My Volunteering Season in the Walled Garden

“My Volunteering Season in the Walled Garden- Almost a Year of Ups, Downs & Muddy Boots ”

If last year taught me anything, it’s that gardens — much like life — don’t always follow the plan. And 2025 was a proper mixed bag: rewarding, challenging, unexpectedly hilarious, occasionally soggy, and full of things that made me grateful to be involved.

We kicked off the year with dramatic weather swings: long dry spells where the soil cracked like old pottery, followed by downpours that made the paths resemble mini canals. The watering system had moments of “creative interpretation,” and there were periods when we were a little short on hands.

But here’s the thing: the garden doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. So over the months we dug, hoed, raked, weeded, rotavated, mowed, and strimmed our way through every plot, border, and bed. Every time an area was cleared, we enriched it with compost and a hearty sprinkling of Blood, Fish & Bone — a little garden revival ritual that felt oddly cheering.

The Seasonal Report: A Reality Check (In a Good Way)

When the seasonal overview from the head gardener landed, it brought everything into perspective. Despite the challenges, the garden had moved forward — visibly, tangibly, beautifully.

And then there was the section that made me smile: Plot 6 — my little realm of the cucurbit family.

Plot 6: A Year in the Life of Courgettes, Squash & Pumpkins

Seeds went into trays in April, full of optimism. By July, we were battling weeds to free the trailing stems. Normally courgettes are the divas of summer — producing fruit faster than anyone can politely give them away. But thanks to the water shortages, they decided to take this year off. A Sabbatical, if you will.

The pumpkins and squash, though, soldiered through. Some made their debut at the Halloween event, others were saved for seed, and the largest (which wasn’t exactly hefty this year) starred in the “Guess the Weight” competition. No one guessed quite that low… but bless it, it tried.

Here’s the honest truth: even with the tricky weather, the hard graft, and the occasional rogue pumpkin, being part of the garden has been one of the best parts of my year.

It’s grounding. It’s social. It’s peaceful. It’s something to look forward to — even on the tougher weeks.

I’ve learned new things, met lovely people, and found myself smiling more often than not. And despite the challenges, I’m genuinely excited for next year. New plants. New projects. New weather-related plot twists.

Volunteering isn’t always glamorous — but it’s real, it’s rewarding, and it connects you to something good.

And if you’re looking for a sign to try it? Consider this your gentle nudge.