A neglected patch of land that was a magnet for ASB and had remained untouched for more than 20 years at Parkbourn, Maghull, was transformed into a beautiful, valued wildflower garden in 2017/18 through community support, organised by the Friends of Maghull & District (FOMD) as part of their first project, has now undergone a further renaissance thanks to some amazing Maghull Community support.
Sadly, since our first improvements the grass and weeds overwhelmed the wildflowers, requiring a new natural strategy to restore it. Consequently, earlier this year FOMD crowd funded £400 and received community donated plants/shrubs.
Dr Frank Sharp (FOMD) said, “we would like to thank the local community for their brilliant support which has enabled us to achieve the following:
• Over £100 worth of specialised wildflower seeds that importantly includes Yellow Rattle which is brilliantly parasitic to the invasive to grass and was sown in the centre area.
• £250 has been spent on plants/shrubs to populate the outside borders.
• £50 on bird boxes and 21 teapots which also act bird boxes and bug houses
• 800 free daffodils and bluebells have been planted in the outer border close to the path.
• 40 hydrangeas were donated and planted at the rear outer border, courtesy of Malcolm and Carol (local residents).
• 120 plus Dogwood tree whips have been planted in the outer border to screen the brutal rail fencing, courtesy of The Conservation Volunteers.
• The old rotted wood chippings in the path were moved to provide a mulch covering in the outer border to reduce future weeding.
• New wood chippings and stumps were donated to refresh the path and provide a stumpery in the outer border, courtesy of Paul Richards (Tree Surgeon)”.
Di Harvey (FOMD) added, “We are particularly pleased with our other creative additions which has included 21 teapots which have been converted into beautiful hanging bird boxes, a huge community created bug hotel which forms a stunning centrepiece and a welcoming sculpture made from an old wheelbarrow turned upside down and affectionately known locally as John Barrowman”. For more information and pictures please visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/parkbourn
In recent weeks, we have spent six hours removing encroaching weeds eg brambles and bindweed, from the neighbouring sites which had started to entwine and stunt some of the new young perimeter plants. We have also donated a 7 foot planter that was no longer being used by the local children to grow vegetables anymore, and was given to the very grateful new volunteer group at the newly built Maghull North Train Station (2018).
All the Best,
