Secret Garden Update - November 2022

Hello, my name is Kate Evans and I am one of the volunteers at Bloom’s secret garden.

In 2021 Bloom was fortunate enough to be given the use of a magical walled garden in Sheffield. The site had been left for a number of years so nature really had begun to reclaim it. During our initial look around the site we found a greenhouse, numerous old sheds, the small walls of large cold frames as well as an orchard of very old Bramley Apple trees, rhubarb, raspberries and a herb bed. It was an exciting period of discovery. We enlisted the help of a small group of fantastic, energetic volunteers and we set about taming the space.

The first summer we began to clear the weeds and mark out some manageable growing beds. We visited other flower growers in the north to learn about what we could grow and how. We built the beginnings of a composting system and laid what felt like miles of weed suppressant fabric which now form the paths between the beds. We are blessed with fantastic soil. The previous gardener must have looked after the soil well and we can now continue his hard work whilst reaping the rewards.

During the Autumn of 2021 we planted 1000 tulip bulbs as well as alliums and daffodils. We also planted the beginnings of perennial bed which includes some shrubs which we hope in time will provide us with year round foliage. Myself and Kendall organise the garden and with the help of 5 volunteers we tend to the garden in small groups. It has been a steep learning curve for us all. Each volunteer brings their own ideas to the space. Everyone is listened to and we work through problems that arise together.

We began to realise which beds received the best light and which were very dry due to over hanging trees. We have therefore moved the plants around to make sure they are planted in a position that suits their required growing conditions. This summer was particularly difficult. We needed to work out a watering rota and took it in turns to go to the garden daily to keep all the plants alive in such difficult dry conditions.

We now have about 20 growing beds full of perennials and biennials and space for annuals in the spring. This year we have cut a staggering 2700 stems which have all gone to provide the weekly bouquets, weddings and workshops that Bloom deliver throughout the year.

It is such a rewarding project to be involved in and I have loved every minute. I have met new friends with a shared passion for growing flowers. The highlights for me are the working days when we try to all come together to work on the garden. We share cake, stories and lots of laughter. We usually achieve way more than we ever expect to. I know I can speak for all our volunteers when I say there is nothing better than seeing the flowers we have grown make someone’s day!!

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