Veronica Lawrie (Ecologist for Atkins) carried out an early spring wildflower survey, identifying a further 66 species to add to our records.

Veronica Lawrie, Ecologist, Atkins, surveying flowers

On March 18 2011, in the bright sunshine of early spring, Veronica toured the Gardens recording her findings:

“As winter passes to spring there are a few species that start flowering much earlier than most. These species include snow drop and spring crocus which are just finishing flowering at Martineau Gardens. The first yellow dial-like flowers of lesser celandine were found open, and purple toothwort could be seen emerging through the soil of a new location within the garden. Patches of lungwort and the less common red lungwort were recorded, as well as a variety of daffodil species. In the woodland the flowers of creeping comfrey and early dog violet were found. Primrose flowers were just opening. Several species of bee were seen foraging around these early flowers. Spring is underway at the gardens.”

Martineau Gardens now have 246 confirmed species of flowering plants within the Gardens. A full Botanical Species List which draws all the previous plant surveys into one place will be available on the website soon. A fantastic resource for us all. Our thanks to Veronica and Atkins for this support!

As you know, Martineau Gardens is a haven for wildlife. And as custodians of this precious oasis, we’re delighted to announce that a Nature Trail Guide is now available.

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Could you spare a half-day on a Saturday to welcome visitors to the Gardens? You need excellent social skills and to be very reliable. There would always be two volunteers on site and between them they should be able to carry bags of logs, sell plants and produce, make visitors welcome, sell drinks and snacks and keep everything clean and tidy. Contact Caroline Hutton on 0121 440 7430.

‘Where People, Plants and Wildlife Meet’ – so proclaims the reverse side of our brand new t-shirts which are available for you to buy from Martineau Gardens. These have been generously designed for us, by Rik Cooper at Mission Print in Digbeth. (more…)

A4 Brown envelopes
For further details about items for sale or wanted, please contact Caroline on 0121 440 7430.
If you’d like to receive email alerts when new plants and produce are ready for purchase, please

Stewart has been working with ‘The Growing Together Group’ from the Birmingham Working Age Dementia service. Occupational Therapist, Jeremy Smith approached Martineau Gardens to develop a programme of activities specific to the needs of younger people with dementia. (more…)

We are setting up a Rainwater Harvesting system and need water butts or other suitable containers. When the system is complete, we will be able to collect rainwater that would otherwise have gone down the drain and use it for watering the plants. (more…)

Vina Campbell is standing down as a Trustee. Vina has supported the Gardens since they first became a Community Garden. Her integrity and calm, methodical approach has been much valued by us all here. We are seeking a Minutes’ Secretary for Trustee Meetings (a voluntary role). You would need to be available for 12 meetings (including the AGM) over the year, to take down the minutes and type them up in electronic form. To register interest or for more details, please contact Caroline on 0121 440 7430.

A group supporters ran in the EDF Birmingham Half-Marathon in October to raise money for the Gardens. We appreciate all the time and effort that they have put into this mammoth undertaking.

Michelin-starred Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell paid a visit to Martineau Gardens earlier this month to select vegetables for cooking in a feature for a new TV programme called ‘Market Garden – Big Adventure’. (more…)