Allotment and Leisure Gardener Issue No 2 • 2011

TEGS page 13 Community garden page 32 Plug plants page 34

National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners PROTECT PROMOTE PRESERVE £2 15 Kg (40Ltr) Bag £3.95 + vat delivered 100% ORGANIC FERTILISER PRODUCED FOR OVER 25 YEARS, COMPOSTED, MILLED AND OVEN HEATED AT OVER 200O C TO PRODUCE A SAFE AND ECONOMICAL PRODUCT

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Send orders to: Please send me:- 66 Bags of Groworganic @ £3.95 plus vat per bag ORGANICO LIMITED 33 Bags of Groworganic @ £4.25 plus vat per bag 60 8Kg buckets of pellets @ £4.00 plus vat per bucket DEPT 4, HAYES ROAD 100 (pallet) 8Kg buckets of pellets @ £3.50 plus vat per bucket COMPTON DUNDON 100 (pallet) 10Kg bags of pellets @ £3.50 plus vat per bag NR. SOMERTON 25 20Kg bags of pellets @£6.40 plus vat per bag SOMERSET 55 (pallet) 20Kg bags of pellets @ £5.95 plus vat per bag TA11 6PF (tick appropriate box) Name ______Address ______TEL: 01458 272202 ______FAX: 01458 273337 Post Code ______Tel Number ______NO CHEQUES REQUIRED - Delivery and payment arranged through our wholesaler

2 Contact details Allotment and Leisure Gardener Issue 2 • 2011 Head Office Secretary: Mrs D McDaid Administration: Mrs K Maher, Mrs E McInally & Mr I Blaikie, Rakhi Arora Legal Advisor: Mrs Liz Bunting 9 13 Officers of the Society President: Mr C Nickerson Chairman: Mr A Rees MBE Vice Chairman: Mrs S Fleetwood Treasurer: Mr D Rawlings Local Authority Representative Cllr Mrs J Wood Standing Orders Committee Acting Chairman: Mr I Crawford Mr P Lofts, Mr D Gibbs PLEASE NOTE: NSALG enquiries should be made to: Head Office, O’Dell House, Hunters Road, Corby, Northants NN17 5JE Tel: 01536 266576 Fax: 01536 264509 email: [email protected] web: www.nsalg.org.uk

Design, Print and Advertising Sales Crest Publications 20, Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton, NN3 6AP Tel: 01604 670820 email: [email protected] Front cover Rakhi Arora from NSALG Head Office advising interested parties at The Edible Garden Show Cover photograph ALG Issue 1.2011 ‘Jack & Ron’ from Mottram Allotments This wonderful image was provided by Dionne Cyprus. You can view more of her 18 22 work at: www.dionnecyprus.co.uk. This information was missed from the contents page in the previous edition. SUBMISSIONS ADVICE Letters and articles for publication should be sent to: NSALG Head Office CLOSING DATES: Issue 3 2011: 21/6/2011 Magazine Submissions: All submissions MUST be typewritten and sent by post or email to Head Office. Articles should be limited to 600 words. We will wherever possible include articles that are sent in by post but cannot guarantee their inclusion. When submitting articles, please provide name, addresss, phone number and e-mail address if applicable. If submitting by email, the subject line should 32 34 read ‘NSALG magazine’. Photographs and images: In this issue… Ideally your images should be of good resolution, 300dpi (photos taken with Regions & reps...... 4 Plug plants...... 34 mobile phones are not good enough Chairman’s Comments ...... 5 Origins of ALG ...... 38 quality). Send photos via email preferably Legal ...... 7 or originals in the post (photocopies / AROUND THE REGIONS printed copies will not be used). Letters...... 8 Book Review...... 10 Northern...... 39 If you need help with any of the above please call Jayne at Crest Publications FEATURES Yorkshire ...... 43 on: 01604 495495 or email: TEGS report...... 13 North West...... 45 [email protected] Questions and Answers...... 18 West Midlands ...... 49 NSALG Management Committee, Officers, Editor and Publishers, do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors Seeds of life after stroke...... 22 Eastern...... 52 to this magazine and do not accept any responsibility for any errors in transmission in the subject matter of this publication. All National Allotment Garden Trust...... 24 South West ...... 57 advertisements are included in good faith and NSALG Management Committee, Officers, Editor and Publishers, cannot Celebrate compost ...... 26 Wales ...... 58 therefore accept any responsibility for any services offered by advertisers. No part of this publication may be reproduced Onions et al...... 31 without express written permission of the Society and Publishers. New garden community...... 32 Competitions/Giveaway ...... 36

3 Regions and reps

NORTHERN Northumbrland and Tyne and Wear • County Durham • Cleveland • Cumbria • Scotland Mr Peter Horrocks 6 Moor Road North, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 1AD Tel: 0191 285 6412 Email: [email protected]

YORKSHIRE North Yorkshire • West Yorkshire • South Yorkshire • Parts of Humberside Peter Horrocks Mr Tony Heeson Regional Rep 25 The Broadway, Balby, Doncaster DN4 9BS Mr Tony Heeson Tel: 01302 851557 • Email: [email protected] Regional Rep

NORTH WEST Lancashire • Greater Manchester • Merseryside • Cheshire Mr David Morris 54 Princes Boulevard, Wirral, Merseryside CH63 5LW Tel: 0151 512 3882 • Email: [email protected]

EAST MIDLANDS Lincolnshire • Nottinghamshire • Derbyshire • Leicestershire • Northamptonshire Mrs Shirley Fleetwood Mr D Morris 1 Veronica Drive, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 3QS Regional Rep Tel: 0115 952 6920 • Email: [email protected] Mrs S Fleetwood Regional Rep WEST MIDLANDS Staffordshire • West Midlands • Warwickshire • Shropshire • Herefordshire • Worcestershire Mr Maurice Lander 4 Franciscan Road, Coventry CV3 6HB Tel: 02476 502362 • Email: [email protected]

EASTERN Buckinghamshire • Norfolk • Suffolk • Cambridgeshire • Bedfordshire • Hertfordshire • Essex and parts of London Mrs Karen Kenny 197 Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 5DA Mr Maurice Lander Tel: 07712 766916 • Email: [email protected] Regional Rep Karen Kenny SOUTH EAST Regional Rep Kent and parts of London • Surrey • Sussex Mr Peter Neame 46 Sunnyhill Road, Herne Bay CT6 8LU Tel: 01227 362321 or 07742915297 Email: [email protected]

