Every week our volunteer work parties make a difference at the Swansea canal, but today’s efforts took things to a whole new level as we continued to develop the new community garden in Hebron Road.

The main task was to put in the huge array of shrubs, bushes and flowers that arrived this week from The Old School Nursery. Guided by Lance, Martin and Moira, it was ‘all hands on deck’ with a great turnout by so many of our colleagues, too numerous to individually name!

A bit more landscaping first, to edge the “grassy knoll” with telegraph poles and finally level the earth. All the hard work certainly warmed us up after a frosty Autumn start!

Soon it was time for the planting that in no time at all transformed all of the new beds into a magnificent colourscape of mixed varieties and textures!

Alan and Toby installed the first of the tables and benches on the concrete base by the mural, and Martin was our first customer! The other set of disabled-access seating will follow next week on the second pad. The information panel design has been finalised ready for the waiting stand, and should be with us soon.

Coffee break was very welcome and we enjoyed the cakes dropped off by Lynn, and a sit in the sun which finally arrived!

Meanwhile John Gw and Pete repaired the roof of the box trailer, and the workshop was given a good tidying to clear space for other indoor activities. Gordon trailered away the remaining bricks and rubble from the end of the car park.

The day was a brilliant team effort and the amazing results exceeded our wildest expectations! A few hours spent next week should see the garden completed and we can’t wait to enjoy the results of our labours, and share it with the local community!