Landgirl at 59
It was a lucky conversation I had with Ali from the gardening group at Sudbury Meadows, last weekend, when she said there was an open day at the Rowley allotments. I’ve had my name down for only a few months, so didn’t hold out much hope of getting lucky this year. I thought I’d just pop in, with my friend Di, and there was George – the site manager, who was so friendly, and he said, yes if I was looking for a plot to share, then he had just the very person in mind to share with. He even showed us the plot. Well that did it. I was hooked. I left my number and couldn’t wait to hear from him. All week went by, and no phone call, then …………………
Sunday 13th July 2008 - 7pm
Got the news today! Had a phone call from George saying we’d got the allotment and could start as soon as we liked!! Hooray!! We were just sitting on the bench outside the front door enjoying a glass of wine and mulling over the busy weekend – it’s been the street BBQ, another great success – when the phone rang and it was George! I’d just been down to the allotment, after all the visitors had gone to see if ‘it’ was still there and if George had heard anything– but alas, he wasn’t there. I’m so excited - ‘shall we go now then’ I said, but Peter said – ‘no, we’ll go tomorrow – I can’t wait.
So that’s it now – we’re the proud owners of half an allotment!
Monday 13th July
We both went, armed with a few tools and the camera. The weeds are at least five foot high and the artichokes about 8 foot high! Took photos from all angles. The compost bin has gone and so has the clump of rhubarb. Must have been removed by the person who owns the plot. She still owns it until October really, but I can’t wait to get started. Peter doesn’t share my enthusiasm – hopefully it will grow on him.
It’s great having our own piece of land – well, OK we only rent it – but it feels like ours. We’d brought some containers to pick ALL the raspberries, but alas, there were only a handful. Maybe we should pick Bernies’ – the ones on our side. Oh No – they’re his I said, so we left them. We wandered round like we were the owners of an estate, finding more raspberry canes and rhubarb here and there. We like the asparagus patch – which is huge and all gone to seed, but will be great in the spring. We started on the potato and onion patch and the weeds pulled out easily, as last week had been wet.
The plot is right on the corner, near the river, and bounded by a hedge, only our bit isn’t the bit right against the hedge. That’s the bit owned by the person I share with, only I haven’t seen anybody there yet. It seems quite a big ‘half’. The normal plot size is 30’ x 100’ I’ve paced mine out and its about 27 feet wide, so maybe it’s a bit shorter than the rest. Apparently it floods in the back corner, at least a couple of times a year. Perhaps I’ll make a pond!!!
We met Chris and Elaine, who we’d met at the open day. They’ve just taken over their plot recently too. They have an old carpet covering some of the weeds, and are building a wood store for their logs. Now there’s an idea.
Wednesday 16th July
We both went to the auction viewing today – but at different times – must have had the same idea. I noticed a wheelbarrow and a petrol mower, which I thought would be useful.
Thursday July 17th
I dropped Peter at the auction while I went on to start weeding. Picked him up later – he got me the old green plastic wheelbarrow for a fiver, but didn’t think the clapped out old petrol mower was worth the £36 it went for. Met Bernie from next door – he looks after a double plot with his wife. What on earth do you do with all the vegetables we asked. We have three children and they have families – we find they all get used, he said. He’s really pleased that someone has come to look after the plot next door to his – now he won’t have to keep the weeds down on my side, and his wife will be able to grow flowers along the fence. He gave me a bag of beetroot and a cabbage! Met Barbara and Betty today – they came along to introduce themselves and show us their plots. Everyone’s very friendly.
Friday 18th July our wedding anniversary
Peter picked up some holly wood today - no, not Hollywood, but wood from a holly tree. Got it from our neighbour Jo who said they were cutting it down where she works. Peter came back very pleased with himself – he’d decided to store the wood on the allotment. There’s not much room at home, so potentially a great idea. However, when we went to show off the allotment to our friends Ian and Jen, who were staying for the weekend, the whole lot had been pilfered. Our plot, being right near the river, is on route for the fishermen, so maybe they took a fancy to it. George thought it would have been the youngsters who fancied having a bonfire. We’ll never know.
Monday 21st July
On my own today, but pulled out lots of weeds from the potato patch. It’s much harder work now, as the weather has been warmer and not so wet. However, I can see a big difference, and can actually stand on one side of the plot and see the other side without having to look through the weeds. I put some weed-killer on the bottom part of the plot, avoiding the artichokes, which are quite exquisite looking flowers. I met Charlie from the plot opposite. He told me about the day he found a stranger on his plot, helping himself to his carrots. Charlie saw him off the site, but only after threatening him with hoe!
Sunday 27th July
A very hot day today. We spent a couple of hours pulling weeds in the blistering heat till the sweat dripped into our eyes and off our noses. Peter got a fire going and got rid of a lot of the ever-increasing pile of weeds.
Tuesday 29th July
Got an early start today as the weather is going to be hot again. More weeding and another bonfire. Not much evidence of the weed-killer beginning to work, so Peter sprayed it again. Bernie said with the weeds being so large it may need an extra dose. Met another Peter today – he gave me a lovely bunch of dahlias to bring home. Chris invited us to an allotment BBQ on the 20th September. Maybe bring along something you’ve grown, he said. Well I’ve only got potatoes and onions, and I didn’t really grow those. Ah well, maybe I’ll be inventive and make a potato, cheese and onion pie! Now I know why the first thing I made at cookery classes when I was a girl was cheese and potato pie – the ingredients were cheap and plentiful. Everybody grew things then – we even had a little garden in the backyard of our flat, where my Dad grew his dahlias.
Wednesday 2nd July
Had a lovely day out today at Hatfield house. Sitting at home in the evening, I idly called out to Peter on the computer – did you remember to keep a look out for a shed on e-bay, for the allotment? Moments later came the reply – there’s one here – it’s in Huntingdon – only 12 minutes left, shall I go for it?
Twelve minutes later we had ourselves a shed – never mind the size – 8’ x 6’ and probably bigger than we needed. Still, a bargain at only £57.
Friday 1st August
Peter borrowed a work-mate’s truck to pick up the shed. Took an hour and a half to take it apart and load it on the truck. Had to enlist Dave and Di to help us unload it.
Saturday 2nd August
I’m desperate to get my runner beans in, but it’s raining heavily this morning. Hooray it’s stopped so spent an hour this afternoon, transplanting the beans from the pots where I’ve been bringing them on at home. I was going to plant them on Tuesday, but they were really too small. However, they’ve shot up this week so really need to go in the ground. Bernie from next door said I should try using oatmeal as a slug deterrent. Oatmeal?? Apparently the slugs love it and they gorge themselves on it till they burst!! Also put in my pepper and chilli plants. They’re not doing well at home – probably need more sun. Have just put them in the little flower border alongside the path. Met Sarah – my friend from Priory where I used to work - who has also just acquired an allotment. She came round to have a look and we enthused together. We both agreed that it beats working.
Sunday 3rd August
Forgive me if I’m a bit distracted today, but our very first grandchild – a little girl, was born this morning. We’re so thrilled. Going over this afternoon for our very first cuddle. No time for the allotment today. She weighed in at 8 pounds 8 ounces and is just a bundle of joy. No name as yet.
Tuesday 5th August
I wonder if Imogen Eloise will enjoy gardening – perhaps she’ll come down and join in when she’s bigger?