SOUTHERN Oxfordshire • Berkshire • Wiltshire • Gloucestershire • Hampshire • Isle of Wight Mr Tim Cann 8 Nicholas Avenue, Old Marston, Oxford OX3 0RN Mr Peter Neame Tel: 01865 202104 • Email: [email protected] Regional Rep SOUTH WEST Mr Tim Cann Dorset • Avon • Somerset • Devon • Cornwall Regional Rep Mr Alan Cavill 6 Pinney Close, Comeytrowe, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4NW Tel: 07748 178964 • Email: [email protected]

WALES Glamorganshire • Gwent • Dyfed • Powys • Clywd Mr Allan Rees MBE 77 Eustace Drive, Bryncethin, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF32 9EX Tel: 01656 721865 • Email: [email protected] Allan Cavill Regional Rep 4 Mr A Rees MBE Regional Rep Head Office Chairman’s Comments

As I mentioned in the last magazine regarding insurance, I can look at their obligation to provide assure everyone that we are endeavouring to get a better deal allotments. for us all. Those of you who are considering leaving the society because of insurance costs, please think again and look at the Rents have been at the forefront of benefits we provide outside of insurance. With professional much media reporting. I always refer staff, we provide legal advice, a large amount of information, them to the Reigate and Barnstead guidance and training. We are also attending Central Judgement, but I also explain under the Government meetings on a regular basis and working with Freedom of Information Act you can other organisations closely to ensure the protection of our request how much other recreational allotments. What other organisation would support its members leisure facilities were subsidised during the year. It is incredible to the tune of £35,000 on legal issues? Not many! That is our that millions can be spent maintaining leisure services and total legal spend for 2010 plus we employ a legal person in the nothing on allotments. It is a worthwhile exercise for you all to office. So you see, there are a lot of benefits even if we do not do in your area and let us know the results. From information I get things right every time the positives outweigh the negatives. received a £185,000 subsidy was given for a swimming pool (yes one pool!) in a medium sized town, nothing on allotments. Over the years I have never understood why members do not purchase from our seed scheme with Kings Seeds; a purchase Having been a little bit of a sport person in the past I do not of £12 or more and ordering before the middle of wish to see the demise of our sports and leisure November societies can get 17.5% discount (£2 on £12). facilities; far from it and I wholeheartedly This will actually pay for your association membership; encourage more, but let’s look after our anything else is a bonus to your society. Most of you allotments in the same way. are aware that seed prices are almost half price, on some items less than half, plus Since last reporting that training courses you can get further discounts of up to were going to be held there have been two 22.5%. of these and these have proved to be very successful. Thanks to Karen Kenny and all There seems to be a feeling of concern by the office staff who have assisted in this some local authority landowners in combined project. We look forward to relation to land adjacent to settlements. holding more of these throughout the These parcels of land would make year. ideal allotments; however, they would be of more value for This year we are very much involved with development and Local the Edible Garden Show. By the time you Government on occasion have receive this issue of the magazine you will to realise their assets. It should know the results. Again a lot of work has gone not be problematic to turn these into this project as for other shows coming up parcels of land into allotments on a temporary in the next few months. As an organisation we basis and when the time comes to look at are grateful to everyone who takes part working towards development part of the proceeds of sale could be used promoting allotments in the UK. Also to all those who are to obtain alternative allotment land if the demand still exists. officials in societies, the Management Committee, members Private landowners need not be concerned in that the land can who stay loyal to our cause and everyone at head office who be leased to individuals or societies but can be reclaimed within make the work load a little lighter. Thank you for all your hard 12 months. My first plot was on a private site; most land in work and dedication which is very much appreciated. previous years especially during both wars was supplied by farmers. Anyone with concerns should contact the office who With the growing season now upon us I wish you all a bumper will be able to offer assistance. harvest. Allan Rees MBE I keep being asked what the different types of allotments are. Statutory Allotments are where a local authority have obtained or specifically adapted that parcel of land as an allotment. Temporary allotments are where land has been earmarked for Profile on you – be another purpose but allowing the land to be used until required for that purpose. Private is land let for allotments by a person on the front cover! who owns the land. ‘Individual experiences from the allotment’ We, as an organisation, support all gardening in whatever Whoever, wherever you are, whatever you grow, why not format; however, there is a feeling among some that local tell us a little about yourself? Don’t be shy! authorities are using those other forms of gardening as an We may be able to come to you to take some alternative to allotments. Legislation is in place and professional photographs of you on your allotment to governments up to the 1950s recognised the importance of feature on the front page. retaining allotments within the community and that is why within the Allotment Acts there are ways of forming co- Please supply approx 400 words/ good quality images operatives, allowing groups to garden but maintaining the and your contact details and we will be in touch – protection for allotments, they had the foresight to recognise [email protected] this. We urge Government at all levels to recognise this and

5 information secretary's report Join us!

Join the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Since the start of the year we have been extremely busy here today and receive a free copy of Kitchen Garden Magazine. at Head Office. Rakhi Arora was taken on under a graduate scheme. She certainly made an impact on the Society and we Membership benefits include: decided to keep her on, on a temporary basis, in a marketing • Discounted seed scheme capacity. We wanted her to primarily consider how we can • Quarterly magazine attract new members in a certain region or to get in touch • Specialist insurance for your site with members who had for some reason or another not • Advice and guidance on legal matters renewed their membership. This has proved to be a worthwhile exercise and she will be focusing on all the other Affiliation fees: regions. She has also created a ‘twitter’ account for the • Societies per member £2 (minimum fee £20) Society. Twitter is an efficient marketing tool and gives you • Individual members £20 Life members £300 short, timely messages on what is happening in the allotment • Local authorities £55+VAT world. Visit the site at www.twitter.com/nsalg.

