2020 Covid-19 Memories
Katy Kerr, West Mains Allotments
This year has been tough but, on the 11th March 2020 I was given a half plot and the key to the allotment gates at West Mains less than 2 weeks before lockdown. How fortunate was that! A key to happiness, peace and calm, ….. And, a key to new friends.
Not having had a plot before or having done much in the way of growing fruit & veg, this year is a steep learning curve. But, being unable to go into work every day and being away from family my half plot has been a haven. The focus switched almost instantly from all the things I couldn’t do to all the things I could attempt to grow on the plot. Books were bought online, You-tube videos watched, the radio 4 gardening program and Gardeners’ World has become must hear/see programs in my weekly to-do list.
It has been fantastic to be able to spend so much time outside, in beautiful weather, digging, pulling up weeds, sowing seeds with the sound of the frogs from the pond croaking nearby. I’ve seen more butterflies and bumblebees in a day that I’d normally see in a season. Answering calls on my mobile for work, it's been very obvious to the caller that I’m outside as they have commented on the sound of birds singing in the background.
Full of enthusiasm, the plot was quickly filled leaving little space to grow anything else in the way of autumn and winter crops. It’s likely that everything will be ready to harvest at the same time, but it is a learning curve and I’m looking forward to my first harvest, sharing produce with family and friends and planning the coming years. What a treat!
Not having had a plot before or having done much in the way of growing fruit & veg, this year is a steep learning curve. But, being unable to go into work every day and being away from family my half plot has been a haven. The focus switched almost instantly from all the things I couldn’t do to all the things I could attempt to grow on the plot. Books were bought online, You-tube videos watched, the radio 4 gardening program and Gardeners’ World has become must hear/see programs in my weekly to-do list.
It has been fantastic to be able to spend so much time outside, in beautiful weather, digging, pulling up weeds, sowing seeds with the sound of the frogs from the pond croaking nearby. I’ve seen more butterflies and bumblebees in a day that I’d normally see in a season. Answering calls on my mobile for work, it's been very obvious to the caller that I’m outside as they have commented on the sound of birds singing in the background.
Full of enthusiasm, the plot was quickly filled leaving little space to grow anything else in the way of autumn and winter crops. It’s likely that everything will be ready to harvest at the same time, but it is a learning curve and I’m looking forward to my first harvest, sharing produce with family and friends and planning the coming years. What a treat!