Have a free day today, so was hoping for good weather and some allotment therapy. Not to be – the weather forecast is grim. 7.30am – it’s still dry, maybe I’ll beat the rain. Got there at 9 but the rain started at ten past. I battled on with the weeds for an hour and a half – quite enjoyable really, but when the rain started dripping off the end of my nose, I couldn’t see through my glasses and my jeans were wet from the thighs down, I decided to call it a day. At least I ‘found’ the grape vine today. There are quite a lot of grapes, but some are lying on the ground – probably not a good place for them. At least they’re not quite so choked by the weeds now. The grapes have got visibly bigger since I saw them last – it must be all that rain we’ve been having. Bernie and his wife were there today – picking beans to enter into a show. They gave me some to bring home. He asked me if I’d like some rhubarb to plant, as he’ll be splitting his up this year, but I’ve already got some so I declined.
Thursday 7th August
I was out this morning, but couldn’t wait to get home so that I could get down to the allotment. I came out in a rash on my arms yesterday, couldn’t decide if it was caused by the weeds I’d been touching or the Roundup I’d used. I did pull some of the tops off the sprayed weeds yesterday, so maybe that was it. Set to work clearing the weeds from the asparagus bed. It’s quite sunny today and I forgot the suntan lotion. However, I’m sheltered from the sun a bit when I’m down among the weeds. Got the beans planted and was just starting to put the bean canes in when Di and Andrea turned up – fresh from a day’s gardening. Di’s a gardener and garden designer by trade, and Andrea helps her out on Thursdays. A useful pair to have around, but they said they hadn’t come to work. Pity! After I showed them round, they started helping me to put in the canes. We looked up when we heard a voice saying - that’s not the way to do it. It was John and Jenny. They’ve just HAD THE
PHONE CALL! Yes, they, too are now allotment owners, and full of excitement. So we set off on another ‘tour’ Don’t forget this is only half an allotment, so not really a lot to see, but plenty to talk about. Another barrow load of weeds and a trip to see Chris’s pumpkins, then had to head for home.
Friday 8th August
Took my daughter, Katherine to see the allotment this evening. It was a bit dark by the time we got there, but she was keen to see it. She oohed and aahed at the sunflowers, gladioli etc. as we drove along, and asked if I’d be growing flowers. Well probably, they do look lovely, don’t they? Although there wasn’t much to see on my plot, she was suitably impressed and could see the potential. Some of her friends have an allotment – it’s surprising how popular it is with the younger folk these days.
Monday 11th August
The rash has all but gone now – Peter thinks it may have been an ‘asparagus rash’. Not sure there is such a thing. Peter’s off this week, so he came with me today. He’s good at getting – and keeping - the bonfire going. The weed-killed weeds at the bottom end are beginning to show signs of dying off now, and we can see some of the brown stuff underneath. We’ve even got to the bottom of one of the mountains of weeds. I dug over some of the ‘flower border’. It was nice and easy after all the rain we’ve had lately. Peter dug up some more potatoes, and cut down the asparagus ferns which had produced seeds. I’ve read that they need to be cut down before they drop their seeds everywhere. The asparagus bed is pretty extensive anyway, so I don’t need any more. Peter from two ‘doors’ down – he’s the president of the local gardening club – came to ask if we needed a shed – but, too late, we already have one. He gave us a cabbage instead. Everyone seems to have cabbages to spare. He also offered a marrow, but alas we’re not fond of marrows.
Tuesday 12th August
Heavy rain again this morning, but showers in the afternoon. Managed to get down for an hour in between the rain showers. The beans are growing like – well, like beans. They’ve shot up even since yesterday, and had to tie some of them in again. Planted a row of radishes and some late carrots – yes I know it’s too late for carrots, but thought I’d give them a try. Who knows, with all this rain I might just be lucky.
Saturday 16th August
Was hoping to get down to the allotment today, as we’ve had a busy week. Went to see little Imogen and her Mum and Dad – they are, quite rightly thrilled to bits with her. So are we.
However, best laid plans and all that – I had a bit of a fall at the station car park after a day in London yesterday. It’s left me with bruised ribs, a bandaged finger, and bruised pride as well of course. Good job it was dark.
Sunday 17th August
Thought I would just drive by to see how the beans were doing, and well, the tools were in the back, so what the heck. I didn’t feel that bad. I felt much better once I got in amongst the weeds again, although it did hurt a bit when I tried to pull the big ones out. Maybe I cracked a rib – who knows? I finished digging over the long border, and moved the rhubarb down to where the compost heap was. Pulled out the bindweed from around the raspberries, and cut down this year’s fruiting canes. Tied up the beans again – although most of them are now climbing up the poles at a rate of knots. The radishes are showing already, so I felt inspired and planted a row of broccoli and a row of lettuce. I’m lucky it’s been so wet and I haven’t had to water anything. It’s supposed to rain again this week. Pulled a few weeds from the bottom end, and really felt I’d made a difference. Went home for a loooong soak in the bath.
Wednesday August 20th
Called at the tip today with some rubbish and noticed some paving slabs. Decided they would do nicely to site the shed on. Took them in two loads and left them at the allotment. Wasn’t planning to do any work as the old bones are still creaking, but……… thought I’d just do a bit of digging over where some of the potatoes had been. The soil was nice and moist, after yet more rain, so was easy to work. I was pleased with my efforts after only about 20 minutes, so decided not to over-do it.
Friday 22nd August
Called in on the way back from another gardening job today, to show Derek and Barbara around the plot. Derek offered to help with putting up the shed. Managed an hour’s work in the evening. The radishes are through now and the beans are doing great. Did some more digging over on the potato patch. John and Jenny came by and said that I should plant my winter broad beans in November, and to get hold of some broccoli plants to put in. It was a lovely evening and it felt great to be there.
Saturday August 23rd
We spent most of the afternoon there today - Peter’s an afternoon person really. He got the fire going again – his favourite job. He also dug up more potatoes, but many of them have slug damage or are green. I hoed up among the beans and where the weeds had started coming through again. Many of the weeds have died off where we used the weed-killer, so it was an easy job to remove some of the dead ones today. Peter tackled the artichokes – sadly they have all fallen over and gone to seed, so they had to go. I can’t believe the number of white fluffy seeds they produce. Maybe we’ll have another crop next year! I collected some of the Marigold seeds today – there’s no point in buying them if I already have a free supply. Apparently George said that, in theory, you shouldn’t have to buy anything for your allotment. We’ve finally decided where to put the shed. After talking to John he said that the front is definitely the right place, especially as it floods at the back. Also, at the front the shed can form part of the fence, and so reduces the amount of fencing needed.
I’m still aching after my fall last week, so maybe it’s a good job we’re going on holiday for a couple of weeks. It’ll give me time to heal up properly. I’ll miss it though. Maybe I’ll buy some gardening mags to read on the plane.
Saturday 13th September
I can’t believe it’s been three weeks, since I’ve been on the plot. I’ve had a few withdrawal symptoms, but much of the time I’ve managed to switch off and relax. We have our daughter home for the weekend, so had to wait until she’d gone off to meet her friends before I could sneak a quick visit.
Wow!!! The beans have reached the top of the pole and are covered in red flowers! A walk around the site told me there’d been a whole lot of rain while we’d been away. You really have to enjoy weeding when you own an allotment, don’t you? I was quite disillusioned by the amount and size of the weeds which had sprung up in three weeks. Mostly chickweed, thistles and groundsel. That’ll teach me! I spent an hour pulling out some of the bigger weeds and hoeing up around the beans. At least the soil was easy to work. So it should be – we had a monsoon yesterday!
I picked a few radishes to bring home, although most of them had provided dinner for the slugs. There were a large number of very fat slugs around, most of which were sent flying over to next door’s plot, the one where no-one seems to be working at the moment. There was no sight of any carrots among the chickweed. And the broccoli and lettuce were completely non-existent – just a couple of sticks showing where I’d planted them.
