Party on the Plot

We had hoped to hold a party on the allotments on the final day of National Allotment Week. Unfortunately this was also when a lot of plot holders were away on holiday so it was decided to postpone the event until 25th August. The day started full of promise with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. We had seen the weather forecast which predicted heavy rain and thunder but were beginning to think that we were going to be lucky and miss the storms.
The party was due to start at 3pm and when we arrived at ten past there were quite a few already there and the barbecues were lit and ready to go. Within minutes there was a loud rumble of thunder and the heavens opened!

The weather didn't stop this youngster from having fun though!

Only problem was that although we were able to stay lovely and dry under the giant gazebo that had been lent to us it did trap the smoke from the BBQ!

I guess this just sums up the British Summer and our 'carry on regardless' attitude we have towards it.




Trapped in the gazebo. Too smokey to stay in but too wet to get out!

 

Eventually the rain passed and we were able to get on and enjoy the lovely food that everyone had brought along,



Pasta salad





Barbecued runner beans



A delicious dhal





Simon's watermelon jellies





Queueing for the ever popular burgers



After the food had been eaten and things had dried up a bit, invited guests were given a tour of the plots.

But then it was back to business as usual as there were plenty of vegetables ready and waiting to be harvested.

Coming Back Down To Earth

Well after all the excitement and razzamataz of the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show I thought I would post about something closer to home. I have taken on half an allotment plot in our village this year. My first attempt at veg growing. The site was just an open field which was cut for silage until the newly formed Allotment Society took it on in November last year. The weather put paid to any real progress until February when people started to mark out, plan and dig their plots. Then at the end of March the much needed rabbit-proof fence went up. A fantastic effort by the allotment holders saw over a quarter of a mile of fencing erected over a weekend. I can't believe how fantastic the weather was too!

Over the subsequent weeks there has been much planting (and replanting as plants succcumbed to the weeks of cold and wet!) and an ongoing battle to keep on top of the dandelions. Though they did bring a splash of colour to the site. Also the essential sheds or similar structures started to appear.

Slowly but surely the allotments began to turn green as potatoes, peas and beans all started to pop their heads above ground.

By the end of June all was looking well; a bit behind because of the cool and wet weather but we were all very pleased with our efforts thus far.

And then disaster struck.............. Blight.

Overnight some potatoes were brought to their knees. Word went out and there was a flurry of activity as we all rushed to see if ours were infected. It was not looking good. Tops were chopped off in an attempt to stop the disease getting into the potato tubers.

So sadly the Wilja I grew have not bulked up to the size I would have hoped for but the Charlotte are just fine as a salad potato and the flavour is amazing. I still have some main crop potatoes growing and hopefully they will produce a good crop. These are Sarpo Mira and are blight resistant.

Since then we have started to enjoy the fruits of our labours. We have had broad beans, peas, courgettes, garlic (just about), carrots, a few strawberries and of course potatoes. The flowers I grew for cutting are also coming along now and I have had a couple of small vases filled at home.

I can't believe just how addictive the allotment has become. I am very lucky as I am within walking distance and now as I take my dogs for their daily walks they too love to pay a visit and lay on the grass whilst I just have 5 minutes of blissful pottering.