Straw Bale Raised Bed Gardens: Instant Raised Bed Gardening

Our Garden Plans As we develop our Kitchen Garden area of Meadow Orchard we are integrating a number of different methods of growing. Our next plan is to build a straw bale raised bed. A fantastic method of growing and building an easy and low cost raised bed! Easy Raised Beds Gardening is an incrediblyContinue reading “Straw Bale Raised Bed Gardens: Instant Raised Bed Gardening”

Hugelbeds at Meadow Orchard

If you are familiar with our Blog, you might have read our post about Hugelkulture. Most of our raised beds at MOP feature an element of hugelkultur, but most are what is known as below ground hugel beds. Below Ground Hugel In this style of bed a pit is dug out (the soil put toContinue reading “Hugelbeds at Meadow Orchard”

Ecological Succession in Soil Regeneration

Ecological succession is the natural process by which ecosystems recover and regenerate after disturbances. It begins with pioneering species like lichens and mosses, which help break down rock and enrich the soil. As the soil thickens, grasses, small plants, and eventually shrubs and trees establish themselves. Over time, this process leads to the formation of mature ecosystems such as forests or grasslands. Ecological succession enhances soil fertility, prevents erosion, restores biodiversity, and aids in carbon sequestration. Human interventions, such as replanting native species and adding soil amendments, can accelerate this process, helping to restore degraded land and promote ecological balance.

Our Ongoing Garden Plans

This proposal outlines a series of suggested enhancements for the Meadow Orchard Project garden space, aiming to create a friendly, safe, and accessible environment for all. We seek to share our love for nature, food growing, and learning, while fostering a vibrant and diverse community space. By embracing creativity, arts, and music, we aim toContinue reading “Our Ongoing Garden Plans”

Mad About Mint

The Soothing Power of Mint At Meadow Orchard we are rather partial to a mint tea when we’re taking a break from working in the garden. This year we’re propagating some beautiful varieties, thanks to the mint nursery – Mad About Mint for supplying the lovely healthy and beautifully fragrant plug plants! Our Mint VarietiesContinue reading “Mad About Mint”

GoodGym @MOP 19/3/25 ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ

GoodGym back for their sixth volunteering activity at MOP We received an email the other week from GoodGym. A request from group coordinator Euclides for GoodGym to do a volunteering session at Meadow Orchard. Clearly the memory of spiced cider and ambient mince pies from their last session must have had an impact but toContinue reading “GoodGym @MOP 19/3/25 ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ”

Garden Planning with the FRรฟD App

Garden Planning This year we are using the Fryd App to help plan our kitchen garden space and planting in our raised beds. Fryd provides a library of plants and can help plan the space. Providing plant information with details on when to sow, plant out and harvest. It also helps with companion planting andContinue reading “Garden Planning with the FRรฟD App”

How to Propagate Succulents: A Step-by-Step Guide

Succulents are easy plants to grow, storing water in their leaves or stems means they are easy to look after. They can actually thrive on neglect and irregular watering. Propagation is a simple and rewarding process. In this page we’ll explore some methods for propagating succulent plants and some mistakes to avoid. At Meadow OrchardContinue reading “How to Propagate Succulents: A Step-by-Step Guide”

Goodgym @MOP 19/3/25 ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ

Do good and keep fit We’re welcoming GoodGym Haringey back to Meadow Orchard on Wednesday 19th March! Goodgym Haringey at Meadow OrchardDate: Wednesday 19th March 2025Time: 7.00-8.00pm Some swift spadework On this visit we are going to start digging a clay pit to harvest some of our beautiful London clay for making straw clay, clayContinue reading “Goodgym @MOP 19/3/25 ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ”

Companion Plants for a Thriving Garden

Nasturtiums are a vibrant and versatile addition to any garden, offering beauty, benefits for pollinators, and edible delights. Their bright red, orange, and yellow blooms attract bees and ladybirds while deterring pests like aphids. Easy to grow from seed, they thrive in poor soil and require little maintenance. Both the flowers and leaves add a peppery kick to salads, while the seeds can be used as a spicy seasoning. Join our Gardening Club WhatsApp group to sow nasturtiums, share tips, and enjoy a bountiful harvest together. Sign up today and bring colour, flavour, and biodiversity to your garden!