I didn’t have any company this evening apart from the occasional low flying bird. At one point I was alerted by quite a loud regular beating from above, and when I looked up, there were two magnificent swans flying overhead. There was an almost full moon and quite a beautiful sunset tonight. I met John on the way home – we shared some ‘allotment talk’. I can’t wait to get stuck in.
Sunday 14th September
Managed to fit in another hour this evening. I didn’t feel quite as daunted by the weeds today. It was just good to be back again, working on the soil. I transplanted a few raspberry canes which were growing in the wrong place, and put them near the fence. Then dug over some of the soil where the weeds were plentiful. The sound of the water gushing over the weir in the nearby river was very noticeable, but sometimes I just don’t hear it at all. There were no swans tonight but the moon was full and bright in the darkening sky.
Monday 15th September
It’s official – women can do more than one job at a time!! I managed to light the fire, keep it going all afternoon, and do the gardening as well. I started by emptying out all the unburned rubbish from last time, then tipping out all the ash at the bottom. Then got it going with a bit of paper and some matches. The dried up pile of rubbish soon took hold, and I had a good blaze going.
Just had to keep an eye on it all afternoon, but have now burned almost all the previous rubbish.
I’m hoping Peter will put the shed up next week, so I started digging up some unwanted grass and laying it to make a base for the shed, where the border is at present. I keep finding a little gold mine of potatoes, where I least expect them. Some potatoes turned up amongst the grassy weeds today. I had to keep changing jobs today, to prevent a) boredom and b) backache. So I planted out the strawberry plants which were doing quite well at home. Then did a bit more weeding and pulled up some of the dead weeds down at the bottom end. In between looking after the fire of course. I tidied up much of the debris from around the fire-bin and found that I can actually see the river from the back of the plot. No wonder the river sounds so close. Just damped down the fire a bit with some of the soggy weeds from the bottom of the pile – I don’t want it flaring up when I’m not there.
Wednesday 17th September
I had a look at the what remained in the fire bin. Most of the soggy rubbish had burned away and it was still hot at the bottom. I didn’t have time to get the fire going today, not much to burn anyway. Started clearing the weeds again – I think it was easier when the weeds were three times as tall, not so much bending. There’s got to be a better way than pulling out every last bit of chickweed. So I went and asked Peter, two plots down. He said just dig out the bigger weeds – the dandelions and thistles, and chop off the rest with a hoe, then rake them up. He even loaned me a hoe and a rake. Much easier. He also told me that I’d need to keep the plot secure from rabbits, by putting chicken wire all round, even under the hedge. I was just putting the wheelbarrow away, well hiding it in the weeds really, when I thought I’d pull up some of the larger dead weeds at the bottom. I came across an old bit of hose-pipe, but when I tried to pick it up, it seemed to be attached. I followed it and found that it was attached to a piece of white plastic piping, which went down into the ground. This must be the water source they were telling me about. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some sort of a water pump going.
Saturday 20th September
The shed is up!!! I can’t believe how quick it went up. And it looks FANTASTIC. It’s a proper allotment now.
We started by pulling the remaining dry weeds from the bottom patch and got the fire going again. Then I discovered a path right at the bottom, next to the hedge. The previous owner must have kept the hedge trimmed so that he could use the path. The hedge is very overgrown, so I chopped some of it back. Peter had a look at the water pipe and found that it goes down about five feet, with about a foot of water in the bottom.
We started laying the slabs for the shed to stand on, then I went off to see if I could find anyone to help with moving the shed walls etc to the front of the plot. I’m worried about things getting stolen after our episode with the wood, so thought we’d better put the shed on top of the slabs in case anyone took a fancy to them. I found Sarah and Wilf, and they kindly said they would come along to help. Once we’d moved it, they said we might just as well put it up. While we waited for Peter to nip home and get the bolts and tools he needed, we had a proper look at the sunken bit at the bottom, where the water pipe is. Sarah agreed that it was just crying out for a pond. We could just imagine it, with pond plants all around, rocks around the edge and frogs frolicking about. John came along to help and said that he had some carpet we could have to line the pond with. With five of us working on the shed we soon had it up. The roof was the heaviest and trickiest bit, but no trouble for three strapping fellas. We all had a drink afterwards to celebrate. I just need something to put in it now.
Seeing the shed going up made me think about when I was a girl and a few of us used to ‘play’ at our local allotments. We used to think that nobody owned or used their sheds, so we made them our dens. We wrote clues for secret messages for each other to find, or curled up on the floor and read magazines or books. I remember leaving some books in one shed, thinking no-one would ever find them, only the next time we went, they had disappeared. My Mum’s ancient copy of Pilgrims Progress gone forever. Pilgrims Progress??? I don’t think I ever told my Mum.
Monday 22nd September
I met George on the way in today, so I asked if he’d seen my shed. He said no, he hadn’t been round that way today. But he had spoken to the lady who owns the overgrown plot next to mine and asked her if she would make a decision by the end of October, about whether she was going to be able to manage it, with two little ones to look after. He said I might as well have the whole plot if she decides she doesn’t want it. I don’t know about that – there’s a serious amount of work to be done on it.
I am determined to get my poor old moth-eaten broccoli plants in today. I’ve been ‘looking after’ them at home. By ‘looking after’ I mean squashing the caterpillars every few days. Little blighters. I dug over the soil and added some of the wood ash from the fire, then planted out the broccoli in three rows of eight. Then I cobbled together some netting pegged down with canes, to try and keep the butterflies out. I watered them all in with a few watering cans of water from the river. It’s only a few paces to the river from my plot, and the access is easy. Very handy.
I then tried spraying the paths with Round-up, but couldn’t get the sprayer to work. Never mind, it looks like rain anyway, and as it says on the container ‘effectiveness is reduced after rain’. I hastily cleared up, but still got wet as the rain descended suddenly. Enough for one day.
Friday 26th September
Came back from visiting Imogen this morning. My how she’s grown.
So it was straight down to the allotment this afternoon. Things are looking good. The broccoli seems to have survived, although I didn’t check for caterpillars. The strawberry plants are also looking healthy. I made a start on digging over the soil at the bottom end, where I’m hoping to plant fruit trees. There’s a new growth of weeds there now, so it’s quite back-breaking work. Had to take regular breaks which involved standing up. I trimmed some of the neighbour’s hedge at the front, and also the hedge at the back, as it’s very tall and overhanging. I moved some wood from next door’s plot, and spread it out, so that it would inhibit some of the weeds which are now well out of control. In doing so I must have disturbed a pheasant, for it flew out from among the grape vines, with a great squawking and flapping of wings. It gave me quite a start.
Peter turned up to change the bolts on the shed for stronger ones, and while he was there he cut back the grape vine. The grapes are beginning to turn red now, and are marginally sweeter than a couple of weeks ago. Sweet enough for the pheasant!! Watered the plants with river water again, as it hasn’t rained much this week.
Saturday 27th September
Went to the local nursery this morning and ordered some fruit trees and bushes to go in next month. Peter is very keen on having fruit trees. So much so that we’ve ordered a plum, a golden gage, an espalier peach tree and – wait for it – a mulberry tree. Oh, and two gooseberries and a redcurrant.
I was hoping to get down and do some work today, before the allotment BBQ this afternoon, but it wasn’t to be. It was a perfect day for the BBQ though – warm and sunny. I took my home-made cole-slaw, made with a bought cabbage unfortunately, and some chutney, made with onions, apples, plums and green tomatoes. Only had to buy the plums. Just wait till next year when we have our own plum tree! We all sat around on someone’s grassy plot - and shared lots of allotment stories, home-made food, sausages and burgers. George told me that I can take over the other half of my plot if I want to, but no pressure as he has someone who is willing to share. I’m still not sure – it’s a lot of work.