For further details contact NSALG Ltd, O’Dell House, Hunters When Geoff died I knew that I would have some large boots Road, Corby NN17 5JE Tel 01536 266576 Fax 01536 264509 to fill. In time I hope to have gleaned enough knowledge to do email: [email protected] just that. The help and support I have received from everyone web: www.nsalg.org.uk to download an application form. at the Society has been overwhelming and I thank you all for that. My gardening skills are getting better; I have actually grown some vegetables in my back garden with a little help from our regional reps and Les Day from Kings Seeds! I have Get your own personal copy of been very proud of the results. Allotment and Leisure Gardener Liz Bunting, our Legal Advisor and I have both attended meetings with the Department for Communities and Local I would like to receive a copy of the quarterly magazine of the Government and have been in consultation with them National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners regarding planning permission for sheds and greenhouses. We would like local authorities to be more consistent when it Members comes to planning permission, and hopefully we can come up Please deliver to my address shown below: with a solution. We also attended a meeting hosted by the £6.00 for 4 issues Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which was well attended by other liked-minded organisations and Non members looked at private land being used for allotments and other Please deliver to my address shown below (non member) food growing initiatives. The end result will be to provide £12.00 for 4 issues some frequently asked questions and legal analysis to help private landowners achieve their goals. Name of Affiliated Association (must be supplied) We have just returned from the Edible Garden Show at Name ...... Stoneleigh – 18-20 March. NSALG sponsored the Potting Shed in the middle of the hall and we had our stand in the Address ...... corner and also a guest garden with a greenhouse. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience and we have had some really ...... positive feedback to pass on to the organisers. At the show I also met Jim Paice, Minister for Food and Agriculture. I said Post code...... that allotment holders are the forerunners of the Big Society and that Central Government encourages us to be aware of our carbon footprint and consider air miles. Allotment holders Deliver to...... do all of those things and should not be penalised with hefty rent increases. If you attended, please let us know what you Address ...... thought. We’re also holding our AGM at Stoneleigh, so if you haven’t done so already, please send in your delegate/proxy ...... form. If you have misplaced it, then get in touch with us and we will send another one to you, or visit our website and Post code...... download one. I look forward to meeting you all there.

Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to: NSALG Ltd and sent to: Donna McDaid O’Dell House, Hunters Road, Corby, NN17 5JE

If you have any queries, telephone 01536 266576 Fax: 01536 264509 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nsalg.org.uk

6 legal Health and Safety for Associations and your Volunteers By Liz Bunting Legal Advisor

A volunteer is defined as a person who commits time and A recent case highlights the need to take these responsibilities energy for the benefit of others; this is undertaken freely, very seriously; a young child was hospitalised after daubing through personal choice and without expectation of financial himself with a paintbrush left in a toilet of a cricket club. In this reward, except in some cases the payment of out of pocket instance the club were fined £8,000 between them for expenses. breaching health and safety regulations.

Despite the ever-increasing numbers of volunteers in all There are key areas of health and safety that every organisation organisations (approximately 22 million people volunteer each should examine, not all of these are legally binding on year) the legal obligations towards these people with regard to organisations that do not employ staff. Where an organisation health and safety are less clear than they are for employees. has no employees, it may not be able to achieve the same However, associations do have legal obligations towards their standards of health and safety as required for employees in the volunteers and it is good practice to treat volunteers with equal short term. However, by setting a timetable to aim to consideration when it comes to health and safety and indeed accomplish this you will be demonstrating to your volunteers the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend this. Visit and the outside world, the value you place on them and their the website www.hse.gov.uk/simplification/charity.htm. The efforts. The main areas that should be reviewed include: HSE have a publication ‘Charity and Voluntary Workers - a guide to health and safety’; this is currently suspended and due • Health and Safety Policy to be reprinted and available later in 2011. • Risk Assessments • First Aid Requirements The common law duty of care is a general duty on all • Insurance – Public Liability and Employer’s Liability organisations and this has been developed by the courts over many years. This duty is regardless of the size of the Any organisation employing staff, regardless of size or location, organisation, its income or whether the organisation has paid must register its existence with the Health and Safety Executive staff. If a volunteer is given a task, which results in them or the local Environmental Health Department. In the case of injuring themselves or anyone else, the members of the organisations with volunteers only, this would not be a governing body may be liable. A duty of care may arise in requirement, unless involved in dangerous activities, such as numerous ways and may not always be obvious, for example putting on firework displays. Groups that have a responsibility loaning equipment to others, selling food on a charity stall, for buildings would have to register with the local fire authority organising day excursions. Liability will depend on establishing and where food is prepared, stored, supplied or sold on five or that the organisation failed to take reasonable care and it would more days in any five week period, they must register with the then be for the courts to decide whether the actions taken were local Environmental Health Department. unreasonable.

Data Protection Act 1998 – Releasing Information to Prevent or Detect Crime

Many Associations have been asked by the police to release Do I have to release the personal information requested? personal information to help them detect a crime, or catch Most people would want to help the police in the and prosecute a suspect. This article is a brief guide to your circumstances but it is up to the Association to decide organisations responsibilities. whether you release personal information under this exemption. Does the Data Protection Act 1998 stop me releasing this personal information? Recommended good practice No, there is an exemption under the Act, which allows you to • Select a person or group of people within your organisation give out personal information for these purposes. This is to make the decision whether or not to release personal covered under Section 29 which deals with Crime and information under the exemption. Taxation; however, there are limits on what you can release. • Ask for the request to be made in writing and signed by someone of sufficient authority. Who might ask me to release personal information under • Make a record of each decision you make and the reasons this exemption? why you came to that particular decision. The police are the most likely but it could be other organisations that have a crime prevention or law Liz Bunting enforcement function e.g. Department for Works and NSALG Legal Advisor Pensions – Benefit Fraud Section.

7 Letters Regarding the booklet ‘Wildlife on Allotments’ – I have found a new game!

The wood shavings used as bedding in stables is thrown out in Come on birdies bring me some orchids! the spring and horse owners are glad to get rid of it. Diane Bulley Kettering, Northants I spread four compost bags of it on a section of my plot last year. Two days later it had been thrown all over the place by wild birds rummaging for insects. I grumbled and raked it up, then they did it again. I dug it in in September and then due to illness I was unable to dig in spring. In April I just went round In response to: Potato with my three pronged hoe rootling the soil surface to remove winter weeds. article - Issue 2.2010

In May I rootled again and I discovered lots of different wild I write in reference to the ‘Potato article’ (Issue 2.2010). flower plants. It was unbelievable! The seeds had stuck to the feathers and claws of the birds and fallen off onto the soil and I am concerned regarding ‘Aminopyrlid’ and the paragraph germinated. stating, ‘I found the following results…’ where Ray Fardon states he ‘had an outstanding crop’. He did not say what he In June and July I identified 34 different wild flowers that I never did with the crop, I just hope he did not eat them or pass had before. I took the field guide with me next time I went down them to family and friends. The ‘Aminopyrlid’ can survive and wrote labels for every one - the Common Name and Latin going through the grass, hay and horse, then stand for three Name. years before being applied to the allotment. To cause the damage to the foliage it must pass into the potato even if the I am going to do it again this year, its great fun. Because they crop is plentiful, clean and smooth. What will be the effect don’t have to compete with couch grass in fields, wild flowers on future generations if eaten? are very happy on my plot. I have heard that wild orchids are Jack Doodes seeded onto marginal field land in the same way.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Recipe from ‘What will I do with all those Root Vegetables’

Cream of Parsnip Soup

The sweet but earthy flavour of parsnips blends well with the simple ingredients that go into this soup recipe

2 tablespoons butter 1 large leek, chopped 3-4 parsnips, peeled and sliced 1 stalk celery, sliced 1 small- medium potato, diced 32fl oz (900ml) chicken broth Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 8oz (225ml or 1 cup) light or single cream

1. Melt the butter in a large pot and sauté the leeks until soft.

2. Add parsnips, celery, potato, broth, salt and pepper. Cover pot and bring to the boil. Then reduce heat and simmer with cover on until vegetables are tender, about 20mins

3. Purée in a food processor or blender

4. Return to pot over gentle heat and stir in the cream. Correct seasoning and heat before serving

Serves 6-8

8 Successful Grant Application

I have been a member of the society for about two years and the first magazine I read included an article asking for information on how allotment sites could obtain grants to upgrade facilities and how hard it was.

