Page 39 - ALG Issue 4 2020

The things you agree to after a couple of pints!
The memory of first seeing this plot is still fresh in our minds. It was January 24th 2019 – a cold sunny day, 19 months ago. Armed with an array of cutting tools ranging from an ancient hedge-layering blade to a chain saw, we managed to cut a walkway to an open patch at the centre. This area was the last patch to be cultivated several years ago; the rest was mostly brambles, small trees and weeds.
After a week, most of the brambles
had been hacked to ground level and we brought in a digger to remove the deep roots and tree stumps. Several
old foundations were also discovered including a historical pigeon loft base erected by Chris’s grandad after WW2, which was dismantled brick by brick. Once the ground had been cleared, we were left with a reasonable path along the top, a dilapidated greenhouse and
a large base from a former garage in the bottom corner. Unfortunately, the brambles had supported the fence; on removing them, the fence fell down and had to be replaced too. The piece of land on which the loft had stood would be the first to be cultivated. It was a good-sized strip, edged by the fence and path, nothing had been grown here for over 70 years! Sleepers were used to hold back the soil; our first bed was taking shape.
Looking at the dimensions, we made the decision to create another four
identical sized beds. This would be
the plan for a 4- year rotation system and give us one permanent bed. With this in mind, Chris drew up plans on CAD which formed the basic design
for the plot (see attachment). The plan included: four beds to rotate year by year; a permanent bed for winter crops, fruit, asparagus and mushrooms; a substantial brick greenhouse with attached storage shed and a fruit bed behind the greenhouse. As the ground was being prepared and divided up into equal size beds, bricks were salvaged from an old building under renovation; they were all cleaned by hand. A new foundation slab was laid over the existing one and building began.
A set of reclaimed 1930s steel framed windows and roof clay pantiles from an old barn were cleaned and restored.
A small log burner with hotplate for
the kettle has been added to the shed and comes in handy during those cold winter months. This year we have added the cold frame, again built from salvaged bricks and old window frames – this has proved to be very useful in spring when the greenhouse is full. Young plants were raised at home and transferred to the newly prepared beds. It was rewarding to watch the bramble patch transform into a working garden with a new greenhouse, shed and cold frame evolving alongside maturing vegetables. Water was a problem, so we re-excavated a substantial old well and more recently have added a 1000 litre tank above ground and excavated a 1000 litre reservoir underground.
We do employ technology to help with: planning and recording; scheduling planting; success and failure with varieties; fertilisers and manures.
On top of this we are surrounded by excellent gardeners who have offered us advice, encouragement and support throughout.
In its second year, the garden almost appears mature; we do like this time
of the year when we can sit back and take in what we have achieved. The additional bonus of course is a plentiful supply of fresh fruit and vegetables not only for us but family and friends who appreciate the benefits of fresh produce and the joy gardening brings through all seasons.
Geoff Perry
Image Credit: Geoff Perry Photography www.geoffperryphotography.co.uk geoff.perry57@me.com
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 39