Sunday 28th September
We had our official flag-raising ceremony this afternoon. I brought a Newfoundland flag back form Canada with me. Andrea and Rob came down to help us celebrate. The flag went up a treat even though it’s a bit small. We celebrated with bubbly cider, only the bubbles refused to come out of the bottle, and coffee which Andrea kindly brought, only most of it had leaked out of the flask and into her bag. Ah well, the thought was there. Actually the best bit was when Rob played Oh Canada followed by the national anthem on his miniature mouth organ, and Andrea played a fanfare on her horn! Don’t ask!!!
After they went we stayed and did a bit of digging, burning, weeding and planting – just some garlic which had started to sprout at home. Peter planted some rhubarb roots which we got from Bernie next door – he had reminded me at the BBQ that he was dividing his over large plants, and said I could help myself if I wanted them.
John came round for a chat and we were just having a look around the site next door when the people who had been helping to manage the plot next door arrived to take out their rosemary bush, a redcurrant and some strawberry plants. They told us there was a large compost bin hidden behind the hedge – it was completely invisible because of the amount of weeds. We had already discovered an old decrepit shed and some pallets which would come in useful.
Wednesday 1st October
I was beginning to think I wouldn’t get down to the plot this week. However, I squeezed in an hour today, after my turn helping at the Mums and Tots group. I changed into my working togs in the shed and spent an hour turning over the soil at the bottom. The patch of soil where the shed lay for three weeks is so dry that I can’t get the spade into it at all – I’ll have to wait for some rain. I am slowly making progress and looking at the patch of newly dug earth was very satisfying.
Saturday 4th October
The forecast for the weekend isn’t good, so as it was clear first thing, I set off before breakfast, just after 8, There was a weak wintry sun shining when I got there and while I was working I was treated to the sight of 6 majestic swans flying overhead. I got a good hour’s digging in before Peter phoned me to say that breakfast was on the go.
It was still fine after breakfast, so I went back for another session. I put the flag up this time. The patch at the bottom is looking good, and I’m getting rid of lots of those invasive white roots. I can see new shoots appearing from the old artichoke plants, so I’m carefully avoiding them. I took the hoe to the flower border, the strawberry patch and the middle section to discourage the weeds. The strawberry plants are pushing up new growth and one of them even has a flower. I removed two barrow-loads of dry weeds from the patch next door, ready for burning next time, so I guess I will be taking over the other half after all. Thank goodness the wind was blowing away from my newly cleared patch, as there were plenty of weed seeds blowing about today. Helped myself to a few of Bernie’s remaining runner beans and some of his beetroot before I left – he said I could, but it still feels like stealing.
Monday 6th October
We just managed an hour today, after our visitors had gone. Peter took apart the pallets from ‘next door’ I must stop calling it next door, as it’s now really the other half of my plot. The pair of swans flew overhead again – Peter was very impressed. There was also another large bird which flew out of the hedge at the back and took off. I have no idea what it was – it didn’t look like a pheasant as it was black. I did an hour’s digging and was getting seriously bitten by mosquito’s so decided to call it a day. Called in to see John and Jenny on their plot on the way home.
Thursday 9th October
It’s a beautifully warm and sunny day today. I spoke to Bernie when I arrived at the plot to tell him it was me who had ‘stolen’ his rhubarb. Mystery solved. He leant me his scythe to cut down the weeds from ‘my other half’ and came over to show me how to use it. That’s when I noticed that every one of my broccoli plants had gone! I couldn’t believe it. It looks like rabbits have got under the netting. There’s very little evidence left – just a couple of chewed off stalks. The rest are completely gone. Bernie said I need to make a sturdier frame for the netting. He gave me some strawberry plants which I added to my strawberry patch, and some foxglove plants which were surplus to requirements.
I dug over and weeded another patch of earth at the bottom. I’m getting towards the place where the ground dips now. Then I made a start on clearing the dry overgrown weeds from the bottom end of the other half. I found a few struggling strawberry plants which I removed and planted with the others. The dry weeds made the fire go well today. Almost too well. I thought I was going to have to call in reinforcements. The wind was blowing towards me so it made it difficult to tend the fire. It made my eyes and nose run, and I had to stand back when the flames leapt out of the bin and hot ash started landing on my bare arms. Still, I cleared a lot of rubbish – just hope I damped it down well enough when I left. My friend Barbara kept me an article about allotments from her paper the other day. It said that you should do at least 3 hours a week. Well I did my three hours today.
Friday 10th October
It’s Peter’s birthday today – I bought him a garden fork – so he doesn’t have to borrow mine!!!
Wasn’t planning on going today, but it was such a lovely day……. and you just can’t turn down the offer of some company. Peter joined me and got the fire going. He cleared some more of the dead stuff from the other half, while I did some more digging. I dug over the patch where the weed-pile had left a clear area of soil underneath, so it was nice and easy to dig. The soil is still surprisingly damp. We sprayed some of the weeds and the paths from the other half. The weather forecast for the next few days is good, so the weed-killer should have a chance to work. I paced out the full length and width of the plot with all the paths, so that I could make a plan and try to decide where I’m going to put everything. Still haven’t really decided where to put the trees. Now that we’ve got more land to choose from, it’s more difficult. Spotted another pheasant today, squawking loudly as it took off.
I spent the evening making a drawing of the plot and trying to decide where to put everything. Good job it’s in pencil as I keep changing my mind!
Sunday 12th October
The lovely weather continues - 23° today. Went down to see if I could catch John – he has promised me some strawberry plants. True to his word – he had even potted them up and left them by the shed for me. He’s always good for a chat, and passes on any tips he has received from George.
I put in another row of strawberry plants, so that’s 45 now. Then I gave them a mulch with a bit of compost from home. Dug over another patch at the back it’s really very damp down there. And those scary white roots - the further I go towards the back, the more there are. They snap off so easily, so I’m sure they will be back again in the spring. At least the soil breaks up nicely around them. I’m making sure they all go on the fire heap.
Actually, talking about scary, I used to find the patch at the back very scary when the weeds were tall and the undergrowth thick, especially where the ground dipped. I just didn’t know what lurked down there!
Monday 13th October
Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Had to pick up a parcel at the sorting office today, so while I was in that neck of the woods ……….. well I’ve always got my boots and tools in the back of the car, so I can call in any time. Just spent an hour - tidied up the long border down the side, where the grass is taking over again. Think I’ll have to put a wooden edge against the path to stop the grass creeping into the border. I picked 5 beans today… whoopee, but ate one on the way home as I was so hungry. Yummy!!!
Made ‘allotment soup’ when I got home – next door’s beetroot, onions from the plot, apples from the garden, celery and peppers from the supermarket – just wait till next year.
Also learned how to make newspaper plant pots from the internet, to plant my sweet peas in.
Wednesday 15th October
Planted my sweet peas in their newspaper pots – some seeds I bought and some I had collected from plants at home.
Picked up 5 free bags of manure from a nearby farm and dropped it off today. Checked the beans and picked enough for dinner!!
Friday 17th October
Spread the manure on the middle patch where I intend doing some planting today. It didn’t take long to dig some manure into a small area as the soil had already been dug over. I had bought some ‘proper’ garlic from the garden centre, and planted two rows, using string as a guide to keep me straight. I then planted some winter onions and banked them up as suggested on the gardening programme last week. They also suggested using sticks to keep the birds from pecking out the onions. I went in search of some dead sticks from amongst the weeds on the other half, and soon had a pile – hope it will be enough to keep the birds off. It wasn’t easy knowing which was the top or bottom of the onion sets – I got some in the wrong way round at first. Did some hoeing to deter some of the ever present weeds. The weather was lovely again – hazily sunny and quite warm. I would have stayed longer but dinner beckoned – all that fresh air makes you hungry.
