Gardening Group - Winter Progress
- Friends of Oxleas Woodlands 1
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Saturday 17th January 2026
Jackwood House Garden
Today’s gardening session, Saturday 17 January, brought ten volunteers together once again in Jackwood House Garden. With very little new growth since our last visit, winter continues to be the perfect time to tackle the wider tidying and restoration tasks that are harder to manage later in the year.
One group focused on sorting the remainder of the old compost area. Large sticks and woody material were separated out and moved to a wildlife pile at the back of the laurels, creating valuable habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. The well-rotted organic matter was transferred into the new compost pen, where it will continue breaking down to provide nutrient-rich soil for future planting.
Elsewhere, volunteers trimmed the laurels back from the path and carefully removed brambles from around the old fuchsias and rhododendrons in the overgrown borders. These shrubs have been gradually disappearing under vigorous growth, and we’re hopeful they will be far more visible — and able to flower freely — when spring arrives.
Up on the terrace, another team worked to clear bramble from the beds and began the slow process of removing Virginia creeper from the upper brickwork. Although it provides stunning colour in the autumn, the plant has started to damage the walls, which will need repair once funds can be raised. Tackling it now will help protect the structure before further harm is done.
To round off the day, we were pleased to return the Heras fencing to the Parks Department yard, where it had been resting in the bushes since the last repairs were carried out — a small but satisfying bit of housekeeping!
It was a busy and rewarding session, and the garden is already looking lighter and more cared for as a result. Thank you to everyone who wrapped up warm and came along.
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