Gardeners Best Friend

Today was my day to volunteer in the Walled Garden. I was up early. I had a shower and got dressed and off I went. Stopped in the co-op on the way to get something for breakfast.

I arrived a bit later than planned (still early though). I had to put new laces in my shows. I totally forgot to have my breakfast. I had a quick chat with the Head Gardener and then headed up to the garden.

Weeding! That’s what today’s task was. Firstly weeding outside the Tearooms and then in the car park. I was working with another volunteer, so it didn’t take too long to finish outside the Tearooms. This young Robin came to say Hello. He was so close to me! When we’d finished weeding there, we moved onto the car park. Before we knew it, it was break time. Finally I could have my breakfast. 

Break lasted a bit longer today. The other volunteer kept talking haha We went back up to the car park afterwards. It had gotten busier. The Welcome Assistant came over to have a chat. She’s not usually based at Colby, so it was lovely to see her and have a catch up.

Before long, it was 1 o’clock. Time to leave. Doing half days is so annoying, but that’s the rules at the moment. I was having another chat with the Welcome Assistant when the Walled Gardener came to tell me it was 1pm. I carried on talking and said I’d meet her down in the workshop because I had to go and collect my stuff.

The Head Gardener was there. He was trying to move a heavy wood carved sculpture, so I helped him out. I asked if he wanted to start my first module. He said that if I could stay longer then we could make a start :) This one was all about Health and Safety. There’s so many things to think about and various Risk Assessments that need doing. For my folder, you have to collect evidence, so he’s getting me to carry out a few assessments. I’ll do them next week.

We went through each folder for anything that comes under Compliance. Neither of us had had lunch. We finally finished, so it was time to go home. 

On my way up to the car park, it was raining. I saw the Welcome Assistant again, so was telling her what I’d been doing and about the new rules volunteers have to go by. I was getting soaked! I didn’t mind though because I hadn’t seen her for 2 years or so! I only see her once or twice a year at big staff meetings (obviously they didn’t happen last year) and I always like to talk to her :)

I finally left and was driving home. I got a phone call from my Dad. Both my parents were wondering where I was because I said I’d be home by 1:30. This was nearly 3 hours later! I just said I was driving home. When I got home I explained why I was so late.

I was so hungry. I’d had hardly anything to eat all day. I ate some strawberries and some mini cheddars haha. I put my pjs on and just watched some tv. A bit later on I had supper. No evening walk tonight because it’s still raining.