SUMMER 2011

Lots of watering is needed these coming months as the soil seems dusty and dry. I have chopped the grass and shaped the edges of the lawn. I have also begun weaving more willow branches into the shelter roof which I hope will become secure when I add more wood. This is great as the idea is to make the space sheltered and a secret den. The idea is to create an outdoor studio space where eating, internet surfing and working can be enjoyed outdoors. Seating areas are something we have considered as we have used some tree trunks as seats and a rockery bench.We have repositioned some tree trunks and have now taken out another concrete slab and dug down to act as a floor seat. The BBQ area has now been moved to the other section of the garden and repositioned so that the area can be used as a lounge/sun trap. Various plants have been halved and repositioned. Some strawberry plants were sprouting through the concrete slabs so I have moved them as they would have been trodden on. Strangely, we have only seen a few bumble bees pollinating which is worrying. We managed to get some wild flower seeds to encourage more bees so they are now in the ground.We are thrilled to have created an outdoor working space which now has a desk and two stools.This is proving really positive as we are able to sit in the sun, breathe fresh air, draw, discuss and work. We need to varnish the table though to weatherproof it.

In addition to this I am beginning to construct 9 stickmen from wooden pieces that I salvaged.These will act as garden ornaments and tie in to the visual narrative of ‘Stickman’, currently being developed. These are going to be painted and used as a feature in the garden or The Podspace. We have even begun to create a flag.

Investing in a digital SLR camera we have been able to take some great shots of plants and flowers in a relative’s garden in Southport. Here are some of the shots.

SPRING 2011

Spring came late but has been a breath of fresh a

ir with plants, shrubs and buds starting to grow. We are planning on working on the sheltered area in my garden and creating it into an outdoor studio space. We

have some canvas material to make outdoor cushions and other ide

as to make it more interactive. The same plants are coming through and I need to tend

to the soil, replant, and even move certain plants and flowers. The rhubarb has grown into fruit already so this has been harvested and will do nicely in a crumble or pie!

The Pod Project is also in mind as permission to use the space was granted and a little funding given through Ideas Tap. This boosted the Avant Gardeners ideas in making outdoor spaces

more enjoyable for the community. An event will be hosted in July to gain public interest in the space. To see more info check: http://leonsparkes.tumblr.com/tagged/THE_POD_PROJECT

WINTER 2010

Winter 2010

During these cold, dark months we have had large amounts of snow and ‘The Big Freeze’ has affected my garden and other green spaces.Although the water will have been good for the soil, there is no telling how it has affected the plants and shrubs. A lot of preparation is needed for the New Year such as ideas to build

structures out of brick and wood. These will need to be gathered, stored and utilised in the coming months. During this time of the month is a planning stage where I mostly discuss, draw and contemplate ideas for gardening months ahead.I have been given the keys for The Pod space and am hoping to use the space productively.

The Avant Gardeners looked into a local school called Welsh House Farm School where a small patch of land could be worked with to create a sensory garden for children to use and learn from.The school has great garden areas as there are playground features, a seating area, a vegetable patch and garden ornaments.

Another location is in Selly Oak Park which we feel needs improvements. It used to be a graffiti park but this idea has been stopped as the space was obliterated with tags. We are going to look into this to see what could be done to enhance the space. It is a prime location which connects the canal, the railway and the retail park. There is a lot of abandoned space around the park and we want to contact the council to introduce innovative, communal design.

Alcott wood forest. Chelmsly wood

SUMMER

This summer was a chance to see flowers bloom after working hard the previous year.

The Hub

The Hub
Creative space

A make over will begin by visualy displaying illustrative art work using aresol spray paint, emultion and markers. Working with Lift Youth project based in Welsh House Farm, plans to reuse this space are being discussed.
Share your fews at liftyouthproject@gmail.com

Out & about

In Selly Oak, road works are being built to join up to Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital. On one side are allotments and on the other is a new road which is yet to be joined connecting to the ring road. At the moment this particular land is nothing more then a waste land. Broken bottles, rubble, bricks, shrubs & few flowers are all there is. Half joined walls are painted in graffiti and whilst walking through taking pictures, places like this often makes me consider that short term environmental projects should take place to enhance abandon places.

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