It is now some 15 months since I started as a volunteer gardener at Fulham Palace. I'm lucky enough to be a member of the "Wednesday Team" (first among equals) namely, Sarah, Emily, Ronny, Michael, Michael and Theresa, and Julia. During this time I've had an enormous amount of fun and learned a lot of important lessons, namely:-
Lesson 1
"What a man needs in gardening is a cast-iron back, with a hinge in it". The wise words of Charles Dudley Adams (friend of Mark Twain and former President of the America Soil Association). Whatever activity you're up to - weeding, mulching, tree circling etc etc, you quickly come to appreciate the truth of this.
Lesson 2
(This only took about 5 minutes to sink in). Learn from the professionals. Fulham Palace is blessed to have such marvelous full time staff - Lucy our Head Gardener, the two Chrises, and our wonderful apprentices Sophie, Faye and Josh. I was recently helping out clearing a bed for the new fruit trees in the Walled Garden with the apprentices and their enthusiasm, speed and energy put me to shame.
Any question you have on horticulture will be received with a helpful and informative reply. (Tip: If you want to skive off for 20 minutes get Chris A to talk to you about compost!)
Lesson 3
Edgeing. I am now a world expert! There is nothing, but nothing, you can teach me about this - hoes, long handles, half moons etc are but as child's play to me now. Recently, I have adopted a more holistic approach and, abandoning gardening tools, gnaw on weeds, grass edges etc with my teeth like a rat (don't tell Lucy).
Lesson 4
The Barrow. When selling produce to the general public always remember to tell them that rather than putting money in the honesty box they can instead transfer funds to the J.Atwell Fund in the Cayman Islands (account details on request).
Lesson 5
Acquire some earplugs. Anyone passing the Bothy at lunchtime is guaranteed to hear a lot of laughter. Apart from making me deaf, this is a wonderful testament to the camaraderie of the group (both full time and volunteers).
Lesson 6
Shrinking violets should not be invited to look at the calendar in Lucy's office. I'll say no more.
Lesson 7 (and last)
That Bishop Waldhere was no fool - his acquisition of Fulham Palace was a stroke of genius. Long, long may it last!
Jamie Atwell
Volunteer Gardener