Waiting for the spring time.

A new year of growing and harvesting is starting, but the activities at the Orchard never really stopped even during the winter.

Sprout broccolis and Roman cauliflowers planted last autumn under the net and protected from pigeons have grown beautifully during the winter, and now they are ready to be harvested.

Same for the leeks planted last summer: they may not be as big as the ones you buy at the supermarket, but they are very tasty and... well, very smelly: simply delicious!
Volunteers have been working hard since last summer digging and cutting all the overgrown weeds that were covering the north wall of the orchard.

North wall: Before (July 2016) and After (March 2017)

North wall work in progress

The area is now tidy and nettle-free (at least we tried) , brambles that had been planted previously now have more room and light to develop flowers and fruits, improving garden's wildlife and providing more berries for us.

Daffodils, aubrieta, and violets have started to show up, but also broad beans "Aquadulce" planted last October in soil and just protected by a net are flowering.

Speaking of welcomed surprises, our garden coordinator Dorothy is back and that means the Queen's Orchard is now open to the public every Wednesday and week-end until October.

See you soon.

Some pictures from the Harvest Festival

Days have become shorter, sun lower and our activities at the Queen’s Orchard are slowing down: the three signs of winter.

But looking back at the beginning of October, we cannot be disappointed about our Harvest Festival. We had a lot of visitors, fun activities involving children and families, bees and honey workshop and, last but not least, delicious vegetables and fruits.
I would like to share photos of that day with you. They were taken by Lee Yoong, volunteer and awesome photographer too! I hope these pics help you keep you warm and happy all winter long.

Get ready to the Harvest Festival 2016

Harvest Festival 2016

The Queen’s Orchard in Greenwich Park

Sunday 2nd October

11:00am to 4:00pm

You are invited to come and see the fruits of our endeavours and discover The Queen’s Orchard - a hidden gem in Greenwich Park close to Maze Hill train station.

• There will be a representative from The Royal Parks Guild, who can answer any questions you have on food growing;

• You can enjoy some short talks about Bees together with some honey tasting and candle making, given by Camilla of Capital Bees;

• An arts and craft stand run by Ginger Cat, will have children's activities such as face painting, and activities relating to being in an Orchard, and will be coming along with The Royal Parks Bear.

• There will be a chance for the children to get involved in some pond dipping which will be run by our education providers, Field Studies Council. Visitors will be able to take part in the big dig of the potato crop.

• There will be a display demonstrating the range of seasonal vegetables you can grow at

different times in the year e.g.: peas, brassicas etc.

• The Orchard Garden, now in its fourth season and run by a number of volunteers, who will be giving out lavender bags to take home for a donation. Donations to The Queen’s Orchard will be gratefully received and help to fund essentials like seeds and equipment.

So come and join us for a great day out - it's all free!

The Queen’s Orchard Allotment is located in Greenwich Park – beside the children’s playground. MAP HERE

www.royalparks.org.uk

Three Sisters Planting System

Do you know that growing sweetcorn, beans, and squashes in the same field, or in the same bed like at the Queen's Orchard, can help you get the best from your crops?

This vegetable trio is known as the "Three Sisters System" or "Central America System"as these three plants are native to the New Continent and they are also strictly connected to the native american folklore representing three inseparable Sisters:

Corn, the oldest one, is also the tallest and can provide a support for bean vines to climb.

Squash, the second sister, reveals bright yellow flowers and her large leaves trap water evaporation from the soil; she is also a living mulch.

Bean, the third sister, has a mechanism whereby fixing nitrogen to her roots she can improve the fertility of the soil for the next year.

These three vegetable can also complement each other in terms of nutrition: corn is a source of carbohydrates, beans can provide protein, and squash is rich of vitamins and oil from seeds, a perfect balanced diet.

Speaking of balanced diet, food and vegetables: The Harvest Festival is coming!

On Sunday 2nd October from 11am to 4pm the Queen’s Orchard of Greenwich will be open to the public to celebrate the London Harvest Festival week with free activities and workshop for any age.

Save the date, and see you there at the Orchard!