30pm

• fruit trees (deal with blackfly, summer pruning and knocking off surplus fruit) – with a ladder! DONE
• sow oriental leaves in window box; sow lettuce in modules ready for later planting DONE
• resurrect herb planters: renew soil, cut back plants and water well NEED TO DO
• sow Alliums in shady plot TO DO
• mulch central beds TO DO
• water and tidy everything DONE
• begonias? PLANTED AT THE PUB

Tuesday 28th July 2015 2.00 – 4.30pm

• repair raised bed by wall, dig over and tidy DONE
• deadhead all flowering plants and remove any signs of bolting from edible plants DONE
• harvest ripe beans ~DONE AND TO DO
• sow oriental leaves and ??? SOWED LETTUCE, SPINACH etc.
• cut back strawberry leaves DONE
• water and feed tomatoes DONE
• mulch raspberries and feed DONE
• water and feed ‘3 sisters’ bed DONE
• encourage rampant squash to be more ordered in its growth DONE
• deal with fruit trees: blackfly, fruitlets, tying in and mulch MULCHED
• mulch shady garden DONE
• plant begonias in pub planters or shady garden NOT DONT

Tuesday 21st July 2015 2.00 – 4.30pm

A busy session, followed by another on Thursday 23rd July

• cleared peas
• ported water and watered as much as possible
• fed tomatoes
• cleared rotting courgettes
• set up new compost bin
• removed foxgloves in platform planters
• planted nicotianas and 2 fuchsias in platform planters
• planted nicotianas in tree pits and mulched with leaf mould
• started removing surplus applelets: max 4 per ‘post’

Tuesday 14th July 2015

Thanks Diane and Philippa for notes

• watering, watering
• tidied platform planters
• sprayed against blackfly
• harvested lettuce, chard, spinach

June was very very busy – not enough time to make notes! It was mostly about keeping on top of everything growing!

• sowed our remaining flower seeds in new tree pit
• planted tree pits with petunias, lobelia and marigolds
• watered, watered and watered

Tuesday 26th May 2015 2.00 – 4.30pm

• spray fruit trees against aphids and rub out buds
• plant more beans
• plant tomatoes or pot on; wash containers
• water everything – and decide water rota
• plant geraniums, petunias and sweet peas in platform planters
• plant heucheras in shady garden
• renew planting in ceramic planters – begonias
• decide on planting in tree pits: cosmos, marigolds, verbena, seeds?
• add to planting at pub (begonias?)
• pot on basil!

Tuesday 19th May 2015

A bit of a wash-out – unpredictable weather; we had tea! But on Wednesday 20th, did manage to:

• stop new leaf buds on fruit trees
• spray on apples affected by aphids
• pick off diseased leaves (leaf curl) on pear
• plant dwarf beans
• plant new herbs in window box
• resuscitate droughted petunias, marigolds and lobelia
• plant new thyme and thin tarragon in herb planters, and feed
• restore planting in Nick’s planter
• thin salad leaves

Tuesday 12th May

• Plant up remaining strawberries in window box DONE
• Plant lettuce seedlings in window box
• Plant heucheras in shady plot TO DO
• Sow lobelia for station planters DONE
• Renew planting in station planters SOME DONE
• Renew planting in ceramic planters in shady plot TO DO
• Planting in Shaftesbury Place tree pits? TO DO
• Check bean and tomato seedlings DONE
• Pot on MORE basil! TO DO
• Sow beans and build support DONE
• Sow another courgette!

Tuesday 5th May

• Tidy strawberry bed and remove curcubit seedlings – DONE
• Plant pansies around right tree pit – DONE
• Tidy up shady plot, remove sycamore seedlings – DONE
• Plant up herbs in shady raised bed – DONE
• Pot on rosemary from window box – DONE
• Weed black currant pot – DONE
• Sow marigold seeds – DONE

Tuesday 27th April 2015

• Finish putting compost in central sunny bed
• Tidy up platform planters
• Tidy up shady plot
• Sow more beetroot seed
• Thin oriental leaves
• Water!

Tuesday 21st April 2015

• Plant up mint box
• Plant leek seedlings
• Unload compost from black compost bin and mix in central raised beds
• Tidy herb planters
• Water, water, water!