I applied to Birmingham Community Foundation on behalf of Hucker Road Allotment Site for a portacabin, chemical toilet, three petrol tillers and other tools. The request was granted and £5000 was allocated within a couple of months of completing all paperwork required.

I would say to anyone thinking of applying - do so without fail! I found the charity to be most helpful in all ways and communication was by mail, email and phone; nothing was too much trouble. David Rumley Hucker Road Allotment Site

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Simple addition to your site 
 could improve gardening    

   habits of members forever /// // 

/  /585/ // Help your plotholders spend a penny and save "&/ / 8-,,-, some precious daylight hours !"' / 1,0)0 / "' 
With summer just around the corner, the need for a loo on your allotment site is at its highest, as members try to take full advantage of the longer daylight hours. Installing a Kazubaloo could be the solution, as the Finchley Horticultural Society decided when improving the Gordon Road Allotments in London.

As well as allowing members to work 54325)00/ 554 on their plots for longer, they also chose the Kazubaloo due to its 54325)00/ 5544325)00/ 4325)00/ environmentally friendly credentials and its ability to accommodate the less mobile at the allotments. Furthermore, it                proved to be the most cost effective option, taking only five to six             years to recoup its cost compared to the cost of a chemical loo. ./  // '$" $!  Andrew Brown of the Finchley Horticultural Society says “we’ve ./ $ $$ ' // "$! ""#" had the Kazubaloo since 2009 and are delighted with it – ./ //!$ ""% / '&!"" "$! everyone can now spend as much time as they like at their ./ ""!#" // "'$'"#'$%& allotments without being interrupted. The fact that the new / //!"& !&% / / "% !&%#" &#' system is more cost effective, environmentally friendly and can . //"&!#!&% !" $$## //" '& $$ !& $$## '& be accessed by wheelchair users is just a huge bonus.” ./

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9 Book Reviews Mediterranean The Zest Hive

Kitchen Garden by Bill Summers Paperback Published by Quexata Publishing Author: Mariano Bueno Available to buy in hard copy and to Published by Francis Lincoln Ltd. download from www.zest-hive.com ISBN 978 0 7112 3064 4 Price: £11.00 (inc £1.00 p&p) or Price £25 downloadable version £2.50

Mariano Bueno’s book gives a comprehensive introduction to Watching the decline of bee health, the the organic production of vegetables and fruit in a author of the ZEST Hive book became resolved to improve it. Mediterranean climate; its value is that expertise is passed on With a day job as a Registered Architect and also a beekeeper in English for those who may find the understanding of he was well placed to see that the design of wood hives, technical information difficult in the local language. The clarity unchanged for 160 years, needed addressing, being prone to and organisation of the book should encourage those novice cold and damp conditions that cause and exacerbate disease. expatriate gardeners with a few square yards of spare space to Mr Summers states that all creatures (except fish) can be cold “grow their own” by providing practical information to get them OR damp, but cold AND damp kills bees, often in exotic and started on useful food production. unpleasant ways.

The author covers the basic establishment of a plot, explains the With knowledge of designing the value of and means of compost production, and describes ways built environment and of the of providing sufficient water dry climates. It also gives modern materials available to do information on the sowing and growing of vegetables and the so, he set about redesigning the production of fruit, main diseases, and has a helpful list of bee hive from first principles. His seasonal tasks. There is also a section on the creation of an ambition was to increase the health aromatic and medicinal garden, and an introduction to gardening of bees and to drastically reduce using the lunar calendar and companion planting, approaches the cost of keeping them by that are more common on the continent than in the UK. employing the principles of sustainability. Very little of the old Perhaps the author attempts to cover too much within an wood hives remained after the introductory volume, which leads to some inconsistencies. As design objectives had been well as describing the major varieties of fruit, with planting, care researched and tested over 3 years. and harvesting discussed in some depth, there is a section on grafting and propagation, which is relevant to the more The author does not limit his thoughts to saving the planet and experienced gardener, whereas further information about the all the creatures upon it, but ranges across the spectrum of effect of the wide range of Mediterranean local climates would current "”bee nonsense” in which holy cows such as the have been useful. “Waggle Tail Dance”, breeding the “Hygenic Bee”, “Heating Hives” in winter and Varroa are comprehensively dealt with. Overall it is a good introduction to the establishment of a kitchen garden in conditions more extreme than those currently encoun - This is a book for the experienced beekeeper that has grown tered in the UK; in the future the information could prove useful weary of their bees dying of disease and not yielding bumper closer to home, if the climate continues to change as predicted. crops of honey. It is also a book for the beginner who is consid - Peter Beacock ering taking up beekeeping in a modern and sustainable way. The Allotment Source Book

By Caroline Foley Published by New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd. ISBN: 978 1 84773 664 2 RRP: £20

For those taking on an allotment, this is the book for you. It is the definitive guide to all you need to know, from seeking an allotment to its cultivation and responsibilities and rights as a plot holder.

Advice is clear, concise and practical and the illustrations are good too. Especially valuable are the directions for fruit and vegetables. The dealing with pests and diseases from an organic point of view is interesting.

This is not just for beginners; old hands will find this guide just as desirable and refreshing.

Unusually there are chapters on the history of allotments and the law relating to them. Mike Townsend MBE, Chairman, Galmington Allotment Association

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11 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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12 TEGS report Thousands ensure The Edible Garden Show launch is a smash hit

Gardening and food lovers turned out in their thousands for the UK’s first ever national event for grow-your-own fruit and vegetables, The Edible Garden Show (18-20 March 2011).

Crowds were queuing to get in before the doors opened and Jim Paice MP; Minister of State described the event as an “amazing success” for agriculture and food. Mr Paice was accompanied by TV gardening expert Diarmuid Gavin who officially opened the show.

