2016
Due to difficulty attending on Saturdays am offering Friday evening (fairweather) sessions this Summer.
Free of charge, all welcome.
5 till 7pm
The first will be Friday 13th May 2016
please email if you would like to join us for light gardening - permaculture style!
[email protected]
What happened in 2015?
free workshops and gardening sessions
on Saturday mornings from 10.30 till 12pm
14th November 2015
Essentials of Permaculture
A free Permaculture taster
In this 90 minute workshop/talk the challenge is to give you an overview of
what Permaculture is and how you can find out more!
What is Permaculture?
How do you do it?
What has it achieved?
Q and A at the end. (it may raise more questions than answers!)
Funded by Crofton Park assembly
booking essential with Ruth on : [email protected]
Essentials of Permaculture
A free Permaculture taster
In this 90 minute workshop/talk the challenge is to give you an overview of
what Permaculture is and how you can find out more!
What is Permaculture?
How do you do it?
What has it achieved?
Q and A at the end. (it may raise more questions than answers!)
Funded by Crofton Park assembly
booking essential with Ruth on : [email protected]
Saturday 26th September 2015
seed saving, sowing and seed bombs
10th October 2015
pruning and bulb planiting
15th August 2015
free gardening session
Saturday 16th May
Urban foraging workshop with
Elisabetta Fumagalli (Wild Brockley)
Sunday 3rd May
International Permaculture Day
(not at St Saviour's , at various locations)
International Permaculture Day
(not at St Saviour's , at various locations)
Saturday 18th April 2015
Singing folk in the garden
free workshop led by Jacquieline Grant
funded by Crofton Park assembly
Singing folk in the garden
free workshop led by Jacquieline Grant
funded by Crofton Park assembly
Saturday 21st March 2015 The Big Dig
(and/or sow)
(and/or sow)
December 2014
Successful application to Crofton Park Local Assembly for £500!
Hedge planting 22nd November 2014
Capital Growth Open Edible Gardens and RHS Wild about Gardens
20th September 2014 from 10.30 am till 12pm
Drop in and help out with light gardening (we are clearing a space for Guides and Brownies to use). Find out why it's good to save seed, (take home a packet of saved seed) and what's good about gardening for wildlife. All welcome and refreshments provided.
This event coincides with Croftfest and Hopfest so plenty going on in the area!
https://www.facebook.com/CroftFest
This event coincides with Croftfest and Hopfest so plenty going on in the area!
https://www.facebook.com/CroftFest
Seed Saving...
Proposed EU legislation in 2012 aimed to restrict range of vegetable varieties for sale. Ie, if the variety was not on their list, then it would be illegal to sell. This legislation did not go through fortunately, however existing seed laws do still impose restrictions on growers. If we don't save our seeds we may lose crop diversity, which means fewer sources of nutrients and heavier losses if one particular crop fails. ('Use and Value Diversity' one of David Holmgrem's Permaculture Principles).
Almost half of the world's seed is controlled by just 3 corporations: Monsanto, Syngenta and DuPont. They can supply seeds cheaply and on a large scale, which means they aren't particulary interested in heritage seeds or seeds that don't grow well with their other products such as herbicides and pesticides. Small scale growers and farmers can offer an alternative to 'industrial' seeds by saving unusual varieties and plants that are adapted to a particular environment. A good example of where gardeners grow differently is the case of tall peas. These work well in small spaces are highly productive but not suited to large scale farming.
How to save seed.
If you want to do it properly, go to this website and download a leaflet.
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedsavinginfo.html
Otherwise, you can just experiment with collecting dry seed heads, keeping dry in paper envelopes/bags, labelling well, keeping cool and dry in an airtight container and then swapping with friends and neighbours the following spring!.
