There have been times when I’ve walked through the allotment gate and felt completely overwhelmed. The paths had disappeared beneath long grass. Weeds had taken hold in beds that were once productive. Seed packets sat untouched in the shed, and jobs seemed to multiply every time I looked around. Standing there, it was easy to…
When people picture an allotment, they often imagine neat rows of vegetables, baskets of fresh produce and peaceful afternoons spent pottering among the plants. The reality can be very different. Many allotment holders experience periods of overwhelm, yet it is rarely talked about. Social media and gardening magazines tend to focus on the successes, but…
Finally, the days are long, the soil is warm, and everything seems to be growing at a crazy rate!! After months of sowing and planning, the plot is starting to look full speed ahead. Weeding, watering, planting, and harvesting can quickly fill every spare minute, so it helps to have a clear idea of priorities…
This weekend, Andy and I took a much-awaited jaunt to the Malvern Spring Festival. After my autumn trip with the kids, I was keen to sample the spring offering, and it didn’t disappoint! We stayed in the same riverside caravan park, with the easy walk round to the local pub, and enjoyed the best pub…
Hello, I hope you are all well. I have had a busy summer travelling with the not-so-small children; we’ve had some fantastic trips, but at a pace that is unfortunately not sustainable, and the realities of everyday life, work, and the next stages in education must be brought back to the forefront. This has the…
As the seasons shift, many gardeners pack away their tools and wait for spring. Yet autumn is far from the end of the growing year. With a little planning, you can keep fresh produce coming through the colder months and even set yourself up for an early harvest next spring. Here’s what you can plant…
The first of August is here, and I’m in a strange state of limbo at the moment. The kids finished school and college way back on June 18th. We’ve spent time at the allotment. We’ve been to Zakynthos, had an 18th birthday and party (with homegrown flowers). We’ve had a brilliant summer, and yet, it’s…