We extend our warmest holiday wishes and a prosperous New Year to all our gardeners and community members - Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated helped and contributed to our events this year. Your support and enthusiasm make Northwick Park Community Garden a thriving and beautiful space for all.
Despite the wet and windy weather, we've experienced recently, we are pleased to report that our fruit trees have withstood the storms admirably, while our autumn olive windbreaks continue to grow well, providing much-needed protection to our exposed site.
Garden Delights and Harvest Tips
Late November and early December bring a variety of delightful finds to our community garden. Among the treasures are chicory; its beautiful blue flowers grace our garden in summer, and an abundance of self-seeded ruby and green chard. Our garden herbs offer fragrant rosemary and thyme, perfect for adding flavour to winter dishes. Our perennial purple-sprouting broccoli looks robust and should be ready for harvesting soon.
Here are some ways to harvest and cook with these wonderful vegetables.
Although we are organic and don’t spray the vegetables and herbs, please remember to wash them before use:
Chicory: Harvest the leaves before they turn too bitter. Chicory can be eaten raw in salads or cooked to mellow its flavour. Try roasting chicory with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Chard: Cut the outer leaves, allowing the plant to continue producing. Chard can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil, added to soups, or used as a nutritious addition to quiches and frittatas.
New Bulbs for a Bright Spring
We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully applied for and received a generous donation of bulbs from Taylors Bulbs and the MPGA Bulbs for London scheme. These bulbs will be planted in the community garden and the raised flowerbeds at the entrance, promising a springtime burst of colour. Our collection includes daffodils, narcissus, tulips, allium, Eremurus (foxtail lilies), and Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem).
Although these bulbs are not edible, they play a crucial role in supporting our pollinators:
Daffodils and Narcissus: Attract early-season pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Tulips: Provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.
Allium: Beloved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, these bulbs offer a rich nectar source.
Eremurus: Known as foxtail lilies, they attract bees with their tall, striking flower spikes.
Ornithogalum: Commonly known as star-of-Bethlehem, these flowers are visited by bees and other pollinators.
Sat 28th December 10.30am - Bulb planting session
Come and work off those post-Christmas blues by planting bulbs.
Looking forward to a vibrant and pollinator-friendly garden and raised beds in the coming months. Email us info@northwickparkcommunitygarden or message our social media account if you would like to join us on the 28th.
We will also be tidying up and planting additional bulbs in the Northwick Park station platform garden between Christmas and New Year. For the specific dates, please join our WhatsApp group by emailing us your mobile number.
Warm regards, Eleri, Iris and Jo Northwick Park Community Garden Trustees
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