The final volunteer session of the year was a great success as we focused on cutting back, pruning, and tidying the Sensory Garden beds to prepare them for the coming year. These activities are essential for maintaining the health and vitality of our gardens, ensuring they remain vibrant and welcoming spaces for people and wildlife alike.
Why Do We Cut Plants Back?
Cutting back plants at this time of year helps to:
- Encourage Healthy Growth: Removing old or dead growth allows plants to focus their energy on new shoots when spring arrives
- Prevent Disease: Tidying up reduces the chance of pests and diseases overwintering in decaying plant matter
- Maintain Aesthetics: It keeps the beds looking neat and attractive, even in the quieter winter months
Supporting Wildlife During Winter
While we pruned and tidied, we were mindful of leaving plenty of spaces for insects and other small creatures to shelter. Areas with leaf litter, stems, and undisturbed corners provide vital habitats for overwintering insects like ladybirds, beetles, and solitary bees. By balancing maintenance with habitat preservation, we ensure our green spaces support biodiversity throughout the year.
Looking Ahead
This session was a wonderful way to wrap up 2024’s volunteer efforts. With tidy beds and a refreshed landscape, we’re ready to hit the ground running in the new year. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us - your hard work makes all the difference! We hope to see you in 2025 for more rewarding sessions.
Learn how you can join our next session
Sensory Garden News
-
Dedication of the Suffrage Sensory Garden
The efforts of our volunteers came to fruition on Saturday 20th July when the Suffrage Sensory Garden was officially dedicated, with special guests author Jennifer Godfrey, Lauren Edwards MP, and Deputy Mayor Cllr Douglas Hamandishe in attendance.
-
Voices of Unity: The Suffrage Sensory Garden and Medway Women in Politics
The Suffrage Sensory Garden – and Natalie Poulton from the FoRCE – are both featuring in the very first episode of a brand-new podcast called We Did It Medway.