Along with praise and support for the event from Diarmuid, TV presenter James Wong, host of BBC’s Grow-Your-Own Drugs, also added: “so exciting to see everything you could ever need under one roof. The only down side is I think I’ve maxed my credit cards already!” Rachel Green, award-winning TV chef was absolutely bowled over by the number of visitors, “I can’t believe how busy it is!”

Maurice’s wellies Christine Brown & Maurice Lander

13 Our very own Society took a central location in the hall in an area called ‘The Potting Shed’ and they were kept very busy, giving advice and answering questions. Donna McDaid, Rakhi Arora and Iain Blaikie manned the stand on the first day, Karen Maher and Liz McInally on Saturday and Donna and Rakhi were back on the final day accompanied by Liz Bunting and her husband. They had additional help from many willing volunteers and the President, Colin Nickerson, attended on Friday.

‘The Potting Shed’ also included an area for people to sit and listen to expect advice on potting and planting. Amongst others talks were given by Christine Brown (Birmingham & District Allotment Council –BDAC) and Maurice Lander (West Midlands Regional Representative).

Not far from ‘The Potting Shed’ an allotment garden had also been designed and displayed by Christine and members of the West Midlands region including Maurice. The garden featured a pair of Maurice’s old wellington boots which he had apparently been wearing shortly before they were filled with soil!

The event catered for all; there was a wide range of educational grow-your-own projects targeted at children and incentives and ideas for those that don’t have a garden to grow fruit and vegetables. There are a lot of clever ways of growing!

All in all, a success!

Next year’s Edible Garden Show will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from 16-18 March 2012.

For exhibitor or sponsorship details contact The Edible Garden Show’s Event Director Bev Channell at Channell Events on Donna, Iain and Rakhi 0845 270 6800. For more information about the show visit: www.theediblegardenshow.co.uk. Jayne Creer Publicity Editor

James Wong & Rakhi Arora

Jim Paice (l) and Diarmuid Gavin officially open The Edible Garden Show

14 Your magazine – your say

I received a call from Allan Rees MBE a few weeks ago, he was experiences from the allotment’. We do currently focus on this delighted to tell me that he had received a lot of positive in the regional section but we would like to feature a ‘personal feedback about the Allotment & Leisure Gardener magazine at profile’ page. Whoever, wherever you are, whatever you grow, the recent International meeting he had attended. Everybody why not tell us a little about yourself? Don’t be shy! We may be seemed to be very impressed with our quarterly publication and able to come to you to take some professional photographs of he wanted to pass these comments on. So, thank you for all of you on your allotment to feature on the front page (*details your contributions, keep them coming. Without your input we below). would not have the style of magazine that we have and we would just be just There were many other suggestions; like any other gardening magazine on the some would like to see more features on shelf. sustainability and food security. Others like the magazine just the way it is and Survey feedback would not like to see it become like We have received a really good response ‘other’ general gardening magazines. We to the survey that we ran ALG 1.2011 will make sure that this doesn’t happen. p24. Thank you to all of those who took the time to fill these out and send them If you would like to contribute in any way back to us either in the post or via email. please do get in touch (see contact details p3). Any feedback is great, good and bad. If Jayne Creer there is something that is lacking we Publicity Editor need to know. It seems that there is a (on behalf of the NSALG) need for more articles for amateur Crest Publications Ltd growers, there are novice allotmenteers joining the society all of the time so we (*please supply approx 400 words/good will be introducing a ‘Newcomers quality images and your contact details Corner’ as soon as we can. and we will be in touch – [email protected]) Profile on you – be on the front cover! There is a big cry out for ‘Individual

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15 UK bottom of the organic food and farming league

A new report from the Soil Association shows the UK is bottom government ever’ of the league when it comes to support for organic food and and the new farming. 'The Lazy Man of Europe' report launched today at the Agriculture Minister, Soil Association’s national conference asks the government to Jim Paice said wake up to what Europe can teach the UK about backing recently that organic food and farming. organic principles lead the way on Most European countries have acted confidently to normalise sustainable and champion organic food and farming as a pioneering, farming, and that sustainable and environmentally friendly way to produce food. organic farming In contrast, UK governments have been diffident, if not lazy on should be the subject. When it comes to thinking in a truly sustainable fostered for this way about the future of food and farming, successive UK reason. The governments have preferred to sit back and snooze, doing very results of our little to back the organic sector. investigation provide a The global production of organic food is set to grow blueprint for the substantially, with the organic market frequently cited as one of new the most significant growth markets in the food industry, yet Government to live up to its pledge, and to sales of organic in the UK suffered in the recession whilst other move the UK from the bottom of the European league table large markets in Europe did not. The organic market in Austria, when it comes to backing organic.” Denmark, France, Germany and Switzerland continued to grow in 2009 despite the recession. These are countries where The Soil Association is calling on the UK Government to governments and official agencies think it normal to back recognise the benefits, like other EU countries, and back organic food and farming, and the benefits are clearly organic food and farming. recognised. You can download the report ‘The Lazy Man of Europe: Wake Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director, said: “The up to what Europe can teach the UK about backing organic Coalition Government has pledged ‘to be the greenest food and farming’. http://www.soilassociation.org/lazyman.aspx

16 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Meet Your New Planter Specialists

Fat Leaf Ltd design and manufacture their own range of Fat Leaf products are perfect for allotments. Society members Planters, Garden benches, and Grow your own containers in can see the whole range online (www.fatleaf.co.uk) or request a their West Dorset Workshop. The company has grown steadily brochure online (or by telephone- 01308 459582) but the range since its inception in 2009 and has been responsible for planter of BENCHES and the GROW YOUR OWN planters are arrangements all over the country, including major installations particularly appropriate for allotments and allotment at Manchester University, a host of schools from Dorset to associations. In recognition of the superb work done in Doncaster, and in kitchen gardens throughout the South West. Allotments all over the UK, Fat Leaf are offering an exclusive 10% Cash back on all orders from a Society member. Jim and Ross, the Fat leaf Directors, had become very fed up with the quality and short life of the many planters that they One of the great joys of an allotment is the opportunity to sit had purchased over the years. They set about designing their down and chat with like minded growers at the end of the day, own range of planters, which they resolved would be built to or to have that cup of tea whilst looking at the fruits of all your the highest possible standards, which could reasonably be hard work. Whether the association provides a communal expected to look great, and remain serviceable, for over ten seating area, or whether you want a small but attractive seat years, yet still have great prices. on a single allotment Fat Leaf has the answer.