To find out more see Soil Association website and/or email:
[email protected]
Proposed EU legislation in 2012 aimed to restrict range of vegetable varieties for sale. Ie, if the variety was not on their list, then it would be illegal to sell. This legislation did not go through fortunately, however existing seed laws do still impose restrictions on growers. If we don't save our seeds we may lose crop diversity, which means fewer sources of nutrients and heavier losses if one particular crop fails. ('Use and Value Diversity' one of David Holmgrem's Permaculture Principles).
Almost half of the world's seed is controlled by just 3 corporations: Monsanto, Syngenta and DuPont. They can supply seeds cheaply and on a large scale, which means they aren't particulary interested in heritage seeds or seeds that don't grow well with their other products such as herbicides and pesticides. Small scale growers and farmers can offer an alternative to 'industrial' seeds by saving unusual varieties and plants that are adapted to a particular environment. A good example of where gardeners grow differently is the case of tall peas. These work well in small spaces are highly productive but not suited to large scale farming.
How to save seed.
If you want to do it properly, go to this website and download a leaflet.
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedsavinginfo.html
Otherwise, you can just experiment with collecting dry seed heads, keeping dry in paper envelopes/bags, labelling well, keeping cool and dry in an airtight container and then swapping with friends and neighbours the following spring!.
To find out more see Soil Association website and/or email:
[email protected]
London In BloomJudges visit
14th July 2014 Cerficate: Improving (not as good as last year but....)
Prior to their visit I did a little review of the garden and asked myself how it was meeting the 3 permaculture ethics.
Earthcare
No pesticides or chemicals on the garden or plants
Allowing nettles to grow in a clump, food for butterfly larvae
Covering bare soil with chop and drop mulch, so doesn't dry out and get blown away!
Covering bare soil with green manure, fixing nitrogen for a healthy soil
Minimal disturbance of the soil by digging so preserving soil life in tact
Peoplecare
A free outdoor activity for anybody that wants to join in
Friendly atmosphere
Growing herbs that can be used as medicine or cooking
No digging and hurting backs!
Just a nice place to sit and rest off a busy main road in Lewisham
Fairshares
Seeds can be saved and handed out to volunteers (For example Nigella, parsnip, Calendula, Salad Burnett, Chard)
Jerusalem artichokes can be harvested and given away in winter
Cuttings of fruit bushes in Autumn, ie, Josterberry
A bed for the guides to play with in Autumn
Workshop on pruning October?
Earthcare
No pesticides or chemicals on the garden or plants
Allowing nettles to grow in a clump, food for butterfly larvae
Covering bare soil with chop and drop mulch, so doesn't dry out and get blown away!
Covering bare soil with green manure, fixing nitrogen for a healthy soil
Minimal disturbance of the soil by digging so preserving soil life in tact
Peoplecare
A free outdoor activity for anybody that wants to join in
Friendly atmosphere
Growing herbs that can be used as medicine or cooking
No digging and hurting backs!
Just a nice place to sit and rest off a busy main road in Lewisham
Fairshares
Seeds can be saved and handed out to volunteers (For example Nigella, parsnip, Calendula, Salad Burnett, Chard)
Jerusalem artichokes can be harvested and given away in winter
Cuttings of fruit bushes in Autumn, ie, Josterberry
A bed for the guides to play with in Autumn
Workshop on pruning October?
Two very experienced, encouragaing and enthusiastic judges came to look at the Edible Garden today. They sympathised with temporary lack of water supply and made a few suggestions for improvments:
- Ask parishioners to donate drought tolerant plants such as geraniums for colour and agapanthus for body (put latter in a pot to stop spread)
- Pester the Vicar to put in a plastic downpipe on Church Hall so that rainwater can be harvested, maybe even attach two butts to church downpipes.
- Ask local schools to donate flowers after judging has taken place for the Children's Society competitions /or encourage the children to come and plant their daffodils in the garden.
- Move the Cornus kousa somewhere damper.
- They liked the herb spiral very much and one is collecting bricks to do their own.
Design your own salad
Fete 29th June 2014
Inspired by Aranya's Salad Art, http://www.aranyagardens.co.uk/salad-mandalas-mainmenu-31.html
we encouraged fete goers to pick and design their own salads from the Edible Garden and maybe win a prize.
