Clairesallotment's Blog

Firstly “Happy St David’s Day” enjoy your leeks if you’re having any. Getting back into some substantial digging is great, but it takes a little while for the muscles to realise it. My back is feeling a bit stiff. I think it’s all the bending down, it’s forgotten what to do. Still it’ll remember soon. Spent an enjoyable afternoon turning over another bed, and I finished planting my strawberries out. That’s one thing done, but lots more to do. Have a great weekend, looks like a dry one, so if you get chance pop out in the garden and have a wander.

Can anyone help save these lovely people? This is the email I got from them…
Spring is so near and we do not know what to do here at Watford’s Farm Terrace Allotments. We can not plan for our crop and for the seeds and the time is running out so fast.
This has been the situation since 2007, but this year it is going to final conclusion it appears. Lib Dems and Tory’s are pushing ahead with this land grab attempt as the next election is getting closer which may remove them from power. It seems they are really in hurry to fill their pockets as much as they can before going.
It all began when the NHS owned Watford General Hospital wanted to build a health centre in its own land (in the parking and some adjacent parts belonging to hospital). A contractor was selected and the plans were set.
Everybody was happy and things looked bright for all of us.
Until the private contracting company demanded that the nearby allotments be given to them so they can make money on them by building private luxury apartments and a hotel on the site of the allotments. Nobody knows for sure who were behind this change of tone. Some may say it was the brain child of the private, financial interests in the Lib Dem-controlled Watford council. The area is on the northern slopes of the River Colne valley with a good sunward view and the contractor and their council backhanders can make lots of money if they take over the allotments before the next election.
Farm Terrace Allotments are 116 years old. They are a heritage site. Watford has lost many of its heritage in the past by the short sighted councils in 1950’s and 1970’s. It appears builders are much after the land in and around London (in satellite towns like Watford and Guildford). We all can be affected in future by what is happening now in Watford.

Personally I think this is atrocious. Allotment sites should be protected, I know some are, but all should be and cannot be taken away by greedy people just for money.

Just come in from the greenhouse and I’ve planted yet more seeds, here goes. Asparagus from seed which is a new one for me. Cucumbers, Celeriac, and some special tomato seeds sent from Chuck Fenster from the states, the varieties are “Brandy wine” and “Pineapple“. I made some films also, so that’s more for Mark to sort out over the weekend. I love you my sweet xx

Another morning up the allotment. More people today, well 4 of us. Slowly but surely we’re all coming out of hibernation. I managed to dig another bed though, but I had to keep stopping as there are muscles that I’ve not used for a while, and they can only take so much. I planted more strawberry plants, but lots more to get in. I also sowed a row of radish. I’ll give it about a month and then I’ll sow the rest of the packet, that way I’ll stagger them, and they’re not all ready together. I also dug up some of the old bassicas, and picked off some of the bits inbetween the big leaves. I love spring greens, my mum used to get them from the greengrocers, but you don’t seem to be able to find them anywhere any more. Home now for lunch and I think I deserve a homemade chocolate and walnut brownie for pudding.

Just come in from spending the entire afternoon in the greenhouse. I sowed all sort of exciting seeds (well I think so anyway). Did a bit of filming also, but you’ll have to wait til next week for Mark to sort those out. Firstly I sowed some Cabbage, “All year round” and “Candisa“. Then a lovely selection of tomatoes, “Moneymaker“, “Suncherry Premium” and “Country Taste“. Then a selection of flowers, some French Lavender, Sweet peas, “Harlequin”, “Mumsie” and “Kiera Madeline“. Then finally a selection of hardy perennials “Helianthus Maximiliani” for my sister in laws garden. Kids home soon, and a cup of tea I think.

Got to the allotment this morning, first time this year. It’s all looking a bit naked, but that’ll soon change. To start with I was the only person down there, but then in the distance I saw a fellow plot holder. So not the only mad person on site this morning. I dug over a bed and planted some of my new strawberry plants. Then I sowed all my parsnips. It was a little chilly this morning, 3 degrees, but nothing that 3 pairs of socks, 2 jumpers, a body warmer and a wooly scarf couldn’t sort out. Note to self: Must take more tissues with me as my nose keeps running in the cold weather. Home for lunch and then greenhouse this afternoon. Lovely!

Wish it would warm up a bit soon. Still too cold for me. I need sun, and lots of it. Still I went in the greenhouse today and potted up my cauliflowers, the seeds are rather old (expired last year) and only 6 came up, but that’s ok. And the Goji berries, I’ve got 13 little plants. As it’s still very cold in the greenhouse I left the cauliflowers in their, but then they’re very robust plants, but I’ve brought the goji’s back inside. When they get a bit larger they’ll be able to go in the greenhouse, but just not yet. Hands are warming up with typing, but they did get jolly cold in the greenhouse house. Come on spring hurry up and arrive, I’m waiting!

Wishing my lovely husband a very happy 40th birthday. He’s a little freaked out at turning 40, but don’t they class it as the “Naughty Forties”? Make sure they’re lovely to you at work today, and bring you lots of cups of tea and biscuits, and take you out for lunch. Hurry home from work for spicy meatballs and spaghetti and birthday cake.

Sad news today that Richard Briers has died at the age of 79. When I was young (ok I was watching repeats of it) I loved watching “The Good Life”. It’s a life I would love to have, pigs, chickens and being totally self-sufficient. He will be greatly missed. The last thing I saw him in was Zombies vs Cockneys (the trailer’s a bit sweary so be warned). He was being chased by zombies and trying to out run them with his walking frame, and then of course the modern day attachment of the machine gun on his walking frame. Fantastic!!

Spent just over 3 hours taking a stroll round Winkworth Arboretum today with the kids. It’s the second time we’ve been here, it’s very peaceful and quiet. The Canadian Geese were getting a bit cross with each other (I think it’s THAT time of year). We took lunch and nibbled most of it all day. Only takes just under an hour to get there from where we live, and a pleasant enough drive. Don’t know about the kids, but I’m exhausted and want an early night. If you get the chance go. And if like us you’re a National Trust member, then it’s free to get in.