Allotments Team Attack Lodge Garden!

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Last updated 15th October 2010

On 3 September 2010, the Allotments Team, consisting of Peter Short, Adrian Stagg, Nikki Bradley and Mohammed Riaz, successfully completed one of the team’s BEST targets for 2010.

The Team had agreed to transform the garden at Edgbaston Reservoir Lodge from an unloved wilderness to a tranquil oasis - even incorporating their very own mini allotment plot! (We aren’t sure if they will pay yearly rent just yet though!)

Here is how the area looked before:

With the renovations at the Lodge almost complete, it was clear that there was a need to create an inviting environment for the public who access the building, but also providing an area where the staff can relax and have lunch, or even spend time cultivating crops.

The Team made a decision to bring their plans for the garden forward, to make the most of the sunshine, and began work on the mini vegetable plot. Adrian and Nikki weeded and dug the plot in preparation for re-planting with winter crops (sprouts, leeks, and maybe cabbage!). Established rosemary and thyme plants were replanted in a concrete planter, with some primulas for a splash of colour.

Pete organised the removal of the old grilles from the recently renovated windows at the Lodge, and also surplus benches to be used elsewhere in the City. He then tackled the HUGE overgrown shrub to open up an area of the garden ready for planting in the Spring.

As the sun shone on the task force in the afternoon, the Team tackled the weeds and overgrown plants around the pond, and reinstated the pond edge with large rocks and slabs that were found around the garden during the initial tidy.

As the skip filled up, Mohammed was on hand to plant a few new additions to the garden, and also to make a well earned cuppa!

There was a clear need to ‘hide’ the bins, rather than having them on full display.

Pete created an area for the large bin to be stored behind the gates and a storage area was cleared at the side of the building for the recycling bins.

The Team hope to continue improving the area throughout the year as part of their BEST team activities, and hope that the hard work will benefit not only City Council colleagues, but also groups that visit the Lodge for Ranger activities during the year.

The Team would also like to thank Rangers Jim and Malcolm for their help during the tidy up, and Nigel and the Playground Team for removing the scrap metal!