This ambition has earned them an excellent reputation Fat Leaf’s Grow your own range includes deep vegetable nationally, mainly because they don’t cut any corners; their planters, shallower salad planters, raised beds, specialist herb building practices focus on quality over quantity. With prices planters and wonderful spiral planters which offer multiple for large vegetable planters starting at below £100, made to planting areas and variable depths of soil- perfect for measure planters starting at £65, and superb heavyweight maximising crop choice in a small space!! Made to measure benches starting at just £140 the company is confident that its options on all products means the product choice is in fact prices wont be beaten, even with delivery to anywhere in the unlimited, and Fat Leaf offer their whole range in untreated country. Fat Leaf have teamed up with Fedex UK and all of its locally grown Larch, Chestnut and Oak as well as Red Cedar. products can be shipped to anywhere in Britain within 3 days of order at the fairest prices. Mike Thurlow answers your Questions

I have tried to select questions that may be topical and cover most aspects of the vegetable garden/allotment. Allotment gardening covers a wide range of interests. If you want to include any other areas of gardening please send your questions in.

QI like chives but mine seem to be slow growing and all of their energy was used to produce leaves at the expense of produce flower heads during the summer. Should I dig flowers and fruits. When planting out courgettes or any member them up and throw them away and buy in some new plants? of the pumpkin, squash family take out a hole about 2 ft. /60cm square and deep. Backfill the hole with a12”/30cm layer of well- AChives are easy things to grow so there’s no need to go rotted, organic material such as wood chips, garden compost to the extra expense of buying new plants. Give them a or grass cuttings (that haven’t been treated with selective weed feed of a general fertiliser in the spring just as they are killers). Anything that you think will act as a sponge and hold beginning to push through the soil. I prefer to use pelleted plenty of water. Finally cap the hole with the soil that is left. chicken manure that releases its nutrients slowly over a long When you have finished the job it should look like you have period and doesn’t produce soft, sappy growth that is made a mini-volcano. Plant the young courgette at the centre of vulnerable to pest and disease attack. If you haven’t divided the mound and water it in well. Don’t water after this point until your clumps of chives for a long time early spring is the best you can see that the first of the new leaves are being produced. time to do this, but with a little care the job can be done at any Wait until the first flowers are formed before feeding and then time during the growing season. Lift the old clump of chives feed weekly with tomato fertiliser. and divide it into smaller pieces and replant them straight away. Chives like a warm, free draining site so if your soil is heavy take the opportunity to improve it. Remember to water the divided plants regularly until they are re-established and QOur summers are always unpredictable but if it is a growing well. Try and do this job during a spell of cooler wet scorcher do you have any tips on how to cope with a weather so it doesn’t put the plants under too much stress. If drought? I have water butts on my garden but don’t want to this isn’t possible provide the plants with some temporary have to use a hosepipe if possible. shading. It could be something as simple as an upturned flowerpot or a piece of wood lying across two bricks. ALet me say straight away that more plants are killed through overwatering than because of under watering. To keep up the production line of tender young shoots you But looking after the needs of an allotment is a lot more difficult must cut the plants regularly at least twice a month. Use a than watering the garden around the house. You will have to strong pair of old scissors to cut the leaves down at soil level to develop a watering plan that will suit your resources and this encourage the re-growth of fresh leaves. includes your available time and of course the amount of water that you can store on your plot. It is how efficiently you use the water that is the critical thing. If there is mains water available the job is made easier because you can fill the butts up QI’m confused! Just what is the difference between a regularly using a hosepipe without feeling too guilty, otherwise courgette and a marrow? You sometimes see custard you will have to rely on water that has been collected before the marrows being included in the courgette section of the seed drought or any watering restrictions kicked in. The best plan is catalogues. Last year my courgettes produced plenty of leaves to remember that one good soaking is better than a splash but not many fruits even though I prepared the ground well every other day. Your best friend is a good quality watering can. using plenty of manure. It can be one that holds 2 gallons/10 litres of water or a 1 gallon/5litre can; it depends on how strong you are. The two ANone at all, botanically a courgette is a baby marrow. optimum times for watering are in the early morning or the late Although I would argue that “courgettes” do have a evening. I used to enjoy slightly different taste and texture to marrows. Generally watering the allotment courgettes are bush forms of marrows and are best eaten when at the end of the day small, not more than 6”/150 mm long. The custard marrows are after work. It was a flat round shape and look like vegetable pies. They are usually relaxing and more yellow or white and best picked when they are about 3”/75mm importantly it allowed in diameter. Just to remind you that you can also grow the plants to take up round courgettes that are used when they water overnight and be are around the size of a grapefruit. ready to face the rigours of the following day. The reason for your non fruiting courgette plants last year There are a few simple rules to was because you had follow and you shouldn’t go far lavished too much wrong. Firstly try and dig in organic kindness on them. The matter during the winter to act as a manure made the ground sponge. If you don’t have enough material too rich for your plants so to cover the whole plot just target the areas

18 where the crop to be grown will benefit most. After a few seasons you will have got around most of the plot. Try not to turn the soil over too much after the end of March because it will dry the soil out depleting it of its water reserves. When transplanting fill the hole with water first allowing it to drain away before transplanting takes final potting into an 8”/20cm pot. At the end of the season place; this is known as puddling. This will put plenty of precious remove any fruits and store them in a container to ripen over water beneath the roots of the plant drawing them more deeply the coming weeks. into the soil. After this only water once a week around the neck of the plants or seedlings using the watering can without the Just remember one thing; always wash your hands after rose fitted. You can control the flow of water by using your working with peppers. The flesh and the seeds contain strong finger over the end of the spout. After a bit of practise you will chemicals that burn. It can be very painful if you forget and be able to drop the water on a sixpence. Applying a mulch of touch your eyes, mouth or other sensitive areas of your body! organic material over the surface of the soil around the plants Don’t underestimate the kick of hot peppers especially where helps to conserve soil moisture but if you don’t have enough young children are concerned. organic matter to spread around don’t worry. You can create “dust mulch” by regularly hoeing the top 2”/50cms of the soil which dries it out completely creating a dry soil barrier between the damaging, drying effects of wind and the sun. QCan you please settle an argument? Do you have to remove the flowering stalks from rhubarb plants? AA good question that causes many a headache for QI’m growing peppers for the first time. How many fruits gardeners. It is better to remove the flower stalks can I expect to pick? because they will weaken the plant. But it has to be said that there are many clumps of rhubarb that don’t have the stalks AIt can vary between five and thirty pepper fruits per plant. removed and they still survive. Cut off or pull the stalks away as If you allow them to overproduce it can affect the overall close to the ground as possible. Don’t be disappointed if they quality of the crop. Peppers appreciate a bit more attention re-grow because there is a definite flowering period with than tomatoes to produce decent fruits. Pinch out the growing rhubarb when the weather is warm. The flowering may also be tip of the young plants when they are about 12”/30cms tall to an indication that it is time for the old clump to be lifted, divided encourage side branches. Use a strong cane to support the and replanted during the autumn. Careful preparation of the soil plant. I remove some of the first flowers produced to beforehand should ensure a first class rhubarb patch that will encourage the plants to continue growing. Don’t allow the fruits last a long time, ten years at least. Choose a cool, shady site to become overcrowded; thin them down to one or two per where the soil never dries out. A top dressing of well-rotted station. Water them just like tomatoes including the weekly manure or similar will replenish any feed of tomato fertiliser. You don’t have to wait until the lost nutrients and help to fruits colour up. The peppers can be picked and used keep the roots cool and when they are still green. If you particularly want damp. Try not to cut any coloured peppers they are best grown in the sticks in the first year greenhouse or under cloches. It usually takes after planting. This is a about a month for them to completely difficult one because I must change colour. admit I can’t help but take three or four to enjoy with a Peppers require a long bowl of steaming hot custard. growing season and have to be sown early in the year in gentle heat. If this Do you have a question for Mike? isn’t possible buy plants in from specialist growers if you are Send an email to jayne@crestpublications or write in to the interested in growing the more NSALG Head office - address on page 3. Please include unusual varieties. Don’t over pot subject line or address letter as: Mike Thurlow Q&A them, gradually re-pot them up to the

