We can all see how low rainfall is affecting Liquorice Park. So far in April 2021 the rainfall is only 15% of average. It was the same last year. The clay soils dries and becomes like concrete and large cracks are appearing in the ground. The herb and community herbaceous areas are particularly vulnerable to the low rainfall.
Water conservation is a priority and this year we have tripled the capacity of our water storage system in the herb garden. Richard and Paul assisted by Alison, Callum, Mel, Michael, Penny and Tom have installed a larger roof over the composting bays and fitted new guttering into which the rainfall (when it arrives!) will collect. Three connecting water butts will store the water.
If we have a hot dry summer we know there will not be enough water for all the plants. So we have managed to connect to the water main. This may sound easy but it was not. The water company got confused about where the water pipe was located! It took us nearly 2 years to locate and connect the water supply to a new meter. We now have a standpipe locked away near the community garden as back up.
The wildlife is also benefitting from the water connection as we have filled a donated pond liner with rocks and water. Happy days.
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