| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Leader: | |
| Deputy Leader: | |
| Venue: | Ashbourne Memorial Park |
In 2020, with Covid rearing its head, plans were afoot to create a new, colourful flowerbed in Ashbourne's Memorial Park. This was a joint initiative between Derbyshire Dales District Council and Ashbourne's u3a. u3a Members were called upon to make donations for the bed and in the short window available before bad weather and lockdown could put paid to the enterprise, the council gardeners managed to prepare a bed for planting in double quick time. In the week beginning 6th November 2020 a team of stalwart gardeners planted up this completely new area.
It more than survived but flourished and as a result looked so good that the u3a was again approached to see if they would take on another bed. Ever up for a challenge the answer was of course in the affirmative. The council's regular gardeners cut out a triangular shaped bed this time in more shade than the original, but close by.
A plan was drawn up and this time some plants purchased, others donated and planting took place in Autumn 2024. Almost inevitably there were some losses over the winter and it was a difficult spring for new planting and many trips were needed to the water tap, but our gardeners were not deterred from the task and kept the project moving forward.
What we have today are two thriving flower beds, appreciated by many, as evidenced by the complimentary comments made to our gardeners by the passers-by - even those struggling for breath doing the Park Run on a Saturday morning.
We are proud of our Volunteers, of their skill and expertise, determination and their enjoyment of what they do and the pleasure it brings to others. If you would like to join our band of Volunteers on the weekly rota for the maintenance of the beds, or to donate plants or anything else then please do get in touch with Lynne or Maria.
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