i grow, you grow, we grow..

I remember as a child the excitement of going to my Grandad's allotment. It was opposite the school field so in summer I would try and push my face through the rails to spot him in his deck chair. 

I remember the stripy deck chairs with their deadly springs, my Nan in her straw hat and summer dress, a shopping bag full of snacks, my Grandad pottering around with a roll of string, a handle full canes and a cigar in his mouth. 

I remember not being a fan of the cobwebs in the shed. My joy mate will tell you I'm still not good with them. 
I remember the people stopping to talk and I remember the fresh smell of the earth after the typically English rain.

So I kind of expected to get an allotment when I was older. And I mean older older, not when I was 31. 

But the universe had other plans and So the gratitude plot began. At first it was a team thing. Now its a family thing with an upgrade in size. 

Do my kids love it like I did, some days they do, some days they don't. Its something that takes a lot of work, and I'm not going to lie occasionally you might them curled up in the shed with a kindle and their blanket. 

Is it worth it? 100% Yes! There is nothing better than growing food from seed and then seeing it on your plate or better still your kids eating it raw.

But the thing I love most the thing that makes me want to go, it isn't the birds, or the bunnies along the lane, or even the quiet walk across the wreck. Its the sense of community..

When a plant has lost its label and is now of the "unknown variety" in your Green House Pete will help you Identify it. Although I'm sure he has better things to do. He'll never tell you so. 

Don't know the best place to put your herbs, Amanda will tell you which ones are safer in a pot or they'll take over. And we'll do it over a chocolate biscuits which is even better. 

Considering growing asparagus Christine will happily spend 25 minutes going through the pros and cons and save you reading 4 different books at 10pm at night. 

Then there is Gordon, the 'allotment G' as we call him. extra long canes, staples, salt for your slugs, open your green house when you are away, snacks for the bears or a cup of tea when it rains. He has it all and has truly saved my allotment butt on many occasions. 

If you've found this little blog because you are thinking of getting an allotment. Then my message is simple. If you are prepared to work consistently hard then then there is so much to gain the answer will always be..

Get One Get One Get One! 

Oceans of Love

Cx
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​P.s I'll pop back and report on this years 'growings' when things slow down in the autumn.x

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