Wednesday 25 April 2012

Rainy Wednesday...

Weve had lots of rain filling our water-butt today...


There have also been lots of smiles in the greenhouse today even though it is very rainy outside. Were not complaining as the garden is absolutley loving it! We have been pricking out our fennel and chilli seedlings and sowing some mor sweet peas to sell on our plant stall.  





Here is one of our alchemilla mollis (ladys Mantle), I love the way its dropplets of rain form on its fan shaped leaves. It is an herbaceous perennial plant native to southern Europe and grown throughout the world as an ornamental garden plant. It grows 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) tall, with leaves that are palmately veined, with a scalloped and serrated margin. The chartreuse flowers are held in dense clusters above the foliage. It is one of my favorites in the garden.

According to some accounts, Lady's Mantle has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy. According to other authorities it has never been used medicinally, but has been confused with two species that have a history of medicinal use: A. alpina (Alpine lady's mantle) and A. xanthoclora.

Environmentjob.co.uk: Community Gardener

Environmentjob.co.uk: Community Gardener

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Community Gardener Job


Community Gardener
Deen City Farm, Growing Gardens Community Project

We have secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund Local Food Scheme to further develop our Growing Gardens Community Project, at Deen City Farm, South London.  The Growing Gardens Project aims to provide a hub for the local Community giving opportunities to people from all sections in the community to engage in food growing.

We are looking to recruit a Community Gardener to assist the Garden Project Manager in delivering the Growing Gardens Community Project with emphasis on delivering the specific outcomes within our Local Food Funding.  This will include creating a new allotment area, supporting volunteers, helping to co-ordinate workshops and our green fingers educational tours, community events and general garden maintenance.

The ideal person will be creative, enthusiastic and committed with a passion for horticulture the environment. You will ideally have Practical knowledge of gardening with special reference to organic principles and food growing. An understanding of how community-based organisations work and previous experience of working for, or participating in a community based organisation. We are looking for someone who is able to supervise, co-ordinate and work with a wide range of people of all backgrounds including disadvantaged groups/ individuals and/or children.

Part-time at 24 hours across three days per week, including some weekend working.  Fixed term 2 year contract. Salary £13,700-£15,800 pro rata per year dependent on experience.

For more details and a full job description and person specification please visit our website www.deencityfarm.co.uk 

For further information or an informal discussion about the post please contact Louisa Loakes on 020 8545 2178 or e-mail louisa.loakes@deencityfarm.co.uk

To apply for this post please download the application form via our website and send it along with a covering letter and a copy of your C.V. to Louisa Loakes, Deen City Farm 39 Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey London. SW19 2RR

The closing date for this post is 11th May 2012 at 5pm

With regret, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  Please note that the successful applicant will be asked to undertake a CRB check. Deen City Farm is an equal opportunities employer and registered charity, No. 1008028.




Me



Wednesday 11 April 2012

Spot the scarecrow


Can you spot the scarecrow?

Thank you to Jason (the scarecrow!) for putting the bamboo supports on each of the 17 sunflowers that we have already had entered into the sunflower competition 2012. We have plenty more spaces left... so come on down, everyone welcome! Their are prizes for 1st 2nd and 3rd tallest!


Our lovely angelica


Grow, grow, grow!


A splash of colour. Tulips and wallflowers.


Forget-us-not

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Shop seeds and spring


As part of the educational 'Green Fingers' programme in the garden we offer the chance for children to come and learn about plants and how plants grow. As an extension of our educational programme we are now pleased to now be selling organic seeds in our farm shop so you too can give it a go if you havent already! Many of the seeds avaliable can be seen growing in the garden itself. Sow nows the time!

Our lovely hand painted goat and goose in the farm shop... 


With spring and growth in mind...we now have 7 Curly Coated Mangalitsa Gloucester Oldspots (i think thats right!)


and if course lots of lovely chicks....


HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Sunflower Competition 2012... has officially begun!


The Sunflower competion is now officially open!

Pat has been working hard this morning to get the competition up and running.
Come and join in, all ages welcomed.
Their will be a prize for the 1st 2nd and 3rd tallest.



Pat



This years gridding system.


Come and see us in the Farm shop for details on how to enter.

GOOD LUCK!