"Wise men speak because they have something to say..

whereas fools speak because they have to say something"

Plato

Garden group members continued over the weekend to tidy up and make good ready for the forthcoming NGS open days.  Monies taken by gardens open to the NGS helps change lives with large amounts of money going to cancer charities, carers trusts and hospices.

The daisies are doing well since the clump was split earlier this year.  The flowers are larger and a Rose Chafer was found resting on one of them

The Rose Chafer

Clematis putting on a dazzling splash of colour

 The hanging baskets are also doing well. Again the begonia corms were lifted and split earlier this year and re-used for a second time.  The plants are bigger with larger flowers.

The Globe Artichokes are starting to flower.  They can be picked and eaten at an earlier stage but the group prefer to see the flowers which the bees often dive into head first

In the triangle bed the cannas, ornamental banana and  dahlia's are all thriving showing a wonderful mix and match of colour and shape

The bee beds continue to attract many insects including bees, wasps, hover flies and butterflies. Seven species of butterflies were recorded in the garden last Sunday afternoon

The few remaining exquisite birds crafted by the pupils have been relocated to keep them in a safer environment.  They look stunning hanging from the trees into the school garden

Frame for the Den building area

A well used mud kitchen- very popular with the children!

The table and chairs have been spruced up with teak oil

A freshly emerged Southern Hawker dragonfly was spotted resting near the pond

Finally our friendly Robin continues to follow us around the garden on the ever lookout for something to eat.  It is very tame and will stand close to the trowel or fork.  The bird is beginning to moult now as the breeding season is over and is looking a little scruffy!

The school garden is open this coming weekend.  Saturday July 22nd and Sunday July 23rd from 13.00 to 17.00. Teas and refreshments are to be served next door by our good friends at Gracewell.  The garden group look forward to seeing you and showing you around the garden.