From Winter to Spring

My last post, in January, showed that pruning was well under way on the plat
with cut branches lying between the rows. It was a cold and wintry scene.  And now,
at the beginning of March, it was time to collect the debris up into piles for bonfires, setting aside anything which could be sold for pea-sticks and plant supports.

ideal for sweet peas

West Kent College came back to us offering four Mondays in the month when students would like to come and help with the task and the offer was very welcome.  

This troupe mean business

A rota of willing volunteers was set up and we were able to muster a good turn-out of helpers.

Someone had to get the bonfire going and look after it while others led students in teams of three or four to pile the twigs and sticks onto tarpaulins and drag them down to the fire.

The weather was kind, giving us four dry Mondays in a row - quite something for March! 

Each session with the students ended with the now traditional spuds baked in the ashes of the bonfire - much appreciated by all, students and helpers, who had worked so hard.




























As April arrived however there were still rows which had not been cleared and more dragging, sorting and burning were needed.  Family and friends rallied to the cause.

It's warming up!

....of this

This is the result of....

By now the plat was taking on a very different
appearance: the usual but ever-amazing transformation
that spring brings. Primroses were in bloom and this
year they have spread further

into the top end of the plat and at the lower end they carpet the slopes.

'bud-burst' gives a haze of green leaves

Violets too, along with milkmaids/ladies' smock and bluebells which are coming into flower.

 The last week of April brought more friends out to help with the final push....

....the flowers adding to the enjoyment of warm sunshine....

For several weeks I had been calling on volunteers to help with 'one last bonfire' and this one....

....this one really was the last, last bonfire.  Thank you, everyone!