Waes Hael!

Sunday 27th January saw the annual Wassail take place at the orchard on Hilly Fields. Last year was a rather snowy affair and we just missed that this year alas melted snow makes for a very wet ground under foot!

This year was arguably the best wassail yet as we improved on the whistles and pots from previous years with the addition of an accordion and violin to help us along with the singing of traditional and improvised wassail songs. After toasting all the trees in the orchard we finished off with a tasty hot drink rich in the traditional of wassail.

Toasting the trees

Pre-toasting singing

Hilly Fields Events - Sunday 27th January

A busy weekend of events in Lewisham coming up with the demonstration against the closure of Lewisham A&E on Saturday and two events in Hilly Fields on Sunday.

First up sees Hilly Fields taking part in a national survey,  The Big Birdwatch. Details below:

Following the bird watching is the return of the annual Wassail event at the orchard. Details below:

Meet at the Orchard on Hilly Fields!

Local community events

Lots of community events coming up, details below:

VERTICAL VEG - A Gardening Workshop - Talk with Mark Ridsdill Smith
Saturday 26th January 2:30 - 3:30pm St.Mungo's Centre, Hither Green SE13 6JQCost £5. To book a place contact: LewishamGardens@gmail.com

Mark, of Vertical Veg, will share the secrets of how to grow food successfully in containers,
on balconies, window sills and patios. You'll learn which crops do best (even in shady spaces), which containers to choose, and how to keep your compost fertile and well watered.
This course is designed for beginners or those with little experience.
There will also be the option to continue your learning online.
Mark specialises in growing food in containers and tiny spaces
and has grown over £900 of food on a balcony and window sills
in one year. See www.verticalveg.com for more information.


NO DIG GARDENING
Saturday 2nd February 11am-Midday Start St. Saviour's Edible Garden, Brockley Rise, SE23


Ruth writes:
I'm planning ahead here, because it's actually snowing copiously at the moment!
Please come along and do some no dig gardening at St Saviour's Edible garden.
Tools and refreshments provided.
Please wear comfortable clothing and supervise kids under 14 (if they are with you)
For info, text Ruth 07766 596600Look forward to see you!
http://www.projectdirt.com/apps/event/12500/

ORCHARD RESTORATION WORKSHOP

3 orchard restoration workshops to be held at Sydenham Garden's de Frene site (off de Frene Road in Sydenham).

DATES:

Tuesday 29th Jan, Tuesday 5th Feb and Saturday 16th Feb 2013. The sessions will be led by London Orchard Project.

Booking essential. Fee £15 to cover costs. See attached flyer and application form.

This will also be a chance to see the de Frene site and learn about plans to make it a successful food growing area.

Please visit www.sydenhamgarden.org.uk/ to find out more about Sydenham Garden

Brockley Common Edible Garden UPDATE

Valerie has emailed with an update on the edible garden at Brockley Common which is looking well with the soft fruit cuttings (Josterberry and Raspberry) planted late last year coming through and budding. The Lavender, Globe Artichoke and Strawberries are all flourishing and there is a large amount of lambs lettuce ready to pick.

Next session to tend the garden likely to be in early to mid March.

The Edible Garden in late November