Tuesday 14th April 2015

• Wash pots and trays
• Plant up strawberry bed
• Plant chard seedlings and transplant overwintered plants
• Plant out dwarf peas
• Sow flower seeds in pots

Tuesday 7th April 2015 2.00 – 5.00 pm

• Prick out basil and pot on
• Thin leeks
• Pot on courgettes/squash
• Sow sweet corn and tomato seeds inside, salads outside (cover?)
• Renew herb planters:
• Add compost
• Remove rosemary and replant new
• Give liquid feed
• Weed shady triangle (sycamore seedlings)
• Trim overwintering fuchsias

Tuesday 24th March  201511.30 – 1.00 2.00 -3.00pm

• replant platform planters DONE
• dig over shady triangle, weed DONE
• spray fruit trees and check pruning DONE
• dig over beds and sow seeds: oriental leaves, beetroot DONE
• plant cornus and aucuba in shady triangle DONE
• plant more seeds DONE cavalo nero, sweet peas, nasturtiums
• plant parsley in herb planter DONE

Tuesday 10th March 2015 2.00 – 3.30pm

• clean seed trays and pots SOME
• plant seeds DONE Leeks, peas, courgettes, squash, chard, basil, dahlia
• clear up platform planters DONE and tree pits SOME
• clear up and add to planting in shady triangle DONE
• prepare division in orchard bed NO
• construct step at entrance NO
• repair rotting raised bed NO

3rd March 2015 2.30 – 4.00pm

• clear weeds and old plants from the raised beds: DONE
• dig over soil to aerate: DONE
• cut back autumn fruiting raspberry canes in pots: DONE
• plant primula in shady garden: DONE
• plan edible plot planting: DONE

4th November 2014 2.00 – 4.00pm

• platform planters: winter planting and toping up compost level
• tree pits: winter planting
• clearing geraniums and other tender plants
• checking compost – and distributing if necessary

28th October 2014 10.00 – 12.30

• clearing leaves around the shady triangle DONE
• checking plants in shady triangle DONE
• clearing leaves and dead material from edible plot DONE
• clearing compost from pots and working into soil DONE
• reviewing platform planters and toping up compost level STARTED …
• clearing tree pits DONE

21st October 2014

• cancelled because of high winds

Probably … 14th October 2014 2.30 to 4.00

but do check beforehand – 07709 069486

• clearing up after the rain
• sweeping up leaves
• taking up tomatoes

14th September 2014 2.30 to 4.00

• check compost area and plan dismantling of wooden composter DONE
• clear up and cut back in both gardens: water, leaves etc, dead flowers TO DO
• check tomatoes DONE
• lift any annuals that are faded in our planters (platform and front of station) SOME STILL TO DO
• lift any geraniums (and possibly fuchsias) for overwintering TO DO
• replan platform planters TO DO

30th September 2014 to 4.00

• reorganise compost area – DONE
• clear leaves from shady triangle – DONE
• harvest – DONE
• clear courgettes and beans – DONE
• check alyssum seed – DONE
• keep thinning lettuce bed – DONE
• water – DONE (some …)

9th September 2014  1.30 to 3.00 onwards

• BHFP hope to come and film
• double-check pruning of fruit trees TO DO
• harvest DONE
• clear compost – shady plot, top up raised beds – STARTED
• prick out seedlings – and perhaps look at slug/snail protection?
• cut back, clear etc. DONE
• check ornamental beds: tree pits, station planters, shady triangle DONE

26th August 4.30 – 5.30 weather permitting but heavy rain forecast – RAINED OFF!

• clear compost – shady plot, top up raised beds
• clear out tool boxes and dry off
• prick out seedlings – and perhaps look at slug/snail protection?

19th August 2014 2.00 – 4.30

Harvesting, clearing compost, pricking out seedlings and checking on tomatoes

12th August 2014 2.00 – 4.30

Watering? Maybe not!

• planting: can we get the geraniums in anywhere? NOT DONE
• potting on herbs – NOT ALL DONE
• transferring compost to shady garden – STARTED
• planting seeds? DONE AND GERMINATED
• finish summer pruning of fruit trees – MOSTLY DONE
• propagating – TO DO

5th August 2014 2.00 – 4.30

• summer prune fruit trees – DONE but needs checking
• clear leaves from tomato plants – DONE
• start preparing central planting for new planting – with soil enhancer – DONE
• general maintenance and watering – DONE