I
It was a lucky conversation I had with Ali from the gardening group at Sudbury Meadows, last weekend, when she said there was an open day at the Rowley allotments. I’ve had my name down for only a few months, so didn’t hold out much hope of getting lucky this year. I thought I’d just pop in, with my friend Di, and there was George – the site manager, who was so friendly, and he said, yes if I was looking for a plot to share, then he had just the very person in mind to share with. He even showed us the plot. Well that did it. I was hooked. I left my number and couldn’t wait to hear from him. All week went by, and no phone call, then …………………
Sunday 13th July 2008 - 7pm
Got the news today! Had a phone call from George saying we’d got the allotment and could start as soon as we liked!! Hooray!! We were just sitting on the bench outside the front door enjoying a glass of wine and mulling over the busy weekend – it’s been the street BBQ, another great success – when the phone rang and it was George! I’d just been down to the allotment, after all the visitors had gone to see if ‘it’ was still there and if George had heard anything– but alas, he wasn’t there. I’m so excited - ‘shall we go now then’ I said, but Peter said – ‘no, we’ll go tomorrow – I can’t wait.
So that’s it now – we’re the proud owners of half an allotment!
Monday 13th July
We both went, armed with a few tools and the camera. The weeds are at least five foot high and the artichokes about 8 foot high! Took photos from all angles. The compost bin has gone and so has the clump of rhubarb. Must have been removed by the person who owns the plot. She still owns it until October really, but I can’t wait to get started. Peter doesn’t share my enthusiasm – hopefully it will grow on him.
It’s great having our own piece of land – well, OK we only rent it – but it feels like ours. We’d brought some containers to pick ALL the raspberries, but alas, there were only a handful. Maybe we should pick Bernies’ – the ones on our side. Oh No – they’re his I said, so we left them. We wandered round like we were the owners of an estate, finding more raspberry canes and rhubarb here and there. We like the asparagus patch – which is huge and all gone to seed, but will be great in the spring. We started on the potato and onion patch and the weeds pulled out easily, as last week had been wet.
The plot is right on the corner, near the river, and bounded by a hedge, only our bit isn’t the bit right against the hedge. That’s the bit owned by the person I share with, only I haven’t seen anybody there yet. It seems quite a big ‘half’. The normal plot size is 30’ x 100’ I’ve paced mine out and its about 27 feet wide, so maybe it’s a bit shorter than the rest. Apparently it floods in the back corner, at least a couple of times a year. Perhaps I’ll make a pond!!!
We met Chris and Elaine, who we’d met at the open day. They’ve just taken over their plot recently too. They have an old carpet covering some of the weeds, and are building a wood store for their logs. Now there’s an idea.
Wednesday 16th July
We both went to the auction viewing today – but at different times – must have had the same idea. I noticed a wheelbarrow and a petrol mower, which I thought would be useful.
Thursday July 17th
I dropped Peter at the auction while I went on to start weeding. Picked him up later – he got me the old green plastic wheelbarrow for a fiver, but didn’t think the clapped out old petrol mower was worth the £36 it went for. Met Bernie from next door – he looks after a double plot with his wife. What on earth do you do with all the vegetables we asked. We have three children and they have families – we find they all get used, he said. He’s really pleased that someone has come to look after the plot next door to his – now he won’t have to keep the weeds down on my side, and his wife will be able to grow flowers along the fence. He gave me a bag of beetroot and a cabbage! Met Barbara and Betty today – they came along to introduce themselves and show us their plots. Everyone’s very friendly.
Friday 18th July our wedding anniversary
Peter picked up some holly wood today - no, not Hollywood, but wood from a holly tree. Got it from our neighbour Jo who said they were cutting it down where she works. Peter came back very pleased with himself – he’d decided to store the wood on the allotment. There’s not much room at home, so potentially a great idea. However, when we went to show off the allotment to our friends Ian and Jen, who were staying for the weekend, the whole lot had been pilfered. Our plot, being right near the river, is on route for the fishermen, so maybe they took a fancy to it. George thought it would have been the youngsters who fancied having a bonfire. We’ll never know.
Monday 21st July
On my own today, but pulled out lots of weeds from the potato patch. It’s much harder work now, as the weather has been warmer and not so wet. However, I can see a big difference, and can actually stand on one side of the plot and see the other side without having to look through the weeds. I put some weed-killer on the bottom part of the plot, avoiding the artichokes, which are quite exquisite looking flowers. I met Charlie from the plot opposite. He told me about the day he found a stranger on his plot, helping himself to his carrots. Charlie saw him off the site, but only after threatening him with hoe!
Sunday 27th July
A very hot day today. We spent a couple of hours pulling weeds in the blistering heat till the sweat dripped into our eyes and off our noses. Peter got a fire going and got rid of a lot of the ever-increasing pile of weeds.
Tuesday 29th July
Got an early start today as the weather is going to be hot again. More weeding and another bonfire. Not much evidence of the weed-killer beginning to work, so Peter sprayed it again. Bernie said with the weeds being so large it may need an extra dose. Met another Peter today – he gave me a lovely bunch of dahlias to bring home. Chris invited us to an allotment BBQ on the 20th September. Maybe bring along something you’ve grown, he said. Well I’ve only got potatoes and onions, and I didn’t really grow those. Ah well, maybe I’ll be inventive and make a potato, cheese and onion pie! Now I know why the first thing I made at cookery classes when I was a girl was cheese and potato pie – the ingredients were cheap and plentiful. Everybody grew things then – we even had a little garden in the backyard of our flat, where my Dad grew his dahlias.
Wednesday 2nd July
Had a lovely day out today at Hatfield house. Sitting at home in the evening, I idly called out to Peter on the computer – did you remember to keep a look out for a shed on e-bay, for the allotment? Moments later came the reply – there’s one here – it’s in Huntingdon – only 12 minutes left, shall I go for it?
Twelve minutes later we had ourselves a shed – never mind the size – 8’ x 6’ and probably bigger than we needed. Still, a bargain at only £57.
Friday 1st August
Peter borrowed a work-mate’s truck to pick up the shed. Took an hour and a half to take it apart and load it on the truck. Had to enlist Dave and Di to help us unload it.
Saturday 2nd August
I’m desperate to get my runner beans in, but it’s raining heavily this morning. Hooray it’s stopped so spent an hour this afternoon, transplanting the beans from the pots where I’ve been bringing them on at home. I was going to plant them on Tuesday, but they were really too small. However, they’ve shot up this week so really need to go in the ground. Bernie from next door said I should try using oatmeal as a slug deterrent. Oatmeal?? Apparently the slugs love it and they gorge themselves on it till they burst!! Also put in my pepper and chilli plants. They’re not doing well at home – probably need more sun. Have just put them in the little flower border alongside the path. Met Sarah – my friend from Priory where I used to work - who has also just acquired an allotment. She came round to have a look and we enthused together. We both agreed that it beats working.
Sunday 3rd August
Forgive me if I’m a bit distracted today, but our very first grandchild – a little girl, was born this morning. We’re so thrilled. Going over this afternoon for our very first cuddle. No time for the allotment today. She weighed in at 8 pounds 8 ounces and is just a bundle of joy. No name as yet.
Tuesday 5th August
I wonder if Imogen Eloise will enjoy gardening – perhaps she’ll come down and join in when she’s bigger?
