Although May was not as idyllic as I would like it to have been (or remember it being in previous years, but memory is such a trickster), we seem finally to have entered the “Fulham Palace at springtime” period. The Walled Garden is looking increasingly gorgeous – a delightful combination of the practical and the beautiful – a thriving and attractive market garden (fine work by the apprentices), the magnificent wisteria, the knot garden and our new apple orchard, to mention a few examples.
So why does the garden look so charming? It’s all down to the gardeners – full time and volunteers. To illustrate how the Wednesday volunteers make their contribution, ask me about tree circles, go on, anything. Well, making tree circles is hard work, but so satisfying. When finally you stand back (bent over, massaging your aching back), to view that (almost) perfect circle of cleared space encompassing the lucky tree, it is a thing of beauty and symmetry, thus making the surrounding area look much better; and it’s good for the tree. What more can one ask? Now just to confuse the issue, our new apple orchard has tree squares, don’t ask me why. Nevertheless, they are also very snappy and the young trees are doing well, displaying their bright green new leaves. Roll on the first crop of delicious apples. I could also wax lyrical about path edging, long arms, half moons and raking, but not this time. Suffice it to say, that the beautification that results is worth it.
Now, something much cuddlier: Lucy, our Head Gardener, is on maternity leave, having given birth to a son. Hurrah! While she is away, Jason Peters is the Acting Head Gardener and has settled in well. We wish them both the best in their respective endeavours; I’m not sure which will be more demanding!
Finally, something almost as cuddly – the Fulham Palace Garden Produce Barrow (or barra’, as they say in the North End Road market). It is a thing of joy and beauty, thanks to Pauline McCormack, who found it and the volunteers who helped to repair, prepare and paint it. It resides in the Walled Garden, displaying a delightful range of edible and ornamental produce from the Walled Garden. As summer progresses, we will be selling a range of produce, freshly harvested by the volunteers from the garden. It is very satisfying and enjoyable to be part of this project. I feel a sense of pride for all those involved and it is for such a good cause – to pay for our new rufty-tufty baby tractor, all glowing orange and amazing attachments. So come along to take a look and buy some delicious, beautiful produce. All proceeds are invested in the garden. Do yourself good and help Fulham Palace achieve its noble ambitions.
Ronny Nicholas
Garden Volunteer