31st July 2014 2.30 -4.30pm  

• general maintenance (removing leaves, checking for pests and diseases) DONE
• check herbs: feed, weed and cut back if necessary DONE
• replacement planting: geraniums in platform planters? NOT DONE
• shady garden: general maintenance and plant fuchsias DONE
• tree pits: mend edging and general maintenance – any more plants to go in? DONE
• pub planters: weed DONE and feed NOT YET DONE
• assess compost situation DONE
• Preston Circus planters: cut back, stake, feed and replant DONE
• Preston Circus planters: protect as Pride is this weekend DONE
• seeds: salads? basil? parsley? NOT DONE

22nd July 2014 2.30 – 4.00pm

• general maintenance: watering and feeding everywhere  DONE
• tomato feed for tomatoes, courgettes, beans, basil  DONE
• harvest potatoes, onions, courgettes  DONE

8th July 2014 2.30 -5.30pm 

• pot up rosemary DONE
• general watering, feeding, checking and maintenance DONE
• plant any seeds? – not done but beetroot planted in west orchard bed

1st July 2014 2.00 -5.30pm

• pot up rosemary and geraniums DONE for Geraniums
• general watering and maintenance on all plots/planters DONE
• set up border around tree pits DONE

24th June 2.00 -5.30pm

• plant up tomatoes DONE
• pot up rosemary and geraniums NOT DONE
• re-organise compost (clear one of the bins) – very, very messy job! DONE
• general watering and maintenance on all plots/planters  DONE
• clean out water  butt in shady triangle NOT DONE – but DONE 26th June
• check water butts in edible plot and fill from other sources if necessary DONE and it has rained
• are potatoes ready? NOT YET
• REVIEW planting over strawberries and cream LOVELY!

17th June 2.00 -5.30pm

• clean out water  butt in shady triangle NOT DONE
• check water butts in edible plot
• general watering and maintenance on all plots/planters DONE
• replant cavalo nero plants eaten by snails DONE
• repot mints and oregano DONE
• check apples etc for greenfly and spray if necessary DONE
• pot up rosemary NOT DONE
• are potatoes ready?
• replace poster in display case and publicise Garden Gadabout DONE

10th June 2.00 – 5.30 pm

• watering and first FEEDING (courgettes, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, parsely) with high potash tomato feed) – DONE
• general checking on edible plot  YES – think about covering cavalo nero? NOT DONE
• check progress of platform planters YES – growing at last! Don’t get much sun, needed water and membrane needs to be punctured to allow roots to grow.
• review shady triangle planting and clear old daffodils YES – and watered
• potting up tomatoes: into troughs but keep in greenhouse for the moment: DONE
• pot up geraniums into larger pots: NOT DONE
• pot up mints: NOT DONE
• pot up basil into larger pot:  DONE for bush basil, TO DO for 2 ordinary basil
• spray trees with garlic feed?: DONE and also ORGANIC INSECTICIDE FOR ‘Crawley Beauty’

5th and 6th June 2014 3.00 – 5.30 pm

• plant up planters at the pub – begonias, cordyline, fuchsias DONE
• more planting in tree pits – more pelargoniums, petunias and verbena
• more planting in shady plot – begonias and hypoestes phyllostachia (Polka Dot plant)

3rd June 2014 2.00 – 5.00 pm

• renew planting in ceramic planters in shady garden: planted with begonias DONE
• check planting in station planters: more planting – verbena, petunias, pelargoniums: still not clear why growth is so slow  DONE
• generally tidy both gardens and tree pits DONE

27th May 2014 11.30am – 1pm 2 – 4pm

• renew planting in ceramic planters in shady garden NOT DONE
• check planting in station planters NOT DONE
• check planting in herb planters: tidy and replant if necessary DONE
• pot up selected tomatoes into larger pots, ready for planting outside NOT DONE
• fill very large pots with compost for tomatoes NOT DONE
• pot up rosemary cuttings NOT DONE
• plant out oak-leaf lettuces DONE
• plant beans? If conditions allow … DONE

20th May 11.30 – 1pm  2pm – 5pm

• mix compost for plastic pots and plant with raspberry canes – DONE – IN DUSTBIN
• pot up marigolds – DONE: now in two window boxes and in pots by greenhouse
• prick out oriental greens – DONE: now in window box and in pots by greenhouse
• plant more cavalo nero and protect against slugs – DONE in shady bed
• manually remove and water spray aphid invasion on apple trees: DONE
• cut back extra strawberry leaves to expose fruit to sunlight: DONE
• prepare ground for beans: DONE (Veolia soil enhancer mixed with soil in west central bed)

