Members supported the National Trust initiative to plant snowdrops and turn Manchester into ‘Snowdrop City’ next spring to mark the Centenary of World War 1. President Stella, Val and Maureen were joined by the President of SI Ashton-under-Lyne, Yvonne Cartey, and Regional PAC Chair, Margaret Molyneux of SI Leigh.
The National Trust aims to plant 100,000 snowdrops this September at various sites throughout the city at drop-in sessions, and the planting took place in Parsonage Gardens on the day we went. The Trust has bought in selected bulbs from Holland that are expected to flower on the first year of planting.
We were given reflective jackets to wear and spent a few hours on our knees planting the bulbs in holes cut out of the turf (by the stronger volunteers) and replacing the divots.
The weather was kind to us (no Manchester rain) and many of the city workers came to take their lunch in the peaceful square and watch what was going on. Some of them even had a go at planting some bulbs. We will go back in February and see the fruits of our labour.