Have a free day today, so was hoping for good weather and some allotment therapy. Not to be – the weather forecast is grim. 7.30am – it’s still dry, maybe I’ll beat the rain. Got there at 9 but the rain started at ten past. I battled on with the weeds for an hour and a half – quite enjoyable really, but when the rain started dripping off the end of my nose, I couldn’t see through my glasses and my jeans were wet from the thighs down, I decided to call it a day. At least I ‘found’ the grape vine today. There are quite a lot of grapes, but some are lying on the ground – probably not a good place for them. At least they’re not quite so choked by the weeds now. The grapes have got visibly bigger since I saw them last – it must be all that rain we’ve been having. Bernie and his wife were there today – picking beans to enter into a show. They gave me some to bring home. He asked me if I’d like some rhubarb to plant, as he’ll be splitting his up this year, but I’ve already got some so I declined.
Thursday 7th August
I was out this morning, but couldn’t wait to get home so that I could get down to the allotment. I came out in a rash on my arms yesterday, couldn’t decide if it was caused by the weeds I’d been touching or the Roundup I’d used. I did pull some of the tops off the sprayed weeds yesterday, so maybe that was it. Set to work clearing the weeds from the asparagus bed. It’s quite sunny today and I forgot the suntan lotion. However, I’m sheltered from the sun a bit when I’m down among the weeds. Got the beans planted and was just starting to put the bean canes in when Di and Andrea turned up – fresh from a day’s gardening. Di’s a gardener and garden designer by trade, and Andrea helps her out on Thursdays. A useful pair to have around, but they said they hadn’t come to work. Pity! After I showed them round, they started helping me to put in the canes. We looked up when we heard a voice saying - that’s not the way to do it. It was John and Jenny. They’ve just HAD THE
PHONE CALL! Yes, they, too are now allotment owners, and full of excitement. So we set off on another ‘tour’ Don’t forget this is only half an allotment, so not really a lot to see, but plenty to talk about. Another barrow load of weeds and a trip to see Chris’s pumpkins, then had to head for home.Friday 8th August
Took my daughter, Katherine to see the allotment this evening. It was a bit dark by the time we got there, but she was keen to see it. She oohed and aahed at the sunflowers, gladioli etc. as we drove along, and asked if I’d be growing flowers. Well probably, they do look lovely, don’t they? Although there wasn’t much to see on my plot, she was suitably impressed and could see the potential. Some of her friends have an allotment – it’s surprising how popular it is with the younger folk these days.
Monday 11th August
The rash has all but gone now – Peter thinks it may have been an ‘asparagus rash’. Not sure there is such a thing. Peter’s off this week, so he came with me today. He’s good at getting – and keeping - the bonfire going. The weed-killed weeds at the bottom end are beginning to show signs of dying off now, and we can see some of the brown stuff underneath. We’ve even got to the bottom of one of the mountains of weeds. I dug over some of the ‘flower border’. It was nice and easy after all the rain we’ve had lately. Peter dug up some more potatoes, and cut down the asparagus ferns which had produced seeds. I’ve read that they need to be cut down before they drop their seeds everywhere. The asparagus bed is pretty extensive anyway, so I don’t need any more. Peter from two ‘doors’ down – he’s the president of the local gardening club – came to ask if we needed a shed – but, too late, we already have one. He gave us a cabbage instead. Everyone seems to have cabbages to spare. He also offered a marrow, but alas we’re not fond of marrows.
Tuesday 12th August
Heavy rain again this morning, but showers in the afternoon. Managed to get down for an hour in between the rain showers. The beans are growing like – well, like beans. They’ve shot up even since yesterday, and had to tie some of them in again. Planted a row of radishes and some late carrots – yes I know it’s too late for carrots, but thought I’d give them a try. Who knows, with all this rain I might just be lucky.
Saturday 16th August
Was hoping to get down to the allotment today, as we’ve had a busy week. Went to see little Imogen and her Mum and Dad – they are, quite rightly thrilled to bits with her. So are we.
However, best laid plans and all that – I had a bit of a fall at the station car park after a day in London yesterday. It’s left me with bruised ribs, a bandaged finger, and bruised pride as well of course. Good job it was dark.
Sunday 17th August
Thought I would just drive by to see how the beans were doing, and well, the tools were in the back, so what the heck. I didn’t feel that bad. I felt much better once I got in amongst the weeds again, although it did hurt a bit when I tried to pull the big ones out. Maybe I cracked a rib – who knows? I finished digging over the long border, and moved the rhubarb down to where the compost heap was. Pulled out the bindweed from around the raspberries, and cut down this year’s fruiting canes. Tied up the beans again – although most of them are now climbing up the poles at a rate of knots. The radishes are showing already, so I felt inspired and planted a row of broccoli and a row of lettuce. I’m lucky it’s been so wet and I haven’t had to water anything. It’s supposed to rain again this week. Pulled a few weeds from the bottom end, and really felt I’d made a difference. Went home for a loooong soak in the bath.
Wednesday August 20th
Called at the tip today with some rubbish and noticed some paving slabs. Decided they would do nicely to site the shed on. Took them in two loads and left them at the allotment. Wasn’t planning to do any work as the old bones are still creaking, but……… thought I’d just do a bit of digging over where some of the potatoes had been. The soil was nice and moist, after yet more rain, so was easy to work. I was pleased with my efforts after only about 20 minutes, so decided not to over-do it.
Friday 22nd August
Called in on the way back from another gardening job today, to show Derek and Barbara around the plot. Derek offered to help with putting up the shed. Managed an hour’s work in the evening. The radishes are through now and the beans are doing great. Did some more digging over on the potato patch. John and Jenny came by and said that I should plant my winter broad beans in November, and to get hold of some broccoli plants to put in. It was a lovely evening and it felt great to be there.
Saturday August 23rd
We spent most of the afternoon there today - Peter’s an afternoon person really. He got the fire going again – his favourite job. He also dug up more potatoes, but many of them have slug damage or are green. I hoed up among the beans and where the weeds had started coming through again. Many of the weeds have died off where we used the weed-killer, so it was an easy job to remove some of the dead ones today. Peter tackled the artichokes – sadly they have all fallen over and gone to seed, so they had to go. I can’t believe the number of white fluffy seeds they produce. Maybe we’ll have another crop next year! I collected some of the Marigold seeds today – there’s no point in buying them if I already have a free supply. Apparently George said that, in theory, you shouldn’t have to buy anything for your allotment. We’ve finally decided where to put the shed. After talking to John he said that the front is definitely the right place, especially as it floods at the back. Also, at the front the shed can form part of the fence, and so reduces the amount of fencing needed.
I’m still aching after my fall last week, so maybe it’s a good job we’re going on holiday for a couple of weeks. It’ll give me time to heal up properly. I’ll miss it though. Maybe I’ll buy some gardening mags to read on the plane.
Saturday 13th September
I can’t believe it’s been three weeks, since I’ve been on the plot. I’ve had a few withdrawal symptoms, but much of the time I’ve managed to switch off and relax. We have our daughter home for the weekend, so had to wait until she’d gone off to meet her friends before I could sneak a quick visit.
Wow!!! The beans have reached the top of the pole and are covered in red flowers! A walk around the site told me there’d been a whole lot of rain while we’d been away. You really have to enjoy weeding when you own an allotment, don’t you? I was quite disillusioned by the amount and size of the weeds which had sprung up in three weeks. Mostly chickweed, thistles and groundsel. That’ll teach me! I spent an hour pulling out some of the bigger weeds and hoeing up around the beans. At least the soil was easy to work. So it should be – we had a monsoon yesterday!
I picked a few radishes to bring home, although most of them had provided dinner for the slugs. There were a large number of very fat slugs around, most of which were sent flying over to next door’s plot, the one where no-one seems to be working at the moment. There was no sight of any carrots among the chickweed. And the broccoli and lettuce were completely non-existent – just a couple of sticks showing where I’d planted them.