19 THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY Who are we? The NVS was formed on 26th February 1960 with the aim of helping gardeners improve the standard of growing vegetables. Today the NVS is organised into five branches i.e. Scottish, Northern, Welsh, Midlands and Southern covering the entire UK and is helping almost 3,000 members get the best from their gardens. What the NVS can offer you... Contact with almost 3,000 like minded people who can help you grow better vegetables.

Quarterly 64 page magazine, containing useful information, news and articles on all aspects of growing vegetables, which also includes the five branch newsletters, dealing with local news, shows, events, lectures, visits and seminars.

An extensive DVD library, on many aspects of growing and showing vegetables, available for purchase by members. For further details please contact our DVD Distribution Executive, Gordon Francis on 01622-710486, or e-mail at [email protected]

Directory containing a wealth of handy information & contacts

The opportunity to become a qualified lecturer or certified national vegetable judge.

For further information contact

Mr. G Cathro FNVS Joint Membership Registrar for Scottish, Northern and Welsh areas on 01382-580394 or [email protected]

Mr Neil Hope FNVS Joint Membership Registrar for Midlands and Southern Areas on 01932-844183 or [email protected]

or visit www.nvsuk.org.uk Images: www.thinkvegetables.co.uk

Annual Membership fees £17 Individuals £5 Juniors (up to 16 years) £19 Societies/Couples

Name ......

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N Signed ...... Date ...... Send your coupon to: Mr G Cathro FNVS, 14 Dronley Road, Birkhill, Dundee DD2 5QD or Mr N Hope FNVS, 82 Hare Hill, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 1DN NSALG

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21 Sowing the seeds of life after stroke

Phil Spark from St Helens Phil found that the project gave him the felt his life was over after his opportunity to learn new horticultural stroke. Now three skills, socialise and exercise. ‘Other plot years later, he tells holders taught me what to do, what the us how The Stroke plants were, when to plant and how to Association and his care for everything. I come here every garden allotment have day now. It’s something to look forward been his saving to.’ He’s even taken up his own grace. Written by allotment in the plot next door, where he Julie Ainscow of The grows an impressive collection of Stroke Association. vegetables and flowers, including a new variety of dahlia and a cross between a Phil’s stroke journey began with raspberry and blackberry. ‘Phil’s what he thought was the flu. enthusiasm is unstoppable,’ says Alan Despite being told that Hull, Chairman of the Horticultural he’d had a mini-stroke, Society. ‘He’s even setting up a shop on at the age of only 46, site.’ he was in denial that he could be at risk of a Phil hopes he can share his enthusiasm more serious stroke. for allotments with other stroke survivors. He locked his medications in the ‘If I can get just one person like me cupboard and went back to work, putting through what I’ve been through, the the incident behind him. Then in effort will be worth it. As a stroke September 2007, he woke and found he survivor, everything you achieve you couldn’t move or speak, and thought, have to fight for’. ‘I’m dying here, and I can’t tell anyone.’ Fortunately, his friend Allan found him, Printed with the kind permission of Julie and from there his long road to recovery Ainscow of The Stroke Association and began. Phil Sparks The Allotment Project at Pilkington’s Horticultural Society. ‘I thought my life was over. I couldn’t www.stroke.org.uk Helpline: 0303 3033 feed or bath myself and my speech 100 (From a textphone, please dial 18001 wasn’t good. I heard someone say I’d 0303 3033 100) never walk or work again. I could understand everything, but couldn’t do or say anything. I was severely depressed.’

Then Phil met Andrea Rees, The Stroke Association’s Information, Advice and Support Co-ordinator, who offered the encouragement he needed to keep going. After learning about his interests, Andrea suggested he get involved with The Allotment Project at Pilkington’s Horticultural Society. The allotment is a work in progress. It’s being designed to give stroke survivors the chance to experience the benefits of gardening.

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As some of you will know the NAGT was set up as the charity Karen does a brilliant powerpoint presentation on Associations; arm of NSALG, registered Charity number 1108147. It was set how to set one up and run them, the roles and responsibilities up in 2004 and at the time attracted a number of keen of all officers and committee members, conduct of meetings, participants. However, various people came and went due to tenancies, rules and regulations, provision of allotments and personal commitments and so that left only three people. These various aspects of allotment law. She also covers national individuals were Neil Dixon – Chairman, Tim Cann - Secretary legislation effecting allotments, creating new and regenerating and Dave Rawlings – Treasurer. All were already fully committed established allotments plus disposal and compensation issues, to other projects so the Trust did not see a great amount of the NSALG and its role, working with Government offices, activity. Neil Dixon carried on with the National Allotment Week partnerships with NAGT and ARI, supporting the regions and and Allotment competition almost single-handed. counties, local associations and members plus funding opportunities for association projects and how to apply. In September 2009 Dave Rawlings stepped down due to other commitments and I took over as Treasurer as I have financial In a partnership of the Trust and National Society, a series of qualifications. Things have now settled down and the Trust is whole day workshops covering all the above mentioned up and running and fit for purpose. subjects are being organised; the first one was held in Birmingham on the 5th February with 58 people attending and The Trustees are Allan Rees, MBE, Neil Dixon, Tim Cann and it was a great success judging by the complimentary feedback myself. The Director/ Members are Ian Pilling, Paul Neary, received. Karen Kenny, Maurice Lander and Merilyn Canet. Two further workshops have been organised again in The prime objective of the Trust is education, to create Birmingham to cope with the number of applicants. These are awareness and to spread knowledge. scheduled for Saturday 12th March and Friday 1st April. A further workshop has been organised for Nottingham on 2nd Travelling around the regions we have been reminded time and April. time again of the need for training especially for Allotment Society Officers, potential Officers and Committee Members The workshops will be an ongoing event over the next few and therefore we have created an Education project to address years and will be held in all regions wherever they are needed this need. We have engaged the services of Karen Kenny, or requested covering all aspects of allotment management. Eastern Regional Representative and a member of the Trust. The cost will be met initially from NAGT funds (we have sufficient funds to get the project off the ground).

