A pretty soggy working party today. We began by filling the gaps in the hedge with some hawthorn whips, and then – as the rain really set in and we all started to get very cold – we filled one of the raised beds to give us space to heel in the fruit bushes. We need to do some more ground preparation before we plant them in their final positions, so this will keep them safe until we’re ready to do that.

We planted the 3 apples and a crab apple tree in a little copse configuration, with a good layer of cardboard and woodchips to keep the weeds down around them. But time ran out and the weather carried on soaking us, so the gage and quince were also heeled in to a temporary home. Hopefully the weather will be a bit nicer for the next working party!

Thanks to Dave, Derek, Karen, Janet and Mr Thompson for today.