Unfortunately, I discovered Cassie had passed away this morning. Although I expected she might, it's always rather upsetting. I comforted myself with the knowledge she had a peaceful last couple of days without being picked on and snuggled up warm in the indoor coop. Cassie was always a bit more timid than her big sister... Continue Reading →
Night at the Allotment
Just before dinner, I dashed down to the allotment to check on Cliff's black leghorn. Each evening I have been going down to make up a fresh batch of antibiotics for her. When I got down there, I was struck by how different the familiar landmarks looked, especially the greenhouse! Making up antibiotics which require... Continue Reading →
Drawing Near the End
Despite my best efforts over the past two days, Cassie continues to go downhill. I have been feeding her water and brewers yeast, giving her baths and kept her warm inside. Sadly, none of this seems to be working. Today, she has spent most of the day asleep in strange positions before I could persuade... Continue Reading →
Another Poorly Chicken
I arrived down on site early this morning ready to meet with a representative from the Allotment Federation. I got the stove up and running ready for a hot chocolate apiece before going to the car park to let Kerry in. Our meeting was very productive and Derek came to join in for a bit... Continue Reading →
Playing in the Puddles
The rain this morning was torrential. One look outside and I decided to go down to the allotment later. The chickens in the garden still needed feeding but it was much quicker to dash from the kitchen to the garden and back to get their food and water sorted. Maude and Mavis were sitting in... Continue Reading →
Medicines Glore
So today I went down twice to try and help out Cliffs black leghorn. She didn't look very good this morning. Fortunately, I had some Flubenvet powder left from when I last wormed our flock. I measured out her food carefully and added half a scoop of powder. Mixing it in thoroughly took time and... Continue Reading →
Being Given the Run Around
The last two days, I have been woken up by Gordon doing his best impression of a cockerel. Despite having very accommodating neighbours, I just couldn't keep him in the garden anymore. The fact he set off three times yesterday shows he is getting more confident in his voice. So my plan was to move... Continue Reading →
Flora and the Poo Bucket
I am at a loss for words. After working all day, I dashed down to the allotment to feed the chickens and check on Cliff's black leghorn. She seemed happy enough in the greenhouse although her weird crowing was back. I managed to get a few chunks of apple sauce down her but I think... Continue Reading →
Henry Street Chicken Hospital
This morning, I walked down to the allotment a little concerned about what I would find in the greenhouse. Cliff's black leghorn was so poorly yesterday that I was half expecting to find she had passed away over night. There she was! Standing slightly hunched in the middle of the greenhouse. As I went in,... Continue Reading →
Busy, busy, busy!
What a day! I can't remember the last time I spent a full day at the allotment, work has been so busy! I arrived down on site at about half nine, determined to finish hoeing the plot. A mere fifteen minutes later and the job was done! I love my WolfGarten tiller, it makes life... Continue Reading →
A Different Allotment
Early this morning, the three of us (Derek, Sarah and myself) drove across Crewe to visit Hulme Street allotment. We were met by the Warden and a member of the committee. As it turns out, the committee oversees three sites (Ford Lane, Hulme Street and Walker Street) with each site having a Warden to deal... Continue Reading →
Autumn Clearing
Autumn is my favourite season. The changing of the leaves, the hint of frost in the air and the nights closing in, all mean it's acceptable to curl up with a hot drink and a warm blanket. Down the allotment however, I find autumn a rather depressing time. The myriad of green foliage slowly gives... Continue Reading →
RIP Buff Orpington
Upon arrival on site today, Cliff told me that the beautiful Buff Orpington had died whilst we were away. It's a rather tragic end for such a stunning bird. She seemed to be recovering from her injury but she didn't seem to want to eat much or mix with the other girls. In the main... Continue Reading →
Planting Experiment
For a change of scenery, we went to visit my parents for a couple of days. Much to my excitement, I discovered that my parents had successfully managed to grow a small lemon plant from seed. Whether it will survive long term and bear fruit, it's hilarious to think of a new plant growing from... Continue Reading →
Exciting Possibilities
With the darker nights rolling in and the weather cooling, the weeds are finally beginning to slow down. It's also that time of year when some plots are given up as people struggle to juggle their work and family commitments. This year, we have had several changes of tenancy with new faces joining our community.... Continue Reading →
Chickens, Chickens Everywhere!
This afternoon, we ambled down to the allotment to sort out the chickens. Feeding the chickens in the garden is always fun as the silkies are becoming increasingly tame, running to the door to get to their food first. On the other side of the garden, Gordon and his gang of girls are always at... Continue Reading →
Autumn Sunshine
Early this morning I pottered down to the allotment to check on the chickens. It was a beautiful warm autumn day. Almost no clouds and the sun shining bright was enough to entice most of the plot holders down to the site. Opening up the shed, I greeted the Weed Destroyers and headed off to... Continue Reading →
Keeping Out of Beak Range
Exhausted after another manic week, my husband and I pottered down to the allotment late this afternoon. As we arrived, we ran into Pam. I stopped to chat whilst my husband got to work feeding the chickens. All of our feathery charges are well and were distinctly unimpressed with the lateness of their daily treats.... Continue Reading →
Daydreaming
In all the chaos of the past two weeks, I have, in rare the few quiet moments, found myself daydreaming about being at the allotment. It has brought home to me how big a part it plays in our lives. Strange though it is to think, there was a time when we didn't have an... Continue Reading →
Marauding Bantams
Between the showers, we dashed down to feed the chickens at the allotment. Fortunately, we chose our moment well and remained dry the entire visit! The Buff Orpington has taken up residence on the perches and although still very timid, she does seem to be holding her own against the others. I was even able... Continue Reading →
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