It’s been a year since I started volunteering in the garden at Fulham Palace. Recently I thought back to my first day as a volunteer. Being shown round the garden by Chris R, my steel toe capped boots spotlessly clean and very little knowledge of any plant names at all. Iris unguicularis. What did he say? ! That was the name of the pretty, purple flowering Iris, Chris pointed out to me. Could I remember it long enough to write it down? (No as it happens). It did however spark an interest in botanical plant names which has stayed with me and although my knowledge barely scratches the surface, I do feel I have learnt about many plants and my confidence as a gardener has gradually increased over the months.
My admiration for the Fulham Palace Garden Apprentices has grown; for instance they have to learn 15 or more new plant names every couple of weeks, as well as any new plants that they have to learn for their college courses. I am happy if I can manage to learn one new plant during the course of a week! Give it a try.
It has been memorable how our visitors notice changes being made to the garden and their enthusiasm for Fulham Palace is infectious. Sometimes though we have to explain that various things are not allowed within the Fulham Palace grounds; such as cycling, ballgames, dogs (with some exceptions) and tree climbing; often the chance to interact then turns into a lovely discussion of the ancient trees within the grounds or horticultural techniques and I am delighted when I can pass on any knowledge I have acquired.
For some time, we have been anticipating the arrival of new fruit trees which will be planted around the walls of the walled garden. All the holes have been dug and the preparation work finished. It was then with great anticipation and excitement that a call came over the radio announcing the arrival of all the fruit trees one recent Saturday. It was lunchtime, but no matter! We strode to the front gate, wheelbarrows in hand, wondering what would greet us. As it turned out, all of the precious plants were carefully wrapped up and parcelled in boxes. We loaded our wheelbarrows and slowly walked back to the walled garden. Once there we removed all the packaging and checked that everything was in order, before carefully placing the plants, which have been container grown, ready for planting. It really is fabulous to know that people will be able to enjoy those plants for generations to come.
It has been an interesting year, lots of fun and laughter and some hard work. Lots to learn and lots to do. Seeing the garden go through an entire year and looking at it now, in better shape I think than it was last year, I am proud of my contribution, small though it has been. I still polish my boots, which keep me warm and dry, though they are now well worn and I miss the Iris unguicularis, which had to be sacrificed for the new fruit trees, but I am excited about all the things to come, as the next 12 months unfold. I hope you get a chance to visit us soon and enjoy the garden as the year opens out and the flowers begin their magic. If you are thinking of volunteering, well, after a year I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Happy gardening.
Paul Russell Garden Volunteer