Many were shy and said they weren't 'creative' so we helped by supplying leaves and berries to start them off. Enthusiastic helpers, J, J and V encouraged passers by to take part (though had to compete with bands at times!)
Here are some of our beautiful entries...
we encouraged fete goers to pick and design their own salads from the Edible Garden and maybe win a prize.
Many were shy and said they weren't 'creative' so we helped by supplying leaves and berries to start them off. Enthusiastic helpers, J, J and V encouraged passers by to take part (though had to compete with bands at times!)
Here are some of our beautiful entries...
The judges (volunteers) decided on 5 who wins a lovely jar of Local WI jam!
The garden was looking a bit dry and unhappy due to lack of watering over the last few weeks, so while the bands were playing I took the opportunity to tidy it up, cut back dead calendula and plant marigolds from the flower stall, donated by the Hornimans museum.
Then it rained and people started packing up...
The garden was looking a bit dry and unhappy due to lack of watering over the last few weeks, so while the bands were playing I took the opportunity to tidy it up, cut back dead calendula and plant marigolds from the flower stall, donated by the Hornimans museum.
Then it rained and people started packing up...
Salad day 31st May
A sunny morning and a good turnout for our May session. Good to see the regulars and return of familiar faces with the good weather.
Some of the jobs we did (before we had space to plant any salad!) were weeding out copious Jerusalem artichokes, cutting back lemon balm (and having some as tea), lowering the self seeded-cherry tree and general weeding.
Now is a good time to take softwood cuttings so am trying some Rosemary in the top of the herb spiral, previously occupied by Calendula mainly.
The yield this month was about a kilo of broad beans, a few garlics and small leeks and few gooseberry cuttings that had rooted. There always chard, though we just cut it down a bit as it had bolted.
During the tea break there was a bit of fennel tasting (leaves good for salad and nice breath!) and sharing info. One volunteer told us about an Urban Herb Group that meets twice a month in South London who can show you how to make moisturizers and other useful stuff. from herbs that are in season. Elderflower cordial is a good one to try at the moment. For more info....
http://www.londonherbalist.com/page5.htm
Hopes and ideas for the near and long-term future...
1. a water supply! butt is disconnected due to a problem with water seeping into wall of church hall, cause unknown. The downpipe on Scout Hut is only plastic pipe available for reconnection but is blocked and needs attention.
2. grapes growing up the nursery fence
3. dwarf apple tree in the centre
4. extension the beds eastwards in a swirly shape (relocate bouncy castle at next year's fete)
5. a recycling bin for the discarded cans left by drinkers. One has been requested from Council by church.
6. a notice for the compost bins explaining what goes in and what doesn't
7. more seating
8. Hugel mounds in the centre for retaining moisture, providing nutrients and heat to crops and an interesting look
9. Wild garlic and other perennial veg
Some of the jobs we did (before we had space to plant any salad!) were weeding out copious Jerusalem artichokes, cutting back lemon balm (and having some as tea), lowering the self seeded-cherry tree and general weeding.
Now is a good time to take softwood cuttings so am trying some Rosemary in the top of the herb spiral, previously occupied by Calendula mainly.
The yield this month was about a kilo of broad beans, a few garlics and small leeks and few gooseberry cuttings that had rooted. There always chard, though we just cut it down a bit as it had bolted.
During the tea break there was a bit of fennel tasting (leaves good for salad and nice breath!) and sharing info. One volunteer told us about an Urban Herb Group that meets twice a month in South London who can show you how to make moisturizers and other useful stuff. from herbs that are in season. Elderflower cordial is a good one to try at the moment. For more info....
http://www.londonherbalist.com/page5.htm
Hopes and ideas for the near and long-term future...
1. a water supply! butt is disconnected due to a problem with water seeping into wall of church hall, cause unknown. The downpipe on Scout Hut is only plastic pipe available for reconnection but is blocked and needs attention.
