Allotments

There's much talk of allotments these days. 

Magazines and tabloids espouse the virtues of allotments with slogans like 'grow your own' or 'save money on your food bills'.

Last year my partner and I decided that we would get an allotment too! Some of us are lucky enough to start with a well tended allotment but many more of us begin with waist-high couch grass, weeds and brambles. Daunting to say the least! Where oh where were the nicely turned beds of fluffy soil, neat walkways and raised beds that I see pictured in the magazines?

We have ten rods (“allotment-speak”) but to you and me that’s 10 x 22 meters. Unfortunately it was of the 'untended' variety. To begin with, the clearing and cultivating of the plot took a great deal of time, energy, effort and considerable commitment. But after weeks of 'hard labour' and a whole growing season under our belts the allotment is, well, looking like an allotment!

The joy of planting, harvesting and eating veggies we've grown makes us very happy. All the hard work, time and energy that it entails are worth it. There's nothing like picking your first crop of rhubarb or runner beans to make you feel good.

Here are a few tips for the beginner.

If waiting lists are too long in your area see if you can share an allotment or volunteer to help out a friend and share in the harvest

Don't be tempted to cultivate too much ground at once. Start with small plots that can be easily maintained.

Grow easy veg to begin with. Potatoes, beans, peas and herbs always produce a good crop and help the soil, too.

Don't forget to plant flowers which can be cut for the house and encourage biodiversity.

Go to car boot sales and second hand shops to find inexpensive tools and equipment or join your local 'freecycle' network.

Seed swaps and plant exchanges are a great way to get free plants.

Check out the National Society of Allotment and leisure Gardeners Web site athttp://www.nsalg.org.uk.

Read all you can and talk with other allotment growers. They will have a wealth of information to offer.

Most of all enjoy your allotment, take a flask of tea and a sandwich, sit back and relax for a little while (at least!).

Another Spring is Here

Spring is here again!

The birds are singing and so am!

The trees are blushed with green hues and blossom galore. The sight of an herbaceous border erupting with fresh new foliage is thrilling.

By now we should be reaping the rewards of our hard work in the autumn, enjoying the spring bloomers like tulips and daffs that lift us out of the winter doldrums.

Nurseries are gearing up for the new gardening season too. New plants arrive daily and many new varieties are now available.

Here are some things we should be doing this month.

Weeds will try and take advantage of the warm spring days. So, keep on top of them.

Keep an eye out for aphids. They love warm days, too, and lush new growth.

Prepare new borders for planting.

Feed bulbs and dead head them where possible.

Re-pot containerized plants and fertilize borders with compost.

Fruit Tree Pruning

Fruit Tree Pruning

I just spent the last two days learning to prune and renovate fruit trees at the Brighton Permaculture Trust.

Bryn Thomas was our tutor, his experience and enthusiasm for the subject was inspiring.  Bryn teaches the course through practical hands-on experience pruning fruit trees in the orchard, informal group discussion and classroom sessions.

The course was very enjoyable, my knowledge and confidence in this specialized area is greatly enhanced because of it.

(Photos courtesy of the Brighton Permaculture Trust)

St. Michael's Hospice Open Gardens

A great way to visit beautiful gardens not normally open to the public, partake of sumptuous cream teas or an aL fresco ploughman's lunch, make new friends and most importantly support the terrific work of the St Michael's Hospice.

I recently spent a lovely afternoon visiting the Open Gardens of Rye. The pictures above are a selection I took on the day. Lovely gardens with lots of great ideas to take home. For more information and a list of gardens and dates click on the link, Open Gardens.

Open Garden days run from May through July

Enjoy!!!

Summer Container Number Three

Foliage and Texture

This container suits a contemporary or traditional setting. The bold foliage of the Phormium 'Maori Queen' and Euchevera provide interest and texture for a low maintenance high impact display.

Hardy in mild climates this container can be brought into the greenhouse for the winter

Summer Container Number One

This container is for a shady spot

In this antique cast iron urn Ive combined variegated double pink impatiens, pilea and a hot house parlour palm to create a long lasting display of colour and texture.

If you have a greenhouse this arrangement can easily be moved inside for a winter display.

Summer Container Number Two

Roses and Lavender

A very simple container for a front doorstep.

I've used a standard tree Rose and underplanted it with Lavender for a very simple yet effective summer display.