22nd April 2014 2.30 – 4.30

• tidy compost area – DONE
• plant up platform planters – DONE
• top up and dig over soil in raised beds; in particular, prepare fronts of apple beds STARTED
• mix compost for plastic pots and plant with raspberry canes TO DO
• plant seeds: marigolds, nemesia – DONE

8th April 2014 2.30 -4.30

• check our compost and unload if ready DONE – NOT READY
• review planting in the shady triangle – decide on what to put in the centre (where the nettles are now): plant foxgloves, pansies, heuchera and clear back browned leaves from begenias. STARTED
• install new planters on station platform: attach trellis, fill with compost (Black Gold, Veolia soil improver, our compost and sand) DONE
• mix compost for plastic pots and plant with raspberry canes TO DO
• top up and dig over soil in raised beds; in particular, prepare fronts of apple beds STARTED
• prick out salad leaf troughs DONE
• pot on: cavalo nero and tomatoes DONE
• plant violas around tree pits? DONE
• build new raised bed on south-facing wall by gate for ‘Mediterranean’ veg: long term project TO DO

1st April 2014 2.30 – 5pm

• review planting in the shady triangle – decide on what to put in the centre (where the nettles are now)
• dig out the raspberry bed and put raspberry canes in pots along the border wall; restore back raised bed  DONE
• top up and dig over soil in raised beds; in particular, prepare front part of mini-orchard beds for salad crops
• check herb planters (particularly ‘Mediterranean planter), top up soil and prepare for planting DONE
• prick out salad leaf troughs
• sow more seeds: chard? beans? carrots? salads?
• build new raised bed on south-facing wall by gate for ‘Mediterranean’ veg
• plant violas around tree pits?
• check compost and unload if ready

We had several work sessions in February and early March.

4th February 2014 2.30 – 4pm

The weather is still not very conducive to gardening: it’s been very wet. But we’re going to try and meet, just to check plants, water butts and compost bins, clear winter rubbish and start thinking about the forthcoming growing year!

19th November 2.30 to 4pm

It’s going to be cold, very cold. We may be in the conservatory (green door up the lane, past A.A. Taylor, through metal gate) with heating on …

• potting up more seedlings  DONE
• clearing leaves if not too cold  DONE
• checking on winter preparation  DONE

12th November from 2pm

• planting lettuce. parsley and mustard seedlings in window-box  DONE
• potting up basil seedlings DONE
• clearing leaves and debris from both plots if weather is clement
• restoring our display case
• finalising list for ‘Best Community Station’ award

Autumn 2013. The clocks have gone back, we’ve started the autumn storms, most of the veg plants have been cleared and we’re now clearing leaves. We will probably be meeting only intermittently now until the new season, but do keep in touch!

Tuesday 21st October 2013 from 3pm

• planting crocuses   DONE 25th October
• clearing leaves from shady garden  DONE
• planting in the shady garden?
• taking out fuchsias for over-wintering in greenhouse DONE

Tuesday 14th October 2013 from 3pm

• cutting back tops of raspberry canes  DONE
• clearing tree pits and planting pansies DONE – MORE TO DO
• clearing up leaves ONGOING
• clearing courgettes DONE
• planting onions DONE

Tuesday 1st October 2013 from 3pm

• turning the compost (bring gloves!) DONE
• mulching where we’ve got free beds DONE
• bringing in fuchsias from shady garden TO DO
• reviewing shady garden planting TO DO
• discussing plans SOME
• eating apple cake! DONE

Tuesday  24th September 2013 from 3pm

• clearing up DONE SOME
• mulching where we’ve got free beds (e.g. where the beans were) DONE – around leeks and where the beans were.
• exploring how we raise the soil level in the apple beds DISCUSSED WITH MARK
• clearing the grow bags??? DONE
• looking at the shady triangle NOT DONE
• sowing fast growing leaf veg in e.g. window boxes DONE: basil, parsley, lettuce

Tuesday  17th September 2013 from 3pm – uncertain, weather forecast not good

• General clearing: beans (blackfly), courgettes (mildew), sweet peas (mildew) etc. DONE
• Harvesting of raspberries DONE
• Propagation: pinks, lavender, sedum STARTED
• Seeds for overwintering TO DO
• Pricking out basil for winter windowsills MAYBE
• Planning events: Big Dig Saturday, Harvest supper 2013 DONE – 18th OCTOBER