2. grapes growing up the nursery fence
3. dwarf apple tree in the centre
4. extension the beds eastwards in a swirly shape (relocate bouncy castle at next year's fete)
5. a recycling bin for the discarded cans left by drinkers. One has been requested from Council by church.
6. a notice for the compost bins explaining what goes in and what doesn't
7. more seating
8. Hugel mounds in the centre for retaining moisture, providing nutrients and heat to crops and an interesting look
9. Wild garlic and other perennial veg
As sunflowers from last month didn't show up, decided to use the logs (thank you Francis, local tree surgeon) to define the curve (as per new design see below, just above Big Dig).
Also found some broken paving which we used as a path/access to beds. I hope that ultimately, the garden wiill have a softer outline rather than the patchwork shape it has now, though still accessible to work with and walk around.
Also found some broken paving which we used as a path/access to beds. I hope that ultimately, the garden wiill have a softer outline rather than the patchwork shape it has now, though still accessible to work with and walk around.
Sunflowers and salad planting 19th April 2014
A cold and bright Saturday (Bank Holiday weekend), just two of us, a packet of RHS sunflower seeds, a cup of tea and various leftover seeds from last year.
Garden looking really colourful with Calendula flowers and Brassicas (are they Asparagus Kale?).
We sowed radish mooli, fennel and mixed salad with a view to it being ready for salad picking stall at fete in late June, though was difficult to find space as beds nearly full.
.
Replanted garlic sprouts amongst fruit bushes (good pest deterrant).
Planted sunflowers in a arc (see design in paragraph below), though not sure if realistic as plants not protected from human and animal traffic!
Garden looking really colourful with Calendula flowers and Brassicas (are they Asparagus Kale?).
We sowed radish mooli, fennel and mixed salad with a view to it being ready for salad picking stall at fete in late June, though was difficult to find space as beds nearly full.
.
Replanted garlic sprouts amongst fruit bushes (good pest deterrant).
Planted sunflowers in a arc (see design in paragraph below), though not sure if realistic as plants not protected from human and animal traffic!
Managed to 'Obtain a yield' - one of David Holmgrem's Permaculture principles by harvesting some leeks and spinach and thereby creating a bit more sowing space. The church goers also cut some flowers for their display on Easter Sunday.
Discovered big pile of composted grass clippings for later use as mulch or soil and also 2 spare compost bins from alleyway converted in to extra nursery outdoor space.
The Big Dig (or 'big weed?')
http://www.bigdig.org.uk/ 22nd March 2014 From 10.30 till 12pm
Getting Britain ready for Spring planting...
because 'Everything gardens' - one of Bill Mollison's permaculture principles. So we focused on soil health and how to improve and maintain it using well-practised methods - no digging, sowing green manure, nutritious mulch from long standing compost bins and 'chop and drop' cuttings.
Apparently Salad Burnett, (which is abundant, almost dominant on the site!), leaves make a mineral rich mulch. We also chucked handfuls of Seaweed fertiliser and Grochar about.
Other useful plants to grow for cutting and feeding the soil are comfrey and chicory (and they look good and attract beneficial insects).
We let the nettles stay as they are good food source for butterfly larvae and are also edible!. A few veg were also planted and some Sweet peas. Thank you volunteers!
because 'Everything gardens' - one of Bill Mollison's permaculture principles. So we focused on soil health and how to improve and maintain it using well-practised methods - no digging, sowing green manure, nutritious mulch from long standing compost bins and 'chop and drop' cuttings.
Apparently Salad Burnett, (which is abundant, almost dominant on the site!), leaves make a mineral rich mulch. We also chucked handfuls of Seaweed fertiliser and Grochar about.
Other useful plants to grow for cutting and feeding the soil are comfrey and chicory (and they look good and attract beneficial insects).
We let the nettles stay as they are good food source for butterfly larvae and are also edible!. A few veg were also planted and some Sweet peas. Thank you volunteers!
