The Sunken Garden Society were delighted to welcome 1st Garlinge Baden Scouts into the Garden this week. With their core values including ‘taking care of the world in which we live’ and ‘we make a positive difference’ the Troop spent an evening working towards their Community Impact badge, Sunken Gardener Peter Hasted was on hand to share knowledge and advice.
It was perfect timing to help out with gardening activities as the evergreen oaks in the Sunken Garden have recently shed their old leaves, leaving leaf litter across many of the footpaths and flowerbeds. Whilst most deciduous leaves break down quickly into the soil – feeding millions of microorganisms and making excellent compost or mulch – the thick, waxy leaves from the holly-leaved oaks decompose much more slowly. The Scouts and their leaders Foggy, Malak, Thor, Odin and Cloudy were keen to help out, raking up the leaves and moving them to the top tier of the Garden. There, the leaves can slowly break down while also providing valuable habitat for many ground-dwelling invertebrates.
“They were super involved and engaged in learning about insects and different flower types and took away some knowledge about weeds. We were super impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm that Peter gave the scouts.“ Foggy, Scout Leader
“I was honoured to work with the Scouts and teach them a thing or two about the Garden and its trees. One lucky Scout even spotted a magpie moth feeding on a Brachyglottis shrub. We also observed many bumblebees and mining bees foraging among a host of pollen-rich plants.” Peter Hasted, Sunken Garden Society
The gardening session was rounded off with a show of appreciation in the Scouting way, led by one of the patrol leaders, by shouting “Bravo!”. The fun evening was rounded off with a football match on the grass outside the Garden beside Royal Esplanade.
The next Community Gardening Day, to which everyone is welcome, takes place on Saturday 26 July, 10am to 12noon and will be a Big Butterfly Count with Butterfly Trust.
Save the date: the Sunken Garden Eco Fair 2025 will take place on Sunday 21 September, we have a great line up of speakers and information stands, more information to be announced!
The Sunken Garden is an RHS Affiliated Society and believes strongly in growing the next generation of plantspeople and gardeners.
“Gardening with young people is a great way to spark interest in the natural world. It can serve as the first window into the fascinating workings of our planet; discovering where our food comes from, improving health and wellbeing, and looking after the environment are all big motivators for the next generation.” RHS, Gardening with Young People
1st Garlinge Baden Scouts have sections aged from 4 years up to 18 years and are based just inside Hartsdown Park.
