VOLUNTEER gardeners are looking to recruit more helpers to keep the grounds of The Bowes Museum in shape.
Started two years ago the 12-strong group has been cutting back overgrown ivy, planting more narcissus bulbs and generally keeping the grounds neat and tidy.
Team co-ordinator Gillian Pryce-Taylor said the aim is to “supplement” the professional gardeners by trimming, tidying and planting.
The group was started in the autumn before the Covid pandemic hit.
Ms Pryce-Taylor said: “We have managed to stagger on and now we are ready to kick on in the spring.
“One of our biggest achievements was getting the ivy off the front wall.”
The group also raised the canopy of the trees to let more light in and ensure the museum can be seen from the road.
Ms Pryce-Taylor added: “When we’ve exposed the trees, most of them have these little metal tags on, so we are trying to find out what they are.
“It would be a good project to map these trees.
“We have done a lot of weeding through the summer on the terrace and around the entrance area.”
People who sign up to help can tackle as much work as they feel comfortable doing.
Ms Pryce-Taylor said: “It is giving people the opportunity to do what they are physically able to do – some of us are well into our seventies.”
She added that there is a lot of satisfaction in playing a part in ensuring the grounds are in pristine condition.
The work parties are held fortnightly.
Anyone interested in joining can email Ms Pryce-Taylor at gprycetaylor@yahoo.co.uk.
