There’s a real sense of momentum in the garden right now. While it may still feel early in the season, behind the scenes there’s been lots of careful work underway in both the greenhouse and polytunnel, nurturing the next wave of growth.

Seed sowing is well underway, with vegetables including onion, aubergine, herbs, lettuce and sweetcorn all started off under cover.

Because some of these seeds need higher temperatures than we can achieve naturally at this time of year, the greenhouse has been insulated and heated propagators are in use. These create the warm, stable environment needed to encourage strong, healthy germination.

Alongside the vegetables, we’ve also started sowing perennial flowers, including Echinacea, Osteospermum, and Helichrysum. These will eventually find their home in the memorial garden, bringing colour and structure for years to come.

Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, they’ll be carefully transferred to the polytunnel to continue growing and be potted on. When the risk of frost has passed and the plants are strong enough, they’ll finally be planted out into the veg field and memorial garden, a process of patience that ensures resilience later in the season.

Out in the memorial garden, spring is making its presence known. Fresh leaf buds are emerging across shrubs and borders, a quiet but hopeful sign of the season turning.

The most striking display right now comes from the brilliant red new growth of Photinia × fraseri, whose vibrant foliage adds a bold splash of colour against the softer greens of early spring.

There’s more than just visual change happening, the garden is alive with birdsong. Robins, blackbirds, great tits and wagtails have all been heard throughout the day, filling the space with that unmistakable soundtrack of spring. It’s a reminder that the garden supports not just plants, but a thriving ecosystem.

We’ve also spotted some welcome visitors among the flowers. Ladybirds have been seen resting on Rudbeckia, while bees are already busy exploring the blooms of Helleborus.

These early pollinators play such an important role in the garden’s health, and it’s encouraging to see them active as the season begins to unfold.

There’s still plenty of preparation ahead, but everywhere you look there are signs of promise, from carefully tended seedlings in the greenhouse to birdsong overhead and bright red leaves catching the light.

Spring is well and truly on its way.

Certain vegetables and flowers, such as aubergines and sweetcorn, originate from warmer climates and require higher soil temperatures to germinate successfully. Using heated propagators and insulating the greenhouse helps us create a consistent environment, improving germination rates and giving young plants a stronger, healthier start.

Spring weather can still be unpredictable. Before planting outdoors, seedlings are gradually acclimatised to cooler temperatures in the polytunnel, a process often called “hardening off.” This helps them adjust slowly, reducing shock and protecting them from late frosts once they are planted into the veg field and memorial garden.

Perennials such as Echinacea, Osteospermum and Helichrysum return year after year, providing reliable colour and structure. They also support pollinators and reduce the need for replanting each season, helping the garden remain sustainable, established and welcoming for families who return to visit.

Birds, bees and beneficial insects are essential to a healthy ecosystem. By planting pollinator-friendly flowers and maintaining diverse planting areas, the garden becomes a living, balanced environment, one that supports both nature and the people who find comfort here.

Planting outdoors typically begins in late spring, once the risk of frost has passed and plants are strong enough to thrive. Careful timing ensures healthier growth and helps protect the months of preparation that begin in the greenhouse.

Whether you are coming to remember, to sit quietly beneath the trees, or simply to walk the pathways and breathe, the Children’s Memorial Garden & Food Bank is here for you.

If you are planning a visit, we kindly ask that you contact Helen beforehand to let her know when you’re coming. This allows us to ensure the garden is ready to welcome you and that the space remains peaceful for all who visit.

Helen: 07550 047203

If you would like to experience the garden before visiting, you may also wish to watch our walkthrough video showing the space as it has grown.

You can also follow our pages to stay connected with seasonal updates, community projects, and the ongoing care that helps this space support families when they need it most.

If you would like to support the continued planting, seed sowing, and maintenance that keeps the garden thriving through every season, there are always ways to get involved, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply sharing our story with others.

Together, we are creating somewhere that holds both remembrance and renewal, a place where love continues to grow.