Seed bombs February 2014
We used 5 parts clay soil (almost yellow in colour) to 1 part seeds and 1 part grochar for fertility. Didn't need any water as soil still wet. The clay was shaped into little balls, a hole pressed out by thumb, a few seeds added before closing the gap and lobbing onto the patch you wish to populate with flowers (or veg). We used flower seeds as we were sowing in the bed assigned for church flowers.
The rain then breaks down the soil casing over time and the seeds germinate naturally when they are ready.
Also works well if you allow clay to dry out and lob the balls into an area that is possibly inaccessible (disused land?).
Can also be done in Autumn - the advantages are that you can save seeds and store them straightaway in the growing site rather than take them indoors and put into packets and containers.
Other benefits-
The seeds are protected from birds until the case breaks down by which time they'll have possibly started to germinate.
The seed balls provide ground cover so less space for weeds.
Nature does most of the work, you just leave the bombs there.
You can carry on sowing and planting in the remaining space.
You can add fertiliser to the seed bomb if necessary (though not necessary for wildflowers).
The rain then breaks down the soil casing over time and the seeds germinate naturally when they are ready.
Also works well if you allow clay to dry out and lob the balls into an area that is possibly inaccessible (disused land?).
Can also be done in Autumn - the advantages are that you can save seeds and store them straightaway in the growing site rather than take them indoors and put into packets and containers.
Other benefits-
The seeds are protected from birds until the case breaks down by which time they'll have possibly started to germinate.
The seed balls provide ground cover so less space for weeds.
Nature does most of the work, you just leave the bombs there.
You can carry on sowing and planting in the remaining space.
You can add fertiliser to the seed bomb if necessary (though not necessary for wildflowers).
Principles of Permaculture used above....
'Catch and store energy' David Holmgrem
'Work with nature,' and 'Least effort, maximum effect' Bill Mollison
'Catch and store energy' David Holmgrem
'Work with nature,' and 'Least effort, maximum effect' Bill Mollison
Here is an example of nature's own seed bomb
- a globe artichoke seed head left on soil surface starts to germinate.
Stepping into Harmony - an Introduction to Permaculture January 2014
Stepping into Harmony - January 18th and 25th 2014,
from 11 till 4pm,
St Saviour's Edible Garden and vestry
This was the first ever Introduction to Permaculture held at St Saviour's and was attended by people from all walks of life, curious to find out more about Permaculture in a fun and participatory way. We covered a range of topics: What is Permaculture? The Ethics of Permaculture. The importance of Observation. The Principles of Permaculture. Why design? A common design framework. Surveying the site in variety of ways. Client interview with Max Peberdy, responsible for the grounds. Looking more closely at info gathered info with Zones and Sectors.
Then the participants got stuck in and had a go at designing the site in 2 groups - some brilliant and creative ideas emerged from this exercise.
Delicious vegetarian food was provided by Suriya Pieris.
Led by Permaculture Designers
Ruth Robinson and Mich Thill
from 11 till 4pm,
St Saviour's Edible Garden and vestry
This was the first ever Introduction to Permaculture held at St Saviour's and was attended by people from all walks of life, curious to find out more about Permaculture in a fun and participatory way. We covered a range of topics: What is Permaculture? The Ethics of Permaculture. The importance of Observation. The Principles of Permaculture. Why design? A common design framework. Surveying the site in variety of ways. Client interview with Max Peberdy, responsible for the grounds. Looking more closely at info gathered info with Zones and Sectors.
Then the participants got stuck in and had a go at designing the site in 2 groups - some brilliant and creative ideas emerged from this exercise.
Delicious vegetarian food was provided by Suriya Pieris.
Led by Permaculture Designers
Ruth Robinson and Mich Thill
November 2013
Thanks to sturdy volunteers and a chirpy 4 year old, around 20 native hedges were planted around St Saviour's grounds, no mean feat as it was bucketing down at the time!
