Page 14 - ALG Issue 4 2023

national allotments week
An Award Winning Transformation
Our annual open day this year took place on the last Saturday of National Allotments Week here in sunny Leicester.
As usual we had stalls of fruit and vegetables, homemade cakes and coffees for visitors from our local community, friends, members and their families.
Traditionally the summer open day
is the day we award our trophies for
our best kept plots. This year the
John Yorke trophy – dedicated to our longest serving trustee – was presented to Richard and Jess as our Best Newcomers.
The plot they inherited was a mess of old timber, netting and dead plants. There was a new shed, which was bought with the help of a Leicester Fosse Ward grant. But that was the only positive this young couple gained when taking on plot 7. They signed
up and joined our allotment society
at the end of February this year. Both work full time and care for their rescue dachshund Blossom, who visits as often as she can.
Who would have thought they could work miracles? Because by July they were voted best newcomers by our society committee, gaining 100% of the votes.
Richard and Jess began with clearing the debris and taking it to the local
tip. Then they planned out some
raised beds to cultivate the vegetables they like to eat. The paths placed strategically to access the beds and had pea gravel delivered to cover the mipex. A metal arch was built over the gateway for a pink and white rose, with a secure gate. Then a decorative arbour embellished the dahlia bed to entice
the bees. This is the spot they chose for their patio table and chairs, for a cooling drink in the sun with their family.
The couple watered and weeded in their spare time, between work and home life and popping down at weekends
to harvest their produce. They have worked wonders in such a short time.
It may not be the biggest plot on the allotment site, but it certainly turns heads and is a pleasure to see. It gives hope to everyone taking on and struggling with an untidy or deserted plot, as it rates as a remarkable effort
in creating a garden out of a pile of rubbish.
We are all watching this space for next year’s best kept plot because I’m sure they will give us all a run for our money. Good luck Richard and Jess for 2024.
Groby Road Allotments
By July they were voted best newcomers
14 Allotment and Leisure Gardener