Wrexham Can Do and The Priory: Part two

Over the last few weeks, myself and all at The Priory have learned far more about Horse Chestnut trees and TPO’s (Tree Preservation orders) that we ever thought possible!

We have three large horse chestnut trees on the site, which present us with a huge problem in terms of light and (in one instance) possible issues with access to a part of the garden for wheelchair users.

We have consulted with the Council’s tree preservation officer, our garden designer, and a tree surveyor. All three trees have leaf mite, and one is showing signs that it has been infected with bleeding canker. After taking on board all advice and suggestions offered, we are now moving forward with getting planning permission to crown reduce and lift two of the trees, and completely remove the 3rd.

Thankfully no bats

Meanwhile, we are organising for the loan of tools and the help of expert advisors, to work with volunteers, to clear the site, which as you can see is vastly overgrown with shrubs and thick ivy.

The ivy is a couple of feet thick in places. Thankfully, no bats found amongst it — but plenty of evidence of wasps nests!

In the meantime, the lovely Richard has drawn up the initial garden design — it still needs to be tweaked, but so far, everyone at The Priory is thrilled.

The students can’t wait till all is cleared, and the paths and barked areas are in situ, so they can actually get out and get gardening.

Research research research

But in the interim, they have been incredibly busy, researching everything from the price of garden tools to plants they want in the garden, from designing garden art to looking at garden furniture.

Phoenix and Jaclyn have also visited one of the larger local garden centres to research the cost of the tools and garden equipment we are likely to need.

Phoenix and Jaclyn researching the cost of the tools and garden equipment we are likely to need at a local garden centres

So many opportunities

Next week, thanks to Riverside Autos, Wrexham, who have generously given us as many old car tyres as we want, and Katie from Incredible, Edible Wrexham, who has donated lots of plant pots, some of the student will be starting work on creating some amazingly colourful planters and garden art.

It’s proving to be a fantastic project for the students, not only in that it’s introducing them to and helping improve their gardening skills, but in terms of so many other great learning opportunities it is offering them.