In 2013 the committee allocated money to provide a bench in the St. Peter’s area. But the Council did not greet this idea with enthusiasm. So it was put to the vote and agreed at the AGM that the money should be spent to plant climbing roses along the old wall.
Also in 2013 – to celebrate the Queen’s 60th Jubilee – a picnic was planned to be held in Solly’s Orchard for members and their friends and families. The day came and the rain poured; but with some quick thinking and a lot of telephoning to members, all the fun took place in the Westgate Hall instead. Better luck next time!
In 2014 after prolonged negotiations with English Heritage (?) permission was granted to install stainless steel plant support cables in the wall.
In 2017 volunteers led by Geraldine Fish cleared the border of ivy, docks, alkanet, nettles and 5 kilos of honey fungus toadstools; the latter in an area above thick old tree roots, which were also cleared.
Then Serco edged the border; bulbs and perennials were planted to provide colour from early spring to late autumn. The cost of planting up this 60 metre border has been considerable. Costs were met by SPRA except for the many plants donated by generous members of the Hardy Plant Society, Kent branch. If the comments of passers-by are anything to go by it was money well spent. With the backdrop of roses and herbaceous perennials this has become a popular spot for wedding groups to have their photographs taken.
In 2019 the Council agreed to the provision of 2 x 3 metre square compounds for the collection of leaves in the autumn. These rot slowly for 18 months and provide a regular supply of leafmould to add to the border in spring. Volunteers rake leaves on Sunday mornings in November and December. Their reward is hot thermos tea!
In 2021 we were allowed to arrange for a large metal toolbox to be made and installed beside the leaf compounds in Solly’s Orchard. The Council paid for this and it has proved very satisfactory.