Today I caught myself wondering, "maybe we should get an allotment?" Then I quickly sprinted to the sink, splashed cold water over my face, gave myself a quick slap and vowed never to entertain such mad thoughts ever again. Doing a sloppy job of maintaining a low-maintenance garden is enough gardening for me.Nevertheless, back in the 19th century the Allotment Act declared that an Englishman has the right to grow his own carrots, whether or not he owns any land. All these years on, hidden behind the leafy hedgerows and down the lane, men, women and children in wellington boots and waterproofs are still cheerfully growing carrots on land that doesn’t belong to them. And potatoes, raspberries, beans, tomatoes, garlic, onions, apples and flowers too.
I know a family in Cheshire with an allotment, and my children have 'helped' them make a scarecrow, chase chickens, throw stuff on the bonfire, dig random holes, that sort of thing. Every time we visit we come away with a box of fresh eggs ... my friend is gracious enough to wash off the straw and poultry poo first.
This idea of an "allotment" is fascinating to me...partly because I'm an American and partly because I am a wannabe gardener with a teensy apartment and no home/land-owning prospects in the near future!
ReplyDeletemy front yard consists of minimal plants that require minimal care. it works out very well for us, because one, my husband can't be arsed since he is gone 12 hrs a day, and two, i hate gardening. i'm surprised you entertained the thought considering your plants snuff it lol
ReplyDeleteAn allotment is a lot of work, so don't even contemplate it. They should call it an alotofworkment. Scare people off their romantic ideas.
ReplyDeleteNo go for it ! huge sense of achievement and thrill digging up your first spud, even if it has holes in.
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a message on my blog re the vote - I am chuffed. So much so that I stopped by to read your WHOLE blog! It is exceptionally good and I have spent an hour just reading the progress of your move from Cheshire back to London. I'll be back beacuse you certainly have a story teller's gift.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good friend! Your kids so don't need an allotment if your friend takes on the hassle and has them help her out. Sorted!
ReplyDeleteThought there might a range of views on matters of green thumbs ...
ReplyDeleteTiffany & Ciara, thanks for stopping by
Nora, that's a brilliant new word
Sally, I suspect mine may be more hole than potato
Mob, I just LOVE the name of your blog ... thanks for the compliment :-)
Girl with the Mask, yes except they're halfway up the country?!!
Unfortunately an allotment needs time and lots of physical effort, which I haven't got. I potter round my low maintenance garden & think of all the veggie shops round here and a kind neighbour, who supplies me with enough spinach to sink a battle ship all through the summer. So I know we are OK!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy pottering in my garden, although no veg there as yet. I used to grow veg as a child - peas, beans, lettuce, radish... the ground was not deep enough for root veg (too limey below). For now I am happy with my flowers and they need enough attention.
ReplyDeleteGood of the friend to clean the eggs. I like the word "alotofworkment" - very apt. You have to love it to do it. So I would let the friend show your children if it isn't up your street.
My friend had an allotment but got unceremoniously booted off it when she didn't keep it up to scratch. I think it can all get quite political...
ReplyDeleteMy great uncle (I think) had an allotment and I used to love going there. However, I have to say he was there ALL the time, so it must have been hard work. Either that or he was hiding from auntie Becca!
ReplyDeleteHaving a veg plot in my own garden I must be blessed (or not) the more productive the more weeds. I've just picked our first strawberries! Heaven! It's hard work, but there's no better feeling than walking down the garden and picking fresh veg and herbs. Debs x
ReplyDeleteGrowing stuff in your own garden is one thing. Trudging off somewhere else to do it?
ReplyDeleteWould like to know someone who manages to grow lots of stuff though. That would be very welcome:-)
I've always wondered about people gardening in strange places that don't seem to be in their yards.
ReplyDeleteSaw a comment you made over on MOB's and thought - I must have a boo....so here I am. I do love your pics of the actors in your sidebar....those were the days weren't they?
I laughed over your post about the optician and now I'm worrying about my upcoming appointment. I hope she doesn't have garlic for lunch.
What fun. Can I bring my spade and trowel?
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! We don't have anything like allotments in Canada, although you will find neighbourhood gardens here and there. As for me, we have more garden than we can handle. I know most people would be jealous, but we're overwhelmed!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you GBS, I like the idea of an allotment but it's enough to maintain my own garden. I think it's fab that allotments are still around though. And your link worked, hooray. :D
ReplyDeleteA lot of work, but sounds like great fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Gone Back South!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for passing by my Blog and leaving a very kind message!!
I don't have many friends in the "Land of Blog" and all this is quite new to me, so to receive such a lovely message from someone is so gratifying!! and a fellow Londoner at that!
I'm so sorry to hear about your Husbands Mother... it really is the most devsatating thing that can happen in someone's life.
I have read your Blog! you also write so so well and you have some great posts here!!
I think we have many things in common!
I will be returning soon and if it's o.k. I have added you to my friends Blog list!
All the very best!!
P.S: I loved the part here about your friend being "gracious enough to wash off the straw and poultry poo first" !! hahaha
ReplyDeletetime. THINK of the time it will take. There'll be no more blogging, you'll be off to do the watering. I think it must be a sign of middle age; i sometimes think I should have an allotment, or perhaps a dog. Then I run to the kitchen sink and do that water splashing thing...
ReplyDeleteInteresting to hear the history of it tho!
Pigx