Coming together after the storm

Well what a mess storm Eunice left! A massive fallen tree in the water garden, branches blown over, and twigs everywhere. The gardeners cleared away this branch that had fallen into the pond.

They also did a sterling job removing all of the debris from down the drive. What was left after Natalie the lone wolf attacked it with her broom, that is! Then Jo and Karen spent two hours cleaning the garden and the car park soon after the storm, and the following weekend Debbie and the other Karen, helped to finish up with a clear up and a litter pick.

Several other volunteers came forward via the WhatsApp group and the Facebook group and we will hopefully have a nice little team to help out going forwards. But it’s not too late to volunteer, every little helps!

For those who asked, we have a contract with the pond company who come once a month to clear all of the ponds and service the pumps.

Thank goodness they had already begun their program of removing some of the dead bowels due to disease, or it may have been much worse. This was the biggest casualty, and still lies at the back of the water garden area.

And these fell in front of Elizabeth house, 6 to 12.

Thank goodness there was only a little damage to the wall.

Jim and the gardeners usually come once a week. They have been particularly helpful during the storms to cut/remove the fallen trees. But, waste not, want not, we asked them to chip the wood and they have laid it at the back of the tennis courts. One of the residents, Sarah, commented how lovely it was now that it is not so muddy walking around the outside of the tennis courts, she said it was like walking on a carpet!

There are some upcoming jobs including cleaning down all of the garden furniture which is in the water garden/barbecue area at the moment, as well as the wooden benches around our grounds. We would particularly like to hear from you. If you could email us that would be great!

residents@bansteadwood.com

Or make yourself known to one of the directors!

And never feel odd about stopping to pick up a piece of letter or a large branch, every little helps!

Thank you so much everybody!

Jo and the team of gardening volunteers.