Successful Corporate Working Bee

We assembled at the Dish for coffee - in reality a catered early morning tea - on Friday with clear blue skies above.

A quick huddle for the FoEV volunteers (about to be guides) - the two Stephens, Don C, Sue D & John - then a brief site indoctrination and safety message, before heading up to Alandale Road with close to 300 plants.

Our corporate volunteers from DKSH  in Kew were enthusiastic - allocated tasks were readily adopted, there was plenty of banter and laughter.

Brett had been onsite a few days earlier mowing the kikuyu.

Over the next 2.5 hours there was a tidy up of the pre-existing beds, some edging and litter collection before most of the plants were carefully planted.

More plants than space in the end so Don and Sue each took a box of surplus plants for other spots along the rail corridor.

Bev H is one of our FofEV stalwarts but has recently been concerned about her health - she was not able to participate in the working bee but rang late Friday to congratulate all who worked to beautify the area close to her home.

As is our habit we finished off with a ceremonial planting of a feature tree.

At the associated group photo shot the vibe was very positive.

Some guests enquired about how to stay involved; others pledged to vote to come back next year when a 2024 corporate community day is discussed in their business.

There will be some follow-up work for us FofEV types - particularly dealing with vigorously growing kikuyu close to the crest of the cutting.

We are closely planting this strip to create a vegetative barrier along the cutting - this will also make for a visual screening from Alandale Road houses and footpath.

Last years plantings are doing particularly well. We have Dianellas about to flower, and good strong shrubs & trees there.