Adventures in the life of an English allotment
So when I arrived down on site this afternoon, I discovered that Cliff's black leghorn who have been trying desperately to save from suspected gapeworm/respiratory infection had died. It looks like she went peacefully in her sleep which is a blessing. I immediately rang Cliff to let him know what had happened. Slightly saddened that... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
We awoke to rain this morning. A steady drizzle which lasted all day and is forecast to continue tomorrow. Fortunately, I only needed to pop to the allotment briefly to check on the chickens. I quickly opened up the shed and shoved some kale into the Omlet coop for Roxy, Trixy and Foxy. They of... Continue Reading →
As things get more and more stressful at work, the escape outdoors becomes essential. After spending hours wrestling with a mountain of paperwork, I snuck out for an hour to the allotment. It's amazing what an hour surrounded by green space can do to your mood. I left feeding the chickens until later in the... Continue Reading →
Up and out early this morning after making a few phone calls. The sun was out again although the temperature was distinctly cooler than yesterday morning. On site I found Derek busy clearing Plot 8. It's in a dreadful mess after a couple of years of flooding and minimal cultivation. I joined him but didn't... Continue Reading →
After completing a few jobs in town, I arrived at the allotment just in time to put the stove on and begin lunch. With the weather so warm and sunny, especially for September, I made the most of it by bringing down sausages and rolls. I bought two packs thinking there would be lots of... Continue Reading →
This morning I ran down to the allotment armed with paperwork and a laptop for the first meeting of the new committee. I suspected it might be a long meeting as there hasn't been a committee meeting in a few years. There was a lot to discuss! Afterwards, I ambled back to the shed and... Continue Reading →
I ambled down to site this morning to discover the sunshine had tempted out lots of people. I say and chatted with Geoff, Cliff and Michael. Geoff has decided to give away two of his Rhode Island Reds as they have been bullying his other girls quite badly. He is completely unimpressed with collecting a... Continue Reading →
This morning before work, the AP's and I walked down to the allotment. After several days of overcast skies and rain, the sun had appeared. Our first priority was to check on Phil's Buff Orpington. There was condensation on the inside of the greenhouse so I opened up the front and back doors to get... Continue Reading →
Over the past two days, the chickens in the main coop have been messing with me. They have a beautiful nest house with a lovely large nest box to lay in. Any hen would surely appreciate that set up. But not our girls! To my horror, I discovered an egg in the poo bucket! What... Continue Reading →
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