Tuesday  3rd September 2013 from 3pm

• End of season maintenance: watering and harvesting DONE
• Maintenance of shady triangle DONE
• Planting autumn pansies in tree pits NOT DONE
• Propagation, propagation, propagation (semi-ripe cuttings) SOME …
• Plan Big Dig Saturday TO DO
• Review fruit tree summer pruning TO DO

Tuesday 27th August 2013 from 3pm

• General ‘August’ maintenance: cutting back, removing yellow leaves, watering, harvesting  DONE IN VEG PLOT
• Propagating: lavender, rosemary, pinks etc. ROSEMARY DONE and planted basil
• Checking and improving watering for the herb planters  TO DO
• Planning Big Dig Open Day on 21 September TO DO

Tuesday 29th July 2013 from 3pm

but we may also be gardening on July 22nd.

Tuesday 16th July 2013

• Clear weeds etc on station forecourt and plant up tree pits DONE
• Stake and tidy up shady garden DONE AND MULCHED
• Feed/cosset rhubarb DONE
• Water, water, water – feed tomato and courgettes DONE
• Squelch black/green fly on fruit trees DONE AND TO DO
• Label all plants in gated plot DONE
• Pinch out bolting shoots on chard and rocket DONE
• Prepare onion and garlic beds for new planting (leeks? lettuce?)

Tuesday 26th June 2013

• Control raspberry canes, currently shading the rhubarb DONE
• Clean out water butt in shady triangle and water shady triangle DONE
• Review planting in shady triangle: plant colourful annuals DONE
• Plant up a further lettuce window box NOT DONE
• Replace basil in herb planters NOT DONE – Basil still growing
• Clear weeds etc on station forecourt and tree pits DONE

Tuesday 19th June 2013

• Control raspberry canes, currently shading the rhubarb TO DO
• Clean out water butt in shady triangle and water shady triangle TO DO
• Review planting in shady triangle TO DO
• Plant up a further lettuce window box TO DO
• Replace basil in herb planters TO DO
• Clear weeds etc on station forecourt DONE, MORE TO DO
• Strawberry leaves cleared to expose berries to sun DONE
• Hanging basket planted with marigolds DONE
• More leeks potted up DONE
• Area cleared for third compost bin DONE

Tuesday 11th June 2013

• Must pot on the leek seedlings! ALMOST ALL DONE – so far around 40, 100 left!
• Plant out remaining lettuce and chard seedlings  Dazzle LETTUCES PLANTED
• Water, water, water DONE AND IT RAINED!
• Hoe out the weeds on the station forecourt and sweep up TO DO WHEN DRY
• Give the shady garden some attention – plant antirrynums, begonias etc. DONE
• Replant the ceramic planters in shady garden DONE

Tuesday 4th June  2013- summer at last!

• Clear weeds on the station forecourt STARTED
• Clear weeds in tree pits STARTED
• Plant more parsely and basil in ‘rich’ herb planter DONE
• Clear, water and plant up (?) planters in shady garden TO DO
• Cut back, weed, tidy shady garden and hide bulb foliag TO DO
• Pot up leek seedlings to grow on before planting out: e.g. 4 seedlings in 12cm pot? MUST DO NEXT
• Pot up nasturtiums into large black plastic pots for the hangers (incorporate water gel?) TO DO
• Clear leeks and feed bed with mulch (and Growmore???) DONE
• Net currants DONE
• Plant more lettuces and other leaf veg in salad bed DONE
• Plant courgettes and tomatoes in grow bags or pots DONE
• Plant courgettes in EB’s garden DONE

Friday 31st May 2013

• Place wooden battens behind the plant hangers to allow them to hang level (and thus not lose water when watering) HANGERS REARRANGED
• Re-do the display case: e.g. oil cloth backing, tape/ribbon to divide into four, four A4 laminated displays DONE
• Clear weeds on the station forecourt PARTIALLY DONE
• Weed salad bed DONE

Tuesday 28th May – abandoned because of rain

• Check seedlings
• Cut back over-enthusiastic growth in shady garden
• Weed
• Plant up pots for hangers
• Look at plants for Open Gardens on 29th June
• Review Preston Circus Planters
• Do some propagation from cuttings

Tuesday 21st May 2013

Tuesday 14th May 2013

• Cut lettuce, rocket etc.
• Check water butts

Tuesday 7th May 2013

• Plant hanging basket with Marlene
• Plant lettuces and cavalo nero
• Check seedlings and organise
• Thin mustard seedlings
• Pot on any remaining seedlings
• Install new water butt
• Water everything

