28th September 2015 - Sunnier Plot

Last week I talked about my request for a sunnier spot, as you know I dropped a line to the allotment manager on Sunday and she asked me to give her a few days; well on Monday she called me to ask when I could come and see a plot.  As I was available I went up to the site and she showed me a few plots that were very overgrown.  I didn't really know what to do, on the one hand the thought of having something so overgrown after the work I'd done on mine was really scary but on the other they were all in full sun!

On our walk around the site I saw plots that were split vertically and those that were split horizontally.  Some of them were so overgrown the grass and weeds were as tall as the fencing but then we came upon plot 85a, which had been cleared but had a huge pile of branches from a felled tree placed in the middle.  The allotment manager asked if I would mind burning them; I agreed!  It's a half plot that has been split horizontally, the other half has been taken and is well looked after there is a pathway through to his plot without walking through mine.

I therefore arrived at the plot on Saturday (I was ill during the week so couldn't come), I set about breaking the branches to put into the incinerator bin but I hadn't appreciated just how much of it there was - I would still be clearing it in a months time.  I brought Mr L and the two youngest little L's back to the plot and we decided that we would carry the majority down to the big bonfire and just burn the little bit that was left.  We therefore set about bunching the branches together and dragging them down the lane.  Once we got to the car park Mr L tied it to the back of the car and we dragged it down to the bonfire.  It took about 6 bundles to get it all moved and then we burnt the last little bits in the bin.

Now that I have a good view of the plot I can start planning!  I measured the plot and was delighted that it is bigger than my last one.  I watched the shadows cast by the sun so that I could work out where the best place would be to place my permanent structures and beds.  Once again there is lots of work but I can't wait to get cracking!  I will, as ever, keep you updated on my progress.

Oh! Before I forget, my friend was also offered the plot next door to mine, it's hugely overgrown and she's never had a plot before but she is really excited about it and I'm hoping that some of the lessons I've learnt I'll be able to pass on and it will be fab to have someone to share tips and lessons with.