Ground Force meets the NYRP

(Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project - page 2)

To see enlarged pictures click on any the "picture strips" below

It's the end of day one and, helped by members of AmeriCorps, plastic sheeting is laid to delay the setting of the newly laid concrete. On day two Alan tries to resurrect the roof of the decaying cajita, soon to be painted NYRP Provence blue. Alan calls it Bette Midler blue. We in England know it as Ground Force blue! Tommy meanwhile savours the delights at the diner made famous in the film When Harry Met Sally.

Plastic sheeting delays the setting of the concrete

Alan Titchmarsh gets to grips with the repairs

Tommy Walsh just loves the food! Will Shanahan wants what Tommy's having!

It's really too hot for planting trees this size and Ground Force are not used to working in temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit ! As the saying goes "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun." The plot will have a grassed central area, raised beds, fruit trees, shrubs, climbers, roses and herbs. At the end of day two, on a well earned evening cruise round the harbour we get a chance to see Charlie in a skirt, a rare occurrence! Alan discusses the events of September 11th 2001 with Brian Sahd, the director of the NYRP.

The mature trees will need regular watering

Day three, the final day. A hectic day but Alan finds time for the finishing touches, including erecting the American Flag alongside the Union Flag on the cajita. This had been the former home of a local Mexican who visited the site to see the ongoing work. Bette Midler is unaware of what to expect as she approaches the disguised entrance, whilst the crew do their usual "Let's hide next to this wall routine."

The new garden is shielded from prying eyes, even Bette Midler's

Although Bette had met the Ground Force Team earlier and was aware of the ongoing work she didn't see the garden properly until it was finished. She obviously enjoyed what she saw. Three days work had transformed a run down piece of land into a plot soon to be enjoyed by the local community. Apple trees, shrubs, pergolas and benches provide interest, changes of viewpoint, shade and areas in which to rest in this busy city.

Bette Midler shows her delight at the new garden

Ground Force blue, but no Charlie Dimmock water feature!

Not many people are allowed to walk on Alan's newly laid turf!

Thanks to additional volunteers, including skilled craftsmen and AmeriCorps volunteers from the NYRP, the project was completed on time. The garden has been designed to appeal to the whole community living round it, including all age groups and several nationalities. It's also hoped that children from the local Day Care Centre will enjoy running across and rolling down the garden's mounded lawn.

The American and Union flags fly on the cajita

Benches were created especially for the new garden

Master carpenters gave Tommy much needed assistance

Ground Force Meets the NYRP - [ page 1 ]

Charlie's Gardening Neighbours - programmes[ 1 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ]

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