Tuesday 30th April 2013 from 2pm

• Pot on or sow: lettuces
• Weed shady garden
• Sow basil, calendula and more beans
• Look at slug protection!
• Plant up or plan window boxes and hangers
• Set up watering/maintenance rota
• Herbs – organise

Tuesday 23rd April 2013 from 2pm

• Prick out and pot on: parsely, onions, lettuce, chard DONE
• Weed shady garden TO DO
• Check seeds in veg plot GERMINATING
• Review planting plans – particularly for window boxes TO DO
• Set up watering/maintenance rota TO DO
• We also removed some raspberry runners and set up a new water butt

Tuesday 16th April 2013 from 2pm

• Tidy up shady garden and weed DONE AND MORE TO DO
• Adjust covering on carrots (protect with fleece) DONE
• Cover seeds in leaf bed DONE
• Review planting plans 
• Plant courgettes and beans for germination in conservatory DONE
• Top up herb pots 
• Thin out seedlings DONE
• Prick out seedlings: lettuce, chard DONE FOR LETTUCE

Tuesday 9th April 2013 from 2pm – oh dear, it’s raining. Meet in conservatory for seed thinning? (go up the lane past A.A. Taylor Joinery through metal gate to green door on right)

• Tidy and mulch shady triangle
• Plant pansies in tree pits
• Prepare leafy bed (mulch, dig over a little)
• Thin seedlings (lettuce, rocket)
• Install new water butt
• Plant strawberries in guttering
• Discuss plans for Sunday

Tuesday 26th March 2013 from 2pm (probably until 3.45 or so)

PLEASE NOTE. Because of the cold, we’ll be meeting in the conservatory (go up the lane past A.A. Taylor Joinery through metal gate to green door on right)

• decide on activities for RHS Seed Day (Sun 14/4) and herb planters
• check on any seedlings DONE
• take stock of what we need for the new planting season (when it comes)
• finalising planting plan for Preston Circus Planters DONE
• clear and tidy shady garden if it’s not too cold NOT DONE
• empty mature compost DONE and start mulching shady triangle TO DO
• plant strawberries in guttering TO DO

Tuesday 19th March 2013 from 2pm

• clear and tidy both gardens DONE FOR GATED PLOT
• plant rhubarb and herbs (thyme) DONE
• plant up some ‘window’ boxes, weather permitting DONE
• start mulching shady triangle TO DO
• take stock of what we need, e.g. new poster in display case, woodchip for compost area TO DO
• decide on activities for RHS Seed Day (Sun 14/4) TO DO
• look at planting plans for 2013 DONE

Tuesday 12th March 2013 from 2pm (cancelled because of snow)

• clear and tidy both gardens
• take stock of what we need, e.g. new poster in display case, woodchip for compost area
• decide on activities for Big Dig Day (Sat 16/3) and RHS Seed Day (Sun 14/4)
• look at planting plans for 2013
• plant rhubarb and herbs (thyme)
• plant up some ‘window’ boxes, weather permitting
• clear composting area and start mulching shady triangle

Saturday 9th March 2013 from 10.30am

Design workshop to design Preston Circus Planters. At The Garden House, 5 Warleigh Road. Places need to be booked at lrsp@hotmail.co.uk or call 07709 069486.

Tuesday 5th March 2013 from 2pm

• sow seeds – DONE: chard ‘Bright Lights’, lettuce ‘Nymans’, cavalo nero
• clear and tidy both gardens: STARTED
• take stock of what we need, e.g. new poster in display case, woodchip for compost area: TO DO
• decide on activities for Big Dig Day (Sat 16/3) and RHS Seed Day (Sun 14/4): TO DO
• plant up some ‘window’ boxes, weather permitting: TO DO
• perhaps plant miniature daffodils round the tree pits: right planted with daffodils and pansies

Saturday 2nd February 2013 from 1pm

• Bryn Thomas from Brighton Permaculture Trust will be joining us to show us how to prune our mini-orchard. This may be an opportunity to check up on the garden after the recent snow and heavy rain, and possibly to prune back raspberry canes.
• All welcome

Tuesday 13th November 2012 from 2pm probably to 3pm?

