Celebratory Garden

Garden Update – October 2024

There has been a frenzy of activity throughout the Spring with much new planting done and more garden beds developed by Ann.  She is indeed an energiser-bunny!

Over winter, work side-stepped into the land of mosaics. A design was created for our concrete bench and sections were created indoors where it was much warmer and without rain. These have been glued in place on the seat over the past few weeks, with the gaps now finally filled in. This week the grouting is to begin and we are hopeful to reveal the finished gem this Sunday for our All Saints service.

Barney kindly installed six of the mosaic pavers into the various garden beds where they bring a burst of joy. With the dove of the Holy Spirit shining forth on each one, it is hoped they will be an inspiration to all.

A request for sweet peas was responded to with some now flowering along the fence to Joel’s Hole (shed), and more are on the way.

Planting was done inside the fence around the base of the Peace tree.  Pauline attacked her Clivia plants at home and Chris culled her ferns and they are all now settled in place, where it is hoped they will flourish, embellishing the already decorative structure.

Once again the wonderful comments received from neighbours and passers-by has been delightful as they enjoy the new garden and puzzle over the wrapped up seat, wondering what is going on.

Last week we had a close neighbour come over whilst we were finishing the mosaic pieces on the seat, offering cuppas for all, and being captivated by the creation. She then said she figured that this seat would be where her children would probably have their first kiss. The son that was with her appeared to be 7 or 8 years old, so she’s clearly thinking ahead. It sure made us smile.

Many in our congregation are watching the slow but steady progress of our Kennedia Coral Vine, a native climber, as it weaves its way up the metal arbour along the wall of the shed. Although there were only a few flowers this Spring with it being so young, it is clear that it will be a total delight in a year or two.

As with all gardens, there is always more to do, especially with weeding and maintenance.  But it is truly a delight to watch our new plants grow and fill out as they embrace their new home.  We look forward to seeing what does well and where new cuttings can be introduced.

We invite everyone to come and enjoy our garden.

Garden Update – June 2024

The warm weather passed and work was quickly underway on our new area at the back of the Church.  We were very lucky to have the services of a young man named Marcus, who brought his small excavator in to dig out all the pathways.  This was a much quicker event than if done by hand.

We discovered that the soil excavated was good quality, and it has since been moved into new garden beds along Ascalon Road.

Barney then got to work with edging and Coldstream rock that has packed down well, making a firm, even walking track that is already well used.  The difference this has made already is quite surprising.

Chris inspired several of us with the offer to make mosaic paving circles to be incorporated in the garden.  Whilst this was a side-step, it was one well enjoyed and the results have been well appreciated.  They will be installed after winter has eased.

Heather ‘accidentally’ found an old concrete garden seat on Marketplace that was free!  Always one for that sort of bargain, it was transported from Rosebud and now sits in the garden awaiting its mosaic garment that is in progress.  It is currently wearing a tarp to keep it dry, ready for when the tiles are glued in place.  The piece-work is being prepared indoors and will be applied in sections once they are completed.

Meanwhile, Ann and Pauline have collected many plants from a variety of places, many donated by our congregation, and these are now sitting happily in their new environment.  We look forward to adding to these, with the hopes that Spring will bring a flush of new growth.

Barney returned to the garden to install a small arbour along the shed wall which faces a window from the main body of the church.  This will soon have a climbing plant meandering up it, which will be well enjoyed from both inside church and along the walkway between the buildings.

There have been many comments from neighbours walking through the yard, and it is clear that this new venture is bringing delight to many more than our congregation.

The journey continues…

Garden Update – January 2024

With the hotter weather coming (hopefully), work has slowed on planting, with plans to continue once the heat of summer has passed.

A new garden bed has been created, using cardboard and mulch that came from the pruned branches in August.  We are fortunate to still have a good pile that can be added to other garden beds as we go, to help keep in the moisture and maintain happy worms.

Four very heavy rocks were sourced for free from the local Buy Nothing Montrose Group, for which we were very thankful.  Getting them into the garden bed took much muscle power, so they won’t be moving elsewhere from here on in.

Several people have seedlings and cuttings they are nurturing at home in readiness for the next planting time.

If gardening is your thing, please come and join us as we develop our grounds into a special place for reflection and enjoyment.