Allotment tales

Published on Friday 23 October 2009 14:56

Trundling my wheelbarrow down to the plot for a tidy-up achieved very little in that respect. What happened was a good blether with another plotholder, which got me thinking about the less obvious benefits of having an allotment.

It's not only the healthy glow you acquire. It's not only the pleasure of eating home-grown seasonal produce. It's something almost mystical that comes from conversations going far beyond how and what we grow.

We share just as much or as little as we want of things affecting our lives beyond the allotments. It can be as good as a counselling service, if not better.

A successful plot needs frequent attention, so it stands to reason that fellow plotholders will sometimes be the first to hear of unfolding family dramas. And like any good counselling service, this one is always entirely non-judgmental.

Our former allotments association secretary and his wife chose to celebrate their golden wedding on the plots with those people with whom they had shared so much. One Sunday we brought our own glasses, and they supplied the liquid refreshments. We gathered around and drank their health – a very happy occasion.

The practical advantage of this community spirit is demonstrated shortly with the annual delivery of mushroom compost. This by-product of a local mushroom business consists of composted straw, horse manure and powdered chalk. It is a good source of humus and nutrients. Some people use it as a mulch, others dig it in.

Time is money and our canny plotholders know the bargain price hangs on the speed with which we unload the trailers and let the supplier get to his next job. The stalwarts will muster at the gate ready for action. Pacemakers, replacement knees and hips don't deter some volunteers. After the initial chaotic scramble, we remember a human chain is the most efficient way to operate. Five hundred bags, a couple of hours and several recounts later, who needs to work out at a gym?

This article was first published in The Scotsman on 24 October 2009