Orchard planting 28th January 2012

Mayow Park now has its very own community orchard, planted yesterday. What a memorable day! The London Orchard Project (LOP) brought the trees, stakes and tree guards. Lewis spoke to some of the children and explained what we were doing. Russell provided us with  brief training and a demonstration on how to plant the trees. Over the course of the day more than 40 people attended, including at least 10 children. Thank you to everyone who got involved including:- Iris at Grow Mayow; the Friends of Mayow Park committee members; activists from Crystal Palace and Peckham;Lynn, Jean and others  from Hazel Grove Estate, councillors, council officers and many other volunteers. Dolores, sorry I did not have much of an opportunity to speak to you but I hope you found the event enjoyable.
Many thanks to Lewisham Council parks department for supporting this project and Sydenham Community Radio or the publicity you have given to our event. London orchard Project will visit in a few months to see how our orchard is progressing.
Mehul, Thank you for the photos I've posted here. More photos will follow over time from various sources. The first photo shows Russell demonstrating how to surround a tree with mulch on a mulch mat. The second shows two members of TT Crystal Palace plus FOMP member Sue.

Community Orchard planting 28th January 2012

Calling for orchard planting volunteers: Come along and help plant 10 fruit trees in Mayow Park on Saturday 28th January 2012 with the London Orchard Project. The orchard will be  on the southern side of the park, very near the tennis courts. Time 12 - 3pm. London Orchard Project will bring the trees, stakes, tree guards and tools. Their staff will guide volunteers on how to plant and look after the trees. Please contact Friends of Mayow Park if you would like to help with planting or have questions. Email: friendsofmayowpark@ymail.com

Orchard carers: Would you like to be involved with the care of the orchard? The trees will need to be watered regularly, weeds removed  from around the trunk and occasional mulching. In time they will need some pruning. Training will be given on care of the orchard. For more information about becoming an orchard carer email: friendsofmayowpark@ymail.com

Sponsor an orchard tree: Not everyone wants to dig or be involved in the care of the orchard. If you  prefer to sponsor a tree either as an individual, a group or an organisation, please get in touch on friendsofmayowpark@ymail.com

Fruiting hedgerow

Thanks to the London Orchard Project and the Tree Council, on 21st December some FOMP members collected  fruit bushes for a hedgerow which will be planted beside the orchard site. Fruit varieties include mirabelles, gooseberries, raspberries, dog rose, redcurrants and blackcurrants. These bushes will  be planted on the orchard planting day, 28th January 2012.