Banner Cross Garden Update Church Council June 2023
The Rockery was planted with various garden/wild flowers last year which are now starting to flower. The lower branches of the conifer were removed last year to let in light and moisture as some of the original shrubs had died. The ones that remain are being pruned and have started to show signs of new growth. Pruning and planting will continue this year.
An Apple tree has been planted halfway up the bank. This will provide pollen for the early bees. It will also provide food for people, birds and animals.
The Wild Hedge was planted in the Spring and is starting to sprout. When the shrubs/trees have established themselves hedgerow flowers will be planted in the hedgerow. These flowers will include Garlic Mustard, Wood Forget-Me-Not, Red Campion and Cow Parsley.
A Dead Hedge is being constructed on the church side of the railings facing Ecclesall Road South. The idea behind this is to create a safe space for animals, birds and insects. It also stops any weedkiller sprayed by the Council landing on the garden and enables the church to capture carbon. There will be a strip of hedgerow plants on the garden side of this hedge and another strip of wildflowers. There will also be a close mown area for events and activities in this area of the garden. Log piles have been created in various parts of the garden to provide shelter and food for insects and store carbon.
A Wildflower Meadow is being created. This will occupy the area that is currently not mown. There are already some wild flowers in this area such as Yarrow, Ribwort Plantain, Ox-eye Daisy and Dandelion. Others will be introduced over time either by seed or special turf to give a prolonged flowering season. Please remember that flower seeds provide a food source and flowers provide shelter over Winter and Spring. Dead flowers will be left standing for this reason.
The Olive, Bay, Butterfly Bush and Fuchsia will be kept in the Bee-friendly Garden to provide a shrub layer. This will be under planted with a mixture of garden and wild flowers. I have also obtained some timber to make an access path to the back of this plot.
I am using the Wildflower Garden to grow a variety of wild flowers and as a nursery for other plants. I planted some Red Campion and Cranesbill in this garden, which will be moved to one of the hedgerow beds at the end of the year. It has also been agreed that a small pond can be created in this area. The construction of this will take place in the Autumn. Hedge and bush trimmings have been piled up at the base of the Chinese Privet. This has created another safe space. Over time some of this will be mixed with the grass clippings and fed into the compost bins.
The flowerbeds in front of the wall facing Ecclesall Road South have been planted with some flowers.
The space adjoining the cottage, that has been cleared of bushes, has been planted with Gorse, Guelder Rose and Alder Buckthorn. Woodruff, Ramsons, Common Dog-violet and Enchanter's Nightshade have also been planted as ground cover.
The plot in the car park has been planted with herbs and fruit bushes. I have also planted a Honeysuckle to cover the fencing which will be a source of nectar for insects.
Please note that produce from the garden can be picked at the appropriate time. Only take enough for your needs as other people may wish to pick some as well. If you have any spare plants that you do not want, speak to a member of the Eco team and room may be found for them in the garden. If you want to find out more about why things are being done or a guided tour of the garden please speak to me.
Andrew Watchorn