This week we were back at the Silverdale planters with Viv, Lumin, and a team of brilliant local volunteers for a January gardening session focused on preparing for new growth in the spring.

Our main task this week was cutting back the plants to clear space for the season ahead. With fresh beginnings in mind, we turned our attention to the iris flowers. Their roots, called rhizomes, sit close to the soil's surface and resemble ginger!

We dug them up, carefully broke them apart, and replanted them across the two planters. Come spring there will be a beautiful scattering of colour.

This week’s top tip from Lumin: the easiest way to spot good soil is by its colour. The darker it is, the richer it is in organic matter.

The planters are now ready for the next phase, and we’ll be back soon to see how they’re shaping up — come join us! 🌱✨