Through the frost

Among our feathered friends basking in the sun today

A frosty start

Various bulbs beginning to emerge

188 Marsh Street rubbish

Thank you to Neighbourhood Management wardens for helping to remove debris which has recently been dumped in the back yard of 188 Marsh Street.

A dunnock - Basking in the sun and enjoying a free meal

Not long before our bulbs will be flowering

Brathay Trust - Future Footprints

Brathay Trust – Future Footprints aims to recruit 12 young people aged between 16 to 18 year old who are NEET or disadvantaged from the Barrow in Furness area and who have an interest in, or are keen to be involved in, an outdoor and conservation project.

Age UK Barrow and District - Men in Sheds

Completing the new, secure gated entrance to arch C

Contractors preparing to complete works to the new, secure gated entrance to arch C. Once completed the arch will be totally secure.

Quote for the week......

“There are things about ourselves that we need to get rid of; there are things we need to change. But at the same time, we do not need to be too desperate, too ruthless, too combative. Along the way to usefulness and happiness, many of those things will change themselves, and the others can be worked on as we go. The first thing we need to do is recognise and trust our own inner nature, and not lose sight of it.” 

Benjamin Hoff (The Tao Of Pooh)

Garden in a bathtub

Not the most colourful of days

New Roots planter allocation

Bob Howard from New Roots inspecting the raised planter they have been allocated.

Greengate Junior schools raised planter

Plants in Greengate Junior Schools raised planter beginning to flower for a second time.

Loan Shark Awareness Week - 28th January – 1st February

Bulbs emerging in the Junior Wardens raised planter

Suppressing weed growth

Adding a carpet/felt covering to help suppress weed growth in some of the raised planters.

Our location - from above

Bulbs emerging around our the edge of our lawn

Bulbs previously planted around the lawn edging with the help of Junior Wardens as part of CVS Make a Difference Day event.

Growing bean sprouts

"What can you grow from seed when the days are cold, dark and short? Answer: bean sprouts!

Sprouts can be grown at any time of year in even the smallest home, and on the smallest budget.  What’s more they’re packed with vitamins and nutrients, good for your health and fighting off those pesky colds that abound in cities in winter. A huge variety of seeds can easily be grown to eat as sprouts including radish, pea, chick pea, mung beans, alfalfa, fenugreek, sunflower, lentil, and broccoli. Each has its own unique flavour and can be eaten on its own or used to add crunch and flavour to winter salads. You can have fun experimenting" Source - Vertical Veg.

For more information please visit the Vertical Veg website here.

Weeding, tidying and composting

Valued volunteers Alex and David weeding, tidying and composting.

Additional gardening books for our collection

FREE HeartStart/Defibrilator Training

Information courtesy of our friends at Neighbourhood Management.

"Please see a list of planned HeartStart/defibrilator training dates below. It’s a mixture of theory and some practical, however don’t worry as it’s not assessable but you do get a certificate of attendance at the end. Thank you for putting yourself forward and you’re on the first step of possibly helping to save a life completing this FREE course. All courses are at Barrow Fire Station unless stated.

Dates for 2013 …

Friday 4 January - 2 to 4pm.

Tuesday 8 January - 2 to 4pm.

Wednesday 9 January - 10 - 12 noon.

To book a place Email mark.ducie@cumbria.gov.uk or christine.greaves@cumbria.gov.uk or phone 407800 during office hours 9am to 5pm. Please also encourage a friend or another family member to attend with you"

Meanwhile in our poly tunnel.........

Community growing in our raised planters

“Whoever said do something right the first time and you won't have to do it again never weeded a garden.”

“Whoever said do something right the first time and you won't have to do it again never weeded a garden.” - Anon

Quote for the week......

“My spirit was lifted and my soul nourished by my time in the garden. It gave me a calm connection with all of life, and an awesome awareness that remains with me now, long after leaving the garden” - Nancy Ross.

Drivers beware!!!

Drivers beware!!! There is a large hole in the road under Marsh Street bridge.