I didn’t have any company this evening apart from the occasional low flying bird. At one point I was alerted by quite a loud regular beating from above, and when I looked up, there were two magnificent swans flying overhead. There was an almost full moon and quite a beautiful sunset tonight. I met John on the way home – we shared some ‘allotment talk’. I can’t wait to get stuck in.
Sunday 14th September
Managed to fit in another hour this evening. I didn’t feel quite as daunted by the weeds today. It was just good to be back again, working on the soil. I transplanted a few raspberry canes which were growing in the wrong place, and put them near the fence. Then dug over some of the soil where the weeds were plentiful. The sound of the water gushing over the weir in the nearby river was very noticeable, but sometimes I just don’t hear it at all. There were no swans tonight but the moon was full and bright in the darkening sky.
Monday 15th September
It’s official – women can do more than one job at a time!! I managed to light the fire, keep it going all afternoon, and do the gardening as well. I started by emptying out all the unburned rubbish from last time, then tipping out all the ash at the bottom. Then got it going with a bit of paper and some matches. The dried up pile of rubbish soon took hold, and I had a good blaze going.
Just had to keep an eye on it all afternoon, but have now burned almost all the previous rubbish.
I’m hoping Peter will put the shed up next week, so I started digging up some unwanted grass and laying it to make a base for the shed, where the border is at present. I keep finding a little gold mine of potatoes, where I least expect them. Some potatoes turned up amongst the grassy weeds today. I had to keep changing jobs today, to prevent a) boredom and b) backache. So I planted out the strawberry plants which were doing quite well at home. Then did a bit more weeding and pulled up some of the dead weeds down at the bottom end. In between looking after the fire of course. I tidied up much of the debris from around the fire-bin and found that I can actually see the river from the back of the plot. No wonder the river sounds so close. Just damped down the fire a bit with some of the soggy weeds from the bottom of the pile – I don’t want it flaring up when I’m not there.
Wednesday 17th September
I had a look at the what remained in the fire bin. Most of the soggy rubbish had burned away and it was still hot at the bottom. I didn’t have time to get the fire going today, not much to burn anyway. Started clearing the weeds again – I think it was easier when the weeds were three times as tall, not so much bending. There’s got to be a better way than pulling out every last bit of chickweed. So I went and asked Peter, two plots down. He said just dig out the bigger weeds – the dandelions and thistles, and chop off the rest with a hoe, then rake them up. He even loaned me a hoe and a rake. Much easier. He also told me that I’d need to keep the plot secure from rabbits, by putting chicken wire all round, even under the hedge. I was just putting the wheelbarrow away, well hiding it in the weeds really, when I thought I’d pull up some of the larger dead weeds at the bottom. I came across an old bit of hose-pipe, but when I tried to pick it up, it seemed to be attached. I followed it and found that it was attached to a piece of white plastic piping, which went down into the ground. This must be the water source they were telling me about. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some sort of a water pump going.
Saturday 20th September
The shed is up!!! I can’t believe how quick it went up. And it looks FANTASTIC. It’s a proper allotment now.
We started by pulling the remaining dry weeds from the bottom patch and got the fire going again. Then I discovered a path right at the bottom, next to the hedge. The previous owner must have kept the hedge trimmed so that he could use the path. The hedge is very overgrown, so I chopped some of it back. Peter had a look at the water pipe and found that it goes down about five feet, with about a foot of water in the bottom.
We started laying the slabs for the shed to stand on, then I went off to see if I could find anyone to help with moving the shed walls etc to the front of the plot. I’m worried about things getting stolen after our episode with the wood, so thought we’d better put the shed on top of the slabs in case anyone took a fancy to them. I found Sarah and Wilf, and they kindly said they would come along to help. Once we’d moved it, they said we might just as well put it up. While we waited for Peter to nip home and get the bolts and tools he needed, we had a proper look at the sunken bit at the bottom, where the water pipe is. Sarah agreed that it was just crying out for a pond. We could just imagine it, with pond plants all around, rocks around the edge and frogs frolicking about. John came along to help and said that he had some carpet we could have to line the pond with. With five of us working on the shed we soon had it up. The roof was the heaviest and trickiest bit, but no trouble for three strapping fellas. We all had a drink afterwards to celebrate. I just need something to put in it now.
Seeing the shed going up made me think about when I was a girl and a few of us used to ‘play’ at our local allotments. We used to think that nobody owned or used their sheds, so we made them our dens. We wrote clues for secret messages for each other to find, or curled up on the floor and read magazines or books. I remember leaving some books in one shed, thinking no-one would ever find them, only the next time we went, they had disappeared. My Mum’s ancient copy of Pilgrims Progress gone forever. Pilgrims Progress??? I don’t think I ever told my Mum.
Monday 22nd September
I met George on the way in today, so I asked if he’d seen my shed. He said no, he hadn’t been round that way today. But he had spoken to the lady who owns the overgrown plot next to mine and asked her if she would make a decision by the end of October, about whether she was going to be able to manage it, with two little ones to look after. He said I might as well have the whole plot if she decides she doesn’t want it. I don’t know about that – there’s a serious amount of work to be done on it.
I am determined to get my poor old moth-eaten broccoli plants in today. I’ve been ‘looking after’ them at home. By ‘looking after’ I mean squashing the caterpillars every few days. Little blighters. I dug over the soil and added some of the wood ash from the fire, then planted out the broccoli in three rows of eight. Then I cobbled together some netting pegged down with canes, to try and keep the butterflies out. I watered them all in with a few watering cans of water from the river. It’s only a few paces to the river from my plot, and the access is easy. Very handy.
I then tried spraying the paths with Round-up, but couldn’t get the sprayer to work. Never mind, it looks like rain anyway, and as it says on the container ‘effectiveness is reduced after rain’. I hastily cleared up, but still got wet as the rain descended suddenly. Enough for one day.
Friday 26th September
Came back from visiting Imogen this morning. My how she’s grown.
So it was straight down to the allotment this afternoon. Things are looking good. The broccoli seems to have survived, although I didn’t check for caterpillars. The strawberry plants are also looking healthy. I made a start on digging over the soil at the bottom end, where I’m hoping to plant fruit trees. There’s a new growth of weeds there now, so it’s quite back-breaking work. Had to take regular breaks which involved standing up. I trimmed some of the neighbour’s hedge at the front, and also the hedge at the back, as it’s very tall and overhanging. I moved some wood from next door’s plot, and spread it out, so that it would inhibit some of the weeds which are now well out of control. In doing so I must have disturbed a pheasant, for it flew out from among the grape vines, with a great squawking and flapping of wings. It gave me quite a start.
Peter turned up to change the bolts on the shed for stronger ones, and while he was there he cut back the grape vine. The grapes are beginning to turn red now, and are marginally sweeter than a couple of weeks ago. Sweet enough for the pheasant!! Watered the plants with river water again, as it hasn’t rained much this week.
Saturday 27th September
Went to the local nursery this morning and ordered some fruit trees and bushes to go in next month. Peter is very keen on having fruit trees. So much so that we’ve ordered a plum, a golden gage, an espalier peach tree and – wait for it – a mulberry tree. Oh, and two gooseberries and a redcurrant.
I was hoping to get down and do some work today, before the allotment BBQ this afternoon, but it wasn’t to be. It was a perfect day for the BBQ though – warm and sunny. I took my home-made cole-slaw, made with a bought cabbage unfortunately, and some chutney, made with onions, apples, plums and green tomatoes. Only had to buy the plums. Just wait till next year when we have our own plum tree! We all sat around on someone’s grassy plot - and shared lots of allotment stories, home-made food, sausages and burgers. George told me that I can take over the other half of my plot if I want to, but no pressure as he has someone who is willing to share. I’m still not sure – it’s a lot of work.
