Garfield Road – Wildlife Bed

In 2011 we were successful in an application to the Big Lottery Fund and set about the transformation of a 180 metre long defunct bed in Dean Road cemetery. This part of the cemetery backs onto Garfield Road. The work took place in a series of phases over a 3 month period.

Work began on the long bed which is against the wall which runs along Garfield Back Rd, uncovering edging strips and drains. The Borough Council prepared the bed and took out some of the old bushes. The main shrub planting took place on Sunday 17th April, helped by many volunteers who transformed this rather dull area into a haven for birds, butterflies, bees and other creatures.

The planting session on a long hot Sunday in April went well, with Scarborough sea cadets coming along to help. Early in May the gardening group from Gladstone Rd Junior School planted the seedlings they’d grown for us in Manor Rd nursery, and in June Year 6 from Gladstone Rd Juniors planted the nasturtiums which they’d nurtured at home. Keeping the plants watered was a challenge, as there was no rain for several weeks after everything was planted. Countless watering cans were hauled up and down the hundred metre long bed, resulting in the gorgeous trees, shrubs, grasses, ferns, perennials and annuals thriving, looking beautiful, and attracting bees and butterflies as well as compliments from people passing by. Thanks very much to everyone who helped, especially the sea cadets and pupils and staff from Gladstone Rd Junior School.

The Big Lottery funded wildlife bed project has been completed, with over 2,000 Scilla bulbs planted by 9 volunteers. Look out for a fabulous show of tiny intense blue flowers in March. This project has involved the Friends working in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council, Gladstone Rd Junior School, and Scarborough sea cadets, making a real difference in this 100 metre stretch in Dean Rd cemetery. The group will be continuing to weed, prune, train climbers and generally maintain this area.

Gladstone Road Gardening Club

Gladstone Road Junior School gardening club planted seeds in the poly tunnels in Manor Rd nurseries, pricked them out, and then planted them in the wildlife bed. The candytuft and nigella are flowering beautifully, and the forget-me-not and foxgloves will come into their own next spring.

The whole of year 3 at the school took home a flowerpot planted with nasturtium seeds, looked after them until they were big enough to plant, and then planted them in the bed.

Two group members went into school and talked to the four year 3 classes about the work of the Friends in the cemetery. The children asked some very interesting questions and showed that they are very keen to keep the cemetery a beautiful place.

Scarborough sea cadets helped with planting trees, shrubs and plants on a very hot day in April. We even had Her Majesty come to view it!

Gladstone Road School Gardening Club