apple pruning workshop with John
Now that autumn is here, are you looking to improve your pruning know how? Join space2grow trustee and BBC Radio Surrey gardening expert, John Negus, for a special workshop next week, on Thursday 24 November 10.30am - 12 noon.
The focus will be on pruning fruit trees, principally apple trees, and will take place outdoors on the acre so come dressed for the weather. Participants should bring their own secateurs.
All welcome, whether or not an existing space2grow volunteer, so feel free to share this invitation with fellow gardeners! Please email info@space2grow.space to let us know you’re coming.
parents "thoroughly recommend" talking teens
Parents recently completing the Family Links Talking Teens programme at space2grow have recommended the "amazing" course to other local parents and carers.
Participants spoke of the positive benefits of sharing experiences with others in a supportive environment and about the real changes brought about through new techniques learnt and "easy tweaks towards family harmony" (see Reflections below for more feedback).
The five week course looks at the influence of brain development on teenage behaviours, as well as understanding the importance of listening, verbal and non-verbal communication.
Photo credit: Ed Brydon
Nearly 200 parents and carers have attended parenting courses at space2growsince we started delivering them, with what they learn impacting the lives of more than 300 children. We would like to thank Farnham Lions, the Hedgehogsand The Truemark Trust for funding the most recent sessions.
We'd love it if you could help spread the news about our parenting courses, as they can make a big difference in getting the best out of family life.
The next Talking Teens course starts in March 2023. To find out more or to book a place, email the team at info@theparentingspace.space.
we're on the map
Our Jubilee hazel tree is now live on the Queen's Green Canopy map and we are proud to become part of the living legacy in honour of Her Majesty.
Why not explore and see where other organisations and individuals have planted trees as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. And if you plan to plant a tree, don't forget to pin it on the map to help inspire others to get involved.
in the news
A big thank you to the Farnham Herald for covering our special tree planting last week, both online and in the printed edition. More photos from the event can be seen on the Herald website here.
in our garden
It's been a wet few weeks, with some glorious sunny breaks along the way. Our gardening volunteers have been busy with seasonal tidying tasks, harvesting runner beans (still!) and pruning willow.
Autumn brings plenty of clearing so our groups have been raking leaves, filling the mulch bins, and tidying in every corner of the garden.
We've also been preparing for the arrival of the new, larger greenhouse, with the older two being carefully dismantled and moved.
In the spirit of recycling, one of the old frames has been relocated and is being reused as the base for the plastic bottle greenhouse being built by our group from Farnham Heath End School.
The team has also been hard at work clearing around the fruit trees, ready for John's pruning workshop next Thursday.
And the tidying has been indoors too, with the cabin getting a good "autumn clean".
When the sun's been out, it's been great to enjoy some relaxing conker art.
And finally, proof that space2grow is home to a number of our four legged friends. This little mouse has been living under the BBQ and the newt was spotted in the pond log pile.
reflections from the acre ...
Parenting courses are a regular activity in our talking shed, a relaxed and friendly setting that encourages making connections and sharing experiences. Our programme coordinators, Kate and Kelley, are both parents who completed the courses and then decided to train as facilitators themselves. This week, we hear from some of the recent graduates of the Talking Teens course ...
"I have tried to use as many of the skills and techniques and have seen real changes in me and in my kids. Has made me realised that they are not the worst people in the world, we all, as a family, just needed a change of view point. Would highly recommend!"
"A turning point for me was when I realised that I'm no longer judged if they have crumpled clothes, they've chosen now they're in secondary school - it's their choice to make! Remembering that it's their life."
"To be able to share and listen to other parents has been so valuable. I am able to take away many new strategies to help support my teen and to support us as a family."
"Although two of mine are nearly out the other side of being teenagers, the course has been an amazing mix of new knowledge, scientific explanation (including psychological aspects) as well as validation of some other strategies I have used in my parenting of teens. It has offered new ideas and approaches which are easy tweaks towards increased family harmony."
If you would like to share what the acre means to you please email info@space2grow.space - we love hearing everyone's reflections.