A great success today as twelve volunteers worked in the Civilian Garden, cleared graves and shrubbery, cut hedges and planted bulbs and pansies. A really good days work and our thanks to all those that gave their time. We were lucky with the weather so let’s hope it is as good for our next session on December 16th from, 11am – 2pm.
Our thanks to Julia and Gemma who spruced up the 3 raised planters we installed near the Lodge. It was goodbye to the Geraniums that have served us well over the summer and instead we welcome a riot of Winter Pansies. Well done team! 
Whilst taking part in today’s Gardening sessions our volunteers uncovered a number of buried headstones whilst removing Holly and shrubs. This shrub removal is part of a longer project over the winter to uncover many more buried headstones.
The new flood drains adjacent to Sunderton Road did their job well in the recent downpours but a possible problem was spotted. The rewilded area to the rear of the drains needed cutting back and leaves removing. Step forward the Friends. This morning they cleared the leaves and brambles, carefully avoiding any wildlife habitat that had been created. Well done to all.
Final reminder for our Gardening Day coming up on Sunday. Come and join us 11am till 2pm. Boots and gloves are advisable. Meet near the Cross of Sacrifice. 
We are again indebted to the Grounds Maintenance team for the help we receive in taming the Civilian Garden Hedge. It makes such a difference to the way it looks and despite our ‘cut’ a couple of months ago we can never cut as hard back as the professionals.
On Sunday the 29th October we will be holding the first of our Winter Gardening and Shrubbery removal sessions.
The October event is always important as it is our last chance to tidy the Civilian Garden and its hedge, as well as the hedge around the Cross of Sacrifice- ready for the Remembrance Sunday Service.
We will be in the cemetery from 11am till 2pm so please come and join us if you have any time to spare during those hours. We have the tools and we have the gloves, all we need is the ‘person’ power !
You may remember, not so long ago, Valley Contractors kindly donated and laid turf to tidy up the entrance to the lodge. Look at it now! The rain and meticulous watering by a couple of committee members have meant its now knitted in and thriving.
Pre-Covid the two flower beds adjacent to the Lodge ramp were planted twice a year with Geraniums and Pansies by Birmingham Parks and Nurseries staff, but in the last round of financial cuts this service was discontinued. FBEC had been planting the area since but we found it beyond our manpower capacity and finances. After discussion with the Cemetery Managers it was agreed that these two beds would be turfed, when BCC funding and man power allowed.
Greg and Sarah from Valley Contractors to the Rescue ! They heard about our plight and popped in and did the one side and now they have done it all. We will diligently water this half and it will soon be gloriously green, as the other side now is.