Guerilla Spring !

[rgutsell]

HIya all

On the suggestion of someone on this forum, I have applied to Southwark LA for funds from the "Cleaner Greener" funding programme, to put spring bulbs into bare patches of ground that are nominally managed by the LA, but which are usually only planted with functional low maintenance bushes. There are more around than you think. These patches become litter traps (and doggy do-do areas, dare I say it!)

If we get the dosh, do you know of any such small pieces of estate or LA land local to you, and would you be interested in helping with the planting? Nothing elaborate...just snow drops, daffodils, and bluebells. You won't need to be a gardener, (I'm not) and it all depends on getting the dosh. (?500-?1000). Sadly, the funding may be too late for this spring, but I am now looking for ways to start it this winter ie now.

Get in touch, and if it comes about, I will be in touch! PM me here, or [email protected], or 07748197348, or 0208 299 1896.

Yours

Robert N Gutsell

[silverfox]

Interesting - but ...

Why should the taxpayer give you up to ?1,000 to plant bulbs which will flower in spring and then die?

At least the council's 'functional low maintenance bushes' may last throughout the year.

Why not put your hand into your pocket and spend some of your own money to test your idea? If it works come back to us in a year or so.

[Alex K]

Mr Gutsell, keep me in mind; PM me should this go forward. I can bring along a garden fork and help with a couple of hours' worth of forking open and bending down and dropping in.

Silverfox, if the bushes were to be pulled out, I'd be in your corner. But I don't read Mr Gutsell's posting as a statement that they will be. Instead: Colour around and between; and colour that dies, yes, but next year (Lord willing) is back again.

That crocus lawn at the Horniman Museum has been a joy to me for ten years and more -- so far as I know it largely takes care of itself. (A f'r-instance.) I'm projecting here, mind you, but perhaps Mr Gutsell is hoping to create something of the sort in a few other corners of our neighbourhood.

[rgutsell]

Hallo all

Yup Alex K; good ideas. I'll keep you in mind. (You can tell I'm not a gardener, I did not think of crocuses.)

The idea is to plant bulbs that can regrow the following year. It's a spontaneous idea of mine; I just thought it would look excellent, and be a creative and "green" thing to do. Originaly I was going to do it anyway, without permission etc, but I don't have the funds. I also thought that woodlands plants that live in shady places would do well. Bluebells perhaps? The council does do some of this, but they are too big to focus upon this and do it repeatedly and on a sufficient scale. Additionaly, why shouldn't we have a stake like this in our local environment ourselves?

It quickly became apparent that planting significant numbers would work out expensive (I don't have the funds.)

It will also fit with council procedures as they don't strim the bits of ground that I have found, or dig them over. Bulbs will survive so long as quirrels aren't too hungry LOL.

All ideas are welcomed and thanks for the offer of time and materials. Let others know, it'll be fun!

Yours

Robert N Gutsell

[lizbells6]

I think this is a great idea Robert. As you say, it may be a bit late for Southwark but are there any shops or businesses nearby who would sponsor it and maybe get some good PR in the local press? Also, if the council doesnt strim, you could sprinkle some packets of wild flower seeds around in the spring. They thrive on poor soil.

I'm sure all the local beekeepers (including me!) would thank you for as many crocuses as possible. They are a very important source of early forage. In fact that might be an angle to take if you can think of any sponsors to approach, that they would be supporting bees and other pollinators as well as making the area look nice. Everyone thinks bees are dying out but in London more and more people are starting beekeeping, and there are worries about whether there are enough of the right sort of flowers to support them.

Good luck.

[rgutsell]

Hey all

Guess what......Southwark have been back in touch regarding our idea...they are taking it seriously!!

I'll be back with any further developments.

Ps; in Haight Ashbury San Francisco, they have tiny gardens in the earth around planted trees on the walkways. What about that for an idea?

Rgutsell

[lizbells6]

That's great news. Well done. Southwark are quite keen on planting pollinator friendly plants in some parks so there might be someone who could advise about what to plant so there's a succession through the year to support wildlife as well as look good.

Have you seen the plantlife website www.plantlife.org.uk? They have a roadside verge campaign going on. And for inspiration, there's the river of flowers campaign. www.riverofflowers.org

Look forward to your updates.

[rgutsell]

HIya Lizbells

Thanks for all of that! If I hear anymore, I will let you know.

Yours

RGutsell