2020 Covid-19 Memories
Patricia Baillie Strong, Claremont Gardens

Having an allotment at a time of national crisis has been a lifeline.
It was quite challenging as I didn't have all the seeds I normally have and I couldn't get to the shops. I resorted to sending away for things. However, this rather came unstuck when I ordered strawberry plants in May to be told they would only arrive in January. I also didn't have any straw for covering the strawberries but my kind neighbour gave me some.
Every day that I go down to the allotment is different. What will I come back with? Usually quite a lot, taking a fair amount of time to process at home.
This year, I have grown mangetout peas, chard, spinach, lettuce, four different varieties of potato, tomatoes, courgettes, a wee pumpkin, cape gooseberries, lettuce, leeks, globe artichokes. Today, I came away with four punnets of the most wonderful autumn raspberries and my plum tree has been laden with plums.
The different plot keepers at Claremont have excelled themselves this year. Their plots look really beautiful and are so well tended. With more time on their hands to devote to gardening, this shows in the results. What a wonderful privilege we have been given.
It was quite challenging as I didn't have all the seeds I normally have and I couldn't get to the shops. I resorted to sending away for things. However, this rather came unstuck when I ordered strawberry plants in May to be told they would only arrive in January. I also didn't have any straw for covering the strawberries but my kind neighbour gave me some.
Every day that I go down to the allotment is different. What will I come back with? Usually quite a lot, taking a fair amount of time to process at home.
This year, I have grown mangetout peas, chard, spinach, lettuce, four different varieties of potato, tomatoes, courgettes, a wee pumpkin, cape gooseberries, lettuce, leeks, globe artichokes. Today, I came away with four punnets of the most wonderful autumn raspberries and my plum tree has been laden with plums.
The different plot keepers at Claremont have excelled themselves this year. Their plots look really beautiful and are so well tended. With more time on their hands to devote to gardening, this shows in the results. What a wonderful privilege we have been given.