Make It Happen

What a great way to spend a weekend, making plant supports and fence panels in the now nationally famous Girvan Community Garden, otherwise known as 'Make it Happen',http://makeithappen.synthasite.com. The reason I say 'now nationally famous'is a reference to their recent appearance on the BBC Scotland Beechgrove Garden programme. There is no denying the power of the media as interest in the project has gone through the roof since they were featured. It also helped them push the project on a bit as Julie one of the organisers explained having to get the garden ready for filming really focussed the group to complete any outstanding work.
My remit was more leisurely, to teach the group how to make garden items using willow, and where better to start than plant supports. Blessed with increasingly hot weather one group wove away in log cabin while others chose the gazebo or even took to the open air. I kept the willow bundles moving as the sun chased them from one patch of shade to the next. Plant supports popped up everywhere each having that personal individuality which I love about these courses. We practised three different ties and everyone chose the one they felt best suited their structure.
That was day one and the sun decided to join us again for a second day. Most people worked outside on the Sunday and those returning for a second day got started on a hurdle. A bit more tricky than a plant support, keeping a hurdle straight takes a bit of practice. There were some good first hurdles and everyone braved the heat to start another. The plant support group soon had theirs finished and were eagerly looking for something else to make. They were soon hooked on cornucopias which kept them busy while the rest of us began clearing up.
Great group, excellent project if you are near Girvan pop in and say hello, oh and take your gardening gloves.