Sunday 28th September
We had our official flag-raising ceremony this afternoon. I brought a Newfoundland flag back form Canada with me. Andrea and Rob came down to help us celebrate. The flag went up a treat even though it’s a bit small. We celebrated with bubbly cider, only the bubbles refused to come out of the bottle, and coffee which Andrea kindly brought, only most of it had leaked out of the flask and into her bag. Ah well, the thought was there. Actually the best bit was when Rob played Oh Canada followed by the national anthem on his miniature mouth organ, and Andrea played a fanfare on her horn! Don’t ask!!!
After they went we stayed and did a bit of digging, burning, weeding and planting – just some garlic which had started to sprout at home. Peter planted some rhubarb roots which we got from Bernie next door – he had reminded me at the BBQ that he was dividing his over large plants, and said I could help myself if I wanted them.
John came round for a chat and we were just having a look around the site next door when the people who had been helping to manage the plot next door arrived to take out their rosemary bush, a redcurrant and some strawberry plants. They told us there was a large compost bin hidden behind the hedge – it was completely invisible because of the amount of weeds. We had already discovered an old decrepit shed and some pallets which would come in useful.
Wednesday 1st October
I was beginning to think I wouldn’t get down to the plot this week. However, I squeezed in an hour today, after my turn helping at the Mums and Tots group. I changed into my working togs in the shed and spent an hour turning over the soil at the bottom. The patch of soil where the shed lay for three weeks is so dry that I can’t get the spade into it at all – I’ll have to wait for some rain. I am slowly making progress and looking at the patch of newly dug earth was very satisfying.
Saturday 4th October
The forecast for the weekend isn’t good, so as it was clear first thing, I set off before breakfast, just after 8, There was a weak wintry sun shining when I got there and while I was working I was treated to the sight of 6 majestic swans flying overhead. I got a good hour’s digging in before Peter phoned me to say that breakfast was on the go.
It was still fine after breakfast, so I went back for another session. I put the flag up this time. The patch at the bottom is looking good, and I’m getting rid of lots of those invasive white roots. I can see new shoots appearing from the old artichoke plants, so I’m carefully avoiding them. I took the hoe to the flower border, the strawberry patch and the middle section to discourage the weeds. The strawberry plants are pushing up new growth and one of them even has a flower. I removed two barrow-loads of dry weeds from the patch next door, ready for burning next time, so I guess I will be taking over the other half after all. Thank goodness the wind was blowing away from my newly cleared patch, as there were plenty of weed seeds blowing about today. Helped myself to a few of Bernie’s remaining runner beans and some of his beetroot before I left – he said I could, but it still feels like stealing.
Monday 6th October
We just managed an hour today, after our visitors had gone. Peter took apart the pallets from ‘next door’ I must stop calling it next door, as it’s now really the other half of my plot. The pair of swans flew overhead again – Peter was very impressed. There was also another large bird which flew out of the hedge at the back and took off. I have no idea what it was – it didn’t look like a pheasant as it was black. I did an hour’s digging and was getting seriously bitten by mosquito’s so decided to call it a day. Called in to see John and Jenny on their plot on the way home.
Thursday 9th October
It’s a beautifully warm and sunny day today. I spoke to Bernie when I arrived at the plot to tell him it was me who had ‘stolen’ his rhubarb. Mystery solved. He leant me his scythe to cut down the weeds from ‘my other half’ and came over to show me how to use it. That’s when I noticed that every one of my broccoli plants had gone! I couldn’t believe it. It looks like rabbits have got under the netting. There’s very little evidence left – just a couple of chewed off stalks. The rest are completely gone. Bernie said I need to make a sturdier frame for the netting. He gave me some strawberry plants which I added to my strawberry patch, and some foxglove plants which were surplus to requirements.
I dug over and weeded another patch of earth at the bottom. I’m getting towards the place where the ground dips now. Then I made a start on clearing the dry overgrown weeds from the bottom end of the other half. I found a few struggling strawberry plants which I removed and planted with the others. The dry weeds made the fire go well today. Almost too well. I thought I was going to have to call in reinforcements. The wind was blowing towards me so it made it difficult to tend the fire. It made my eyes and nose run, and I had to stand back when the flames leapt out of the bin and hot ash started landing on my bare arms. Still, I cleared a lot of rubbish – just hope I damped it down well enough when I left. My friend Barbara kept me an article about allotments from her paper the other day. It said that you should do at least 3 hours a week. Well I did my three hours today.
Friday 10th October
It’s Peter’s birthday today – I bought him a garden fork – so he doesn’t have to borrow mine!!!
Wasn’t planning on going today, but it was such a lovely day……. and you just can’t turn down the offer of some company. Peter joined me and got the fire going. He cleared some more of the dead stuff from the other half, while I did some more digging. I dug over the patch where the weed-pile had left a clear area of soil underneath, so it was nice and easy to dig. The soil is still surprisingly damp. We sprayed some of the weeds and the paths from the other half. The weather forecast for the next few days is good, so the weed-killer should have a chance to work. I paced out the full length and width of the plot with all the paths, so that I could make a plan and try to decide where I’m going to put everything. Still haven’t really decided where to put the trees. Now that we’ve got more land to choose from, it’s more difficult. Spotted another pheasant today, squawking loudly as it took off.
I spent the evening making a drawing of the plot and trying to decide where to put everything. Good job it’s in pencil as I keep changing my mind!
Sunday 12th October
The lovely weather continues - 23° today. Went down to see if I could catch John – he has promised me some strawberry plants. True to his word – he had even potted them up and left them by the shed for me. He’s always good for a chat, and passes on any tips he has received from George.
I put in another row of strawberry plants, so that’s 45 now. Then I gave them a mulch with a bit of compost from home. Dug over another patch at the back it’s really very damp down there. And those scary white roots - the further I go towards the back, the more there are. They snap off so easily, so I’m sure they will be back again in the spring. At least the soil breaks up nicely around them. I’m making sure they all go on the fire heap.
Actually, talking about scary, I used to find the patch at the back very scary when the weeds were tall and the undergrowth thick, especially where the ground dipped. I just didn’t know what lurked down there!
Monday 13th October
Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Had to pick up a parcel at the sorting office today, so while I was in that neck of the woods ……….. well I’ve always got my boots and tools in the back of the car, so I can call in any time. Just spent an hour - tidied up the long border down the side, where the grass is taking over again. Think I’ll have to put a wooden edge against the path to stop the grass creeping into the border. I picked 5 beans today… whoopee, but ate one on the way home as I was so hungry. Yummy!!!
Made ‘allotment soup’ when I got home – next door’s beetroot, onions from the plot, apples from the garden, celery and peppers from the supermarket – just wait till next year.
Also learned how to make newspaper plant pots from the internet, to plant my sweet peas in.
Wednesday 15th October
Planted my sweet peas in their newspaper pots – some seeds I bought and some I had collected from plants at home.
Picked up 5 free bags of manure from a nearby farm and dropped it off today. Checked the beans and picked enough for dinner!!
Friday 17th October
Spread the manure on the middle patch where I intend doing some planting today. It didn’t take long to dig some manure into a small area as the soil had already been dug over. I had bought some ‘proper’ garlic from the garden centre, and planted two rows, using string as a guide to keep me straight. I then planted some winter onions and banked them up as suggested on the gardening programme last week. They also suggested using sticks to keep the birds from pecking out the onions. I went in search of some dead sticks from amongst the weeds on the other half, and soon had a pile – hope it will be enough to keep the birds off. It wasn’t easy knowing which was the top or bottom of the onion sets – I got some in the wrong way round at first. Did some hoeing to deter some of the ever present weeds. The weather was lovely again – hazily sunny and quite warm. I would have stayed longer but dinner beckoned – all that fresh air makes you hungry.
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