We’re delighted by the ongoing enthusiasm of our Islington Master Gardeners during September to November 2010.

Over 30 volunteers spoke to 700 local residents on top of 1,500 in summer! They now also mentor over 70 individuals, couples and families as regularly supported ‘households’ at community gardens, schools, towerblocks and houses.

The impact is in the detail:

Our volunteers are amazing and we’re thoroughly grateful for their achievements, especially during this varied time in the growing calendar. September and October were especially busy with harvesting, mentoring households, and events – the latter including the Islington Horticultural Show. Things wound down as winter arrived in November, although didn’t stop, as many of our Master Gardeners are involved in community work at Edible Islington and other sites that continues throughout the season.

Click here to read our latest case study: Inspired by Stella and Friday…

During the past three months, we held our second in-service training day for Master Gardeners following our inaugural in August. We also analysed monitoring from the previous report and developed ways to better record the great work by Master Gardeners.

Click to read why sponges were important in November training for Master Gardeners

As for the future

We’re now looking ahead to Spring 2011, as all gardeners do, particularly for ongoing volunteer support and exciting recruitment for the next Master Gardener foundation course in March 2011…

Click to read story about the next wave of Islington Master Gardeners

On a personal note

I’ve really enjoyed my first six months working with the Master Gardener programme and am very much looking forward to next year.

Kate Fenhalls
Islington volunteer co-ordinator

Find out about becoming a Master Gardener

Master Gardener case studies