We're trying not to let the cold weather of last week get us down or behind on the garden. Fortunately the volunteers seems to be even happier working in sluch and mud than at other times!
Three things are currently underway to help us plan the finer detail of the garden...
1) Into the bare ground that we cleared of weeds and turned over (with a fork, over and over again throughout winter), we are digging horticultural grit and peat-free compost. By doing this, we are making the earth easier to drain and more fertile than it is at present.
2) We are letting the sun - and a little bit of imagination - determine which areas will be better for bog (shady and wet), woodland (shady), meadow (exposed) and drought resistant (very exposed) plants, with the aim of demonstrating to the public that they can plant something that will help wildlife in all types of garden. (I must confess, I haven't tested any soil acidity which may have more expert gardeners reeling, but remember, I'm learning as I go...!)
3) Towards the back of the garden, volunteers are digging a bog garden in a wet, shady area. Easier than a pond, you only have to dig down 20 - 25 cm, line it with pond liner, and can fill it back in with at least 50 % of the spoil you dig out. (Note to novice wildlife gardeners - you will be amazed by the volume of mud you dig out when creating these features so make sure you have somewhere to 'lose' it!) This will create a brilliant soggy area for interesting plantlife, insects and amphibians.
So, if you'll forgive me, it's quite an 'organic' process. We've let the garden itself determine its shape and plant scheme, which seems to make sense to me at this stage. Stay tuned, and we'll see how this pans out over the next few months...