• clearing leaves from shady triangle and organise leaf mulch DONE
• check mulching on both plots, maybe do some more DONE
• discuss with Karen Barnes from Southern Railway: a) display of certificate, b) siting of herb bed and c) siting of bird box, and any other matters. DONE

Tuesday 6th November 2012 from 3pm

• clearing leaves from shady triangle and organise leaf mulch TO DO
• check mulching on both plots, maybe do some more DONE and TO DO
• planning: look at Harvest ‘herb bed’ project, review suggestions from RHS ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ and look at Preston Circus Planters project: plus ideas for 2013 and plans for funding applications, TO DO
• discuss: meeting with Karen Barnes from Southern Railway, Harvest’s Community Lease workshop on Wed 28/11/12 6-8pm and ‘Brighton in Bloom’ AGM also Wed 28/11/12 6.45pm TO DO

Tuesday 30th 2012 October

• plant garlic and onion sets for overwintering DONE
• spread compost on gated plot and dig in DONE BUT MAYBE MORE
• clearing leaves from shady triangle and organise leaf mulch TO DO
• continue planting bulbs in shady triangle MAYBE MORE
• more planting around trees at front of station – more cyclamens DONE
• planning: look at Harvest ‘herb bed’ project, review suggestions from RHS ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ and look at Preston Circus Planters project: plus ideas for 2013 and plans for funding applications TO DO
• install our bird box from Holland? TO DO

Tuesday 16th October 2012 from 3pm

• install our bird box from Holland? TO DO
• clearing and cutting back vegetables now over DONE
• spread compost/old grow bags on shady triangle/gated plot and dig in DONE ON SHADY TRIANGLE
• plant garlic and onion sets for overwintering TO DO
• propagating (geraniums, fuchsia, mint and other herbs) SADLY TOO LATE
• clearing leaves from shady triangle and organise leaf mulch DONE AND TO DO
• continue planting bulbs in shady triangle DONE (and maybe TO DO)
• more planting around trees at front of station? TO DO
• cutting back perennials (geraniums, lamium, etc. in shady triangle; mints in gated plot) DONT (and maybe TO DO)
• review suggestions from RHS ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ TO DO

Tuesday 18th September 2012 afternoon (from 3pm)

• weeding, watering and harvesting in both plots (particularly pots) DONE
• review water butts – look at installing 4th butt TO DO
• clearing leaves from shady triangle STARTED
• continue planting bulbs in shady triangle STARTED
• plant winter cyclamen in planters DONE
• look at planting around trees at front of station STARTED
• cutting back perennials (geraniums, lamium, etc. in shady triangle; mints in gated plot) DONE
• checking compost – using ready compost for mulch DONE
• propagating (geraniums, fuchsia, mint and other herbs) TO DO
• review suggestions from RHS ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ TO DO

Tuesday 11th September 2012 afternoon (from 3pm)

• weeding and watering both plots (particularly pots) DONE
• harvesting beans, raspberries, tomatoes? DONE
• checking supports (particularly climbing beans in gated plot) DONE
• clearing leaves from shady triangle STARTED
• cutting back perennials (geraniums, lamium, etc. in shady triangle; mints in gated plot) STARTED
• checking compost – using ready compost for mulch STARTED
• propagating (geraniums, fuchsia, mint and other herbs) TO DO
• discussing Big Dig event on Saturday 15th DONE
• fixing dates for AGM (NOT DONE) and Harvest Supper (DONE)

Tuesday 26th June 2012 afternoon (from 3pm)

• plant antirhinums in shady triangle
• complete planting plan of shady triangle
• check fruit/veg for pests
• pot up Marlene’s marigolds
• plant lettuce seeds
• pot up basil seedlings
• discuss RHS Britain in Bloom visit
• update maintenance and watering rota
• clear up lesser gated plot and clear up water-logged green container in gated plot
• decide what to do with strawberry runners

Tuesday 19th June 2012 afternoon (from 3pm)

• plant remaining perennials for shady triangle, and plant annuals to fill gaps (Diane and I are going to pop up to Stamner nursery to see if there’s anything suitable) DONE
• check all veg/fruit for pests, and water/feed DONE
• tidy all plants and remove weeds DONE
• clear slope of lesser gated plot DONE
• dig out steps in lesser gated plot and set up Madeleine’s mini-shed DONE
• write labels (on wooden spoons?) to identify all plants DONE
• make sure there are ‘caps’ on all canes to avoid danger to eyes DONE
• decide on anything else for the Garden Gadabout DONE

Tuesday 12th June 2012 afternoon (from 3pm)

