First visit - rubbish, tree trimmings, weeds and potential
I am not going to the plot today, but I have checked on some seedlings at home and enjoyed the fruits of the allotment (roasted mashed-potato-squash & garlic). I thought I would take a little time to look back on the year since I got the plot, it was like getting a letter from Hogwarts, I was 40(+) and no less excited, and eager to experience the magic.
So here is a little of the transformation, and the magic of turning weeds, mud, sun and rain into food and a little bit of a sanctuary.
From here on in this is just photos (with a caption for most of them). Watch how the light and shade changes as the year progresses, how things (including weeds) suddenly explode.
February
Starting out tackling small areas at a time
March
Preparing beds and continuing pathsSpring bringing things to life
April
The trees are really coming to lifeBeds becoming more defined and early plantings starting to show signs of growth
May
Grass at the edge starting to get a bit out of control
Rows progressing
The raised beds were added in May
June
Brambles started to go crazyCosmos, dill and brassicasfeels like summer, corn, sunflowers and squash patch coming to lifeFeels like I have utilised the majority of the plot pretty well by this pointStarting to get some tasty harvests
July
The excitement and promise of tiny squash
Bunches of sunflowers and bags of salad
August
Rather unruly tomatoes and beansHarvests starting to create new planting spaceProgress in the sunny patch
Plot dog enjoying the shadeAugust planted spuds showing quick growth
September
Another leap in growth - I think there must have been some rainDahlias bringing some colour to the patchEnjoying the bounty of the plot
October
Seasons shifting and the plot starting to look a little scruffySpud patch growing wellQuince were smelling beautiful but I went away for work and missed out on picking them - they had all gone over by the time I got back
November
Starting to bring the main growing season to the end - removing the brambles and covering some bedsPotato plants have died off - waiting for the right time to dig in and see what treasures are under the groundOnce cleared the squash and corn bed became the home of onions and garlic Scrubby weed-filled area covered in card and compost bags - may be new planting area in the springBeautiful autumnal light
December
Christmas potatoes
January (again)
Onions and garlic coming on well and theI am looking forward to the brassicas soonReady for a new year
