Autumn, was the time to bring all the tender plants in pots to the warm greenhouses for over-wintering. Plants were cut back and checked for pests etc. Outside beds cleared of summer bedding and dug over. Autumn leaves were swept up by the barrow load and put onto the compost heap.

Winter days were mostly spent inside the poly-tunnels sowing seeds and re--potting many of the plants that had outgrown their plant pots.

Summer, and flowers for cutting and selling will be ready in another month or so. Rows of flowers are weeded and watered almost every day, lots of fun and laughter, as someone gets in the way of the spraying water!

I leave my secret garden feeling happy and relaxed and I would recommend it to anyone with a few hours to spare - it is very satisfying!

Ruth

Eight months ago in January 2006, I first came to Briarcourt Garden Project having had no previous volunteer experience in this capacity and found a very special place.

My first cold morning was spent helping David and Simon to prune the lower branches of some of the trees bordering the gardens and just as I enjoy being outdoors I realised how beneficial it is to the Service Users to have this opportunity also.

As Spring arrived it seemed that Briarcourt burst into life with daffodils flowering and tadpoles and newts in the pond - we all enjoyed checking for progress on pond and plants each week. I had no idea just how many seeds would be sown for the cut flower beds and hanging baskets to be sold later but it was so rewarding to be part of that effort.

Many Wednesdays have been spent in the polytunnel, pot washing on rainy days, pricking out all those previously sown seedlings and re-potting some of the many perennial plants and shrubs propagated here. It really is team work; some people seem to have a special skill in filling the plant pots with compost, some have just the right delicate touch in transplanting seedlings and all the time there are lots to discuss; favourite television programmes, football, music, food and of course, the weather - we have lots of fun.

Summer at last, time to stand and admire the rows of flowers for cutting and George and Michael's skill in making up the beautiful bunches; what a lot I have learnt here along with the Service Users.

With compost to be riddles, leaves swept, paths and beds to be weeded, sheds and polytunnels to be tidied and lots of watering, there are an endless variety of activities to engage in for users and volunteers - my wish is that everyone could have a Briarcourt experience!