Hawthorn, Dogrose, Holly, Hazel and Dogwood can all provide a little shelter, food and habitat for birds, which we will enjoy seeing around the garden at some future point in time.
Hedges supplied by the Woodland Trust
Thanks to sturdy volunteers and a chirpy 4 year old, around 20 native hedges were planted around St Saviour's grounds, no mean feat as it was bucketing down at the time!
Hawthorn, Dogrose, Holly, Hazel and Dogwood can all provide a little shelter, food and habitat for birds, which we will enjoy seeing around the garden at some future point in time.
Hedges supplied by the Woodland Trust
October 26th 2013 RHS Wild about gardens week -bulb planting for spring bees
'Make the least change for the greatest possible effect' - (One of Bill Mollison's permaculture principles)
A few of us planted a wiggle of bulbs along the edge of the grassy area in order to support Spring fees foraging for nectar next year. This simple act could increase the life span of a few bees which are currently struggling with habitat loss worldwide. As you may know, they are important pollinators without which crops don't get fertilised and food is not produced.
Leftover bulbs were taken for volunteers gardens, window boxes and other community gardens in the area. We saved a few for the parishoners too.
I hope to be able to post a good photo of the results in Spring!
http://www.wildaboutgardensweek.org.uk/home
All about herbs September 2013
11.30 am with Fiona Hull
A rainy saturday morning but an inspiring talk by Fiona on 3 much overlooked herbs.
Just some of things we learnt - how cleavers are good for detoxing, nettles full of minerals and dandelions good for gut immunity, among lots of other things!
Funded by Crofton Park Assembly
A few useful websites
http://healingfoodsandplantmedicine.com
http://www.foodasmedicine.ca/category/wild-food/
http://www.jameswong.co.uk/
Thanks to DB for the pears and to Assembly at Tidemill old school for the loan of the projector.
A rainy saturday morning but an inspiring talk by Fiona on 3 much overlooked herbs.
Just some of things we learnt - how cleavers are good for detoxing, nettles full of minerals and dandelions good for gut immunity, among lots of other things!
Funded by Crofton Park Assembly
A few useful websites
http://healingfoodsandplantmedicine.com
http://www.foodasmedicine.ca/category/wild-food/
http://www.jameswong.co.uk/
Thanks to DB for the pears and to Assembly at Tidemill old school for the loan of the projector.
June 2013
stall at the fete
30th June St Saviour’s Annual Fete stall with PASE consultation, plant quiz
and Master Gardener Kim 11am till 3pm
and Master Gardener Kim 11am till 3pm
June's Botannical drawing workshop with local artist
Alison Day
Saturday 15th June 2013 11am
Botannical drawing Taster workshop with Alison Day
A lovely reflective morning in June with 15 participants using the garden to learn the basics of botannical drawing,
using pencil and colours.
Funded by Crofton Park Assembly.
for more courses led by Alison go to
http://www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk/Arthouse/botanical_illustration.html
Alison Day
Saturday 15th June 2013 11am
Botannical drawing Taster workshop with Alison Day
A lovely reflective morning in June with 15 participants using the garden to learn the basics of botannical drawing,
using pencil and colours.
Funded by Crofton Park Assembly.
for more courses led by Alison go to
http://www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk/Arthouse/botanical_illustration.html
Saturday 20th April 2013 RHS edible Britain seeding sowing event
A lovely relaxed session with 6 of us filling in the gaps in the beds with a variety of seeds from RHS Edible Britain.
Saturday 13th April 2013 Herb Spiral Workshop
funded by Crofton Park Assembly
Despite the cold, a well -attended workshop led by Suriya Pieris, building this great Herb Spiral that is a bit of a feature now in the garden.
Saturday 2nd February 2013 11 am no dig gardening
Well, maybe a little, just to plant the edible Cornus kousa
January 2013
We had funding from Crofton Park Assembly to provide a few workshops and continue developing the area into a more attractive space. (see above)
We had funding from Crofton Park Assembly to provide a few workshops and continue developing the area into a more attractive space. (see above)