• tidy up (cut back, stake, dead-head) shady triangle DONE
• plant remaining perennials for shady triangle, and decide on any annuals to fill gaps TO DO
• check all veg/fruit for pests, and water/feed DONE AND TO DO
• plant remaining tomatoes in cut-in-half grow bags or other pots DONE
• cut kale, greens etc. that can be harvested DONE
• check pot-bound herbs in window boxes – perhaps divide? DONE
• plant up basil seedlings in pots NOW IN GREENHOUSE TO RECOVER FROM SLUGS
• look at installing another water butt TO DO
• plan construction of steps in lesser gated plot TO DO
• decide what needs doing to prepare for Garden Gadabout 23/6 TO DO

Tuesday 29th May 2012 afternoon (from 3pm)

• plant up fruit bushes x 2 (red currant and black currant) DONE
• plant up 3 tomatoes in grow bag DONE
• plant up tomatoes in cut-in-half grow bags DONE
• plant new cavalo nero seedlings DONE
• put out basil seedlings to harden off DONE
• plant straggling oriental greens DONE
• pot up peppers and chilli DONE
• water, water, water! DONE

Thursday 24th May 2012 afternoon (from 3pm)

• plant up fruit bushes from Madaleine’s allotment (we need to purchase 18 inch plastic containers and some compost) TO DO
• tie up a coddling moth trap (to be purchased) by the fruit trees
• establish two cane wigwams of 6 canes each for climbing beans DONE!
• plant climbing beans if weather looks warm and fairly settled DONE
• plant dicentra (pink bell flower, like bluebells), clematis and virginia creeper in shady triangle TO DO
• watering DONE
• weeding in the gated veg plot DONE and shady triangle TO DO

Tuesday 24th April 2012 afternoon (from 2pm)

• cleaning and planting up ‘Daphne’s window boxes’: WINDOW BOXES INSTALLED so far with pots of herbs and two gazenias
• perhaps sowing wild flower seed/marigolds? around the trees in front of the station? NOT DONE
• continue to organise lesser-gated plot (perhaps install Madeleine’s mini shed?): M’s MINI-SHED IS IN STORAGE AREA
• seeds: beans? courgettes? spinach? SEEDLINGS DOING WELL  BUT AWAITING WARM WEATHER. Also pepper seedlings: small, but growing.
• looking at what needs doing in shady triangle to fill in gaps. NOT DONE YET
• seedlings: salads? DONE
• plans for herb beds in front of station NOT DONE YET

Tuesday 17th April 2012 afternoon

• weeding in gated plot and shady triangle DONE
• dead-heading daffodils DONE
• cleaning and planting up ‘Daphne’s window boxes’ TO DO
• perhaps sowing wild flower seed/marigolds? around the trees in front of the station? TO DO
• sowing beetroot? TO DO
• looking at what needs to go in shady triangle TO DO
• rodent-proofing our wooden compost bin  DONE!!! THANK YOU MARK!
• clearing up and stock-taking in ‘lesser gated plot’ – STARTED
• reviewing our plans: Garden Gadabout (23/6) and Britain in Bloom assessment – July – STARTED
• also planted dwarf beans in the Pear bed

Tuesday 20th March 2012 afternoon

• transfer compost from one bin to another
• clear up lesser gated plot
• plant strawberries in the orchard beds
• divide and repot herb plants
• water shady triangle and raised beds
• put mulch down in gated plot and straighten paths
• check and adjust planting in shady triangle
• sow seeds

Tuesday 6th March afternoon and/or Thursday 8th March morning 2012

• finish painting wall
• construct final raised bed
• once painting is finished, move soil from existing bed to new bed
• line existing bed with pond liner
• screw in battens and construct trellis wires

Tuesday 28th February 2012, 2pm

To do’s

• completing the new raised bed and lining it with pond liner
• digging out the existing raised bed, lining it with pond liner
• constructing the supporting wires
• cutting out the bottom of the bin, positioning and filling with soil
• digging over the soil in the raised beds
• sorting out the raspberries – working out final planting
• checking on the leafy veg bed – removing dead leaves etc.

Tuesday 21st February 2012, 10am

To do’s:

• Prepare for new raised bed: dig out soil into bags, cut and fix scaffolding planks, affix pond liner if available.
• Dig out soil from existing raised bed into bags and affix pond liner if available.
• Clear pealing paint from wall and affix battens into wall and tie in wires for fruit trees.
• Clean out pots and seed trays.
• Sow February veg seed, e.g. beetroot, and onion sets, weather permitting.
• Plan Fruit Planting event – publicity etc. over tea