Being a Gardener at St Ann's Well Gardens
It's not often that I wake up and wish I didn't have to go to work. I may think about it a little but staying at home and hoovering really is nowhere near as satifying as working in a beautiful Park!
Our working week starts on Monday (at 7.30 am) invariably with a visit from our resident blackbird who hops into our messroom for a snackette of raisins (he learned the hard way that flying in equals calamity!). He will be back at break time for more, for himself or his babies! We are all very fond of our various winged visitors who entertain us so very willingly with their courtships, battles and song.
Unfortunately we do see some animal casualties and fatalities in the gardens. But the park's own "Dr Doolittle" will take on the waifs and strays and give them a helping hand on the road to recovery, or lots of love before their next destination!
Our gardening is far less dramatic. We have a range of tasks to undertake in the park. Weed removal, shrub maintenance mowing, strimming, hedge trimming, planting, rotivating, etcetera, etcetera! Some jobs require a lot more blood, sweat and tears than others, but all require a lot of effort and result also in pride and great amounts satisfaction.
When we garden, we have to bear in mind all of our park users and all of their needs. Fortunately we are able to meet all of our park 'goers' so do have an insight into their needs and expectations.
We believe that St Anns is a haven or retreat for all, a break from the monotonous shuffle of Churchill Square; somwhere to breathe without the confines of your four walls; a place to stretch, bound, play and shout; a hideaway to sit, watch, listen and be still; or a calm before the storm on the journey to work.