We will publish a newsletter in the magazine from time to time &%$#$"!% $  to keep you all up to date with the Trust’s progress.  Just like the NSALG belongs to you and works for you the  members, so does the NAGT.       Donations to the Trust will be most welcome; please make cheques payable to the National Allotment Garden Trust and   "    send to C/O 1 Veronica Drive, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 3QS or send to NSALG, O’Dell House, Hunters Road, Corby NN17 5JE for onward transmission. All donations will be acknowledged  " 
with an official receipt if required.          This is an exciting time for allotments and the NAGT so I hope     you will all give it your full support.

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24 National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners are proud to launch our brand new website! This website includes useful information for both non-members and members regarding the society, latest news, funding opportunities, useful diary dates plus much more. In addition to this, we now have an area dedicated to our members that can be accessed via a unique password. This area contains exclusive downloads including this magazine. Visit your dedicated area regularly to keep up to date with NSALG members information. Contact your Association Secretary to obtain your log in details. Individual, Life, School and Local Authority members, please also contact Head Office for your log in details.

www.nsalg.org.uk 01536 266576 [email protected]

25 Keen composters get arty to ‘Celebrate Compost’ A competition by a leading organic charity getting people to show off their creative talents by designing a poster highlighting their passion for compost has led to a fantastic response.

Garden Organic’s Celebrate Compost poster competition called people to put their love for compost on paper to urge more of us to make our own for Compost Awareness Week 1 – 7 May. Judged by Leicestershire Master Composter Rodney Weston, Garden Organic expert, Pauline Pears, and Sustainable Waste Manager, Jane Griffths, the competition saw over 70 entries across all age groups and in all types of media, giving the judges plenty to consider! Comp Bio products offer a green alter- native to everyday plastic bags. We use potato starch based bioplastics - a In the 8–11 years category, the Pupils of East Oxford Primary new generation of highly compostable School channelled their collective efforts by creating a and biodegradable eco friendly plastic fantastic collage. Winner of the 12-17 years category, Orla made from natural renewable GM free Kenny, produced a beautiful hand drawn illustration of the materials. compost heap and winner of the adults 18 and over category, Our liners are manufactured in the UK J Shergold, created a photo montage to celebrate the lovely and are available in sizes from kitchen brown stuff. food waste caddies to wheelie bins. Being Din certo EN13432 accredited, Garden Organic’s Jane Griffiths said, “we were so impressed our liners carry the European com- by the entries to the Celebrate Compost competition, even postable logo and are suitable for both more so by the enthusiasm our entrants have shown for commercial and home composting. composting! On a serious level, homemade compost diverts Comp Bio also supply many other eco tonnes of food waste from landfill and we hope the poster will friendly household products encourage more people to start making their own. Indeed our including the innovative ‘Spudcoat’ Master Composters will be using it during Compost Awareness manufactured from the same bioplastic Week to promote composting in their communities”. Tel: 0845 3936196 as our bags and liners, the spudcoat returns back to the biosphere in its www.comp-bio.co.uk As well as the winners, special commendations were also entirety. To reinforce this concept, the given for their entries to Miss Lauren Leese, Butlers Court We supply direct to Spudcoat has a small clay ball with School, Alistar Pickles, Harwell School, Mill Lane Community consumers and through seeds integrated into it, This way the Primary School, and Miss Victoria Paffett. many retailers across wearer can plant the raincoat the UK. Order your when it’s no longer needed. associations require- The winning ‘Celebrate Compost’ poster will be displayed on ments as one order to the Garden Organic Community Composting Network and gain our best Prices. www.spudcoat.co.uk Recycle Now website during Compost Awareness Week 1 - 7 May 2011 and Garden Organic’s network of 500 Master Composters will use the poster at community events.

26 27 Rota-Loowww.rotaloo.co.uk uk Waterless Composting Toilets

Easy to maintain No digging out Odourless Supplied with quality buildings Discover your reasons Amber Rudd MP opens new Rotaloo Hastigs Allotments to love organic this September

The UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic will be taking place throughout the month of September. Watch out for events up and down the country on organic farms, in schools, cafes, restaurants and on a high street near you. Look out also for special offers on organic products in supermarkets and independent food stores.

Discover your reasons to love organic this September. There For Churches, Allotment, Outdoor Activities & Private Homes are a lot to choose from! Organic food is produced from natural farming systems which are kind to animals, avoid the t: 01799 598086 [email protected] use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers and GM ingredients are banned.

The Soil Association’s top five reasons to love organic are – ■ Food you can trust ■ Better for the environment ■ High standards of animal welfare TOP QUALITY ■ Helps protect wildlife BIRD & INSECT NET, MULCH & WEEDSTOP, SHADE & WINDBREAKS ■ And lots more if you call us or look on the web (PRICES INC P&P) Ensures a GM-free diet WWW. DAXPRODUCTS.CO.UK Kicking off events will be the ever popular Organic Food Bird Net- Black, top quality, anti-peck netting. 5m. x 4m. £9.00, 24m. x 4m. £35, 50m. x 4m. £55, 100m. x 4m. £100. Festival taking place on 3 & 4 September at Bristol Harbour- Insect Net –         side. Now in its eleventh year the festival celebrates the full mesh. Easy to water through, light weight to rest on top of plants and veg. spectrum of organic fare with hundreds of stalls selling 2m. wide. 5m. £18; 12m. £30; 24m. £60; 48m. £110; 100m. £160. delicious food and drink, organic clothes and beauty products. Horticultural Fleece 1.5m wide - Good against Carrot Root Fly. Light weight 17gsm. 10m. for £5; 24m. for £8; 100m. for £25; 250m for £75. Helen Browning, new director of the Soil Association, said: Micro-Climate Crop Cover-       . 2m. wide. 5m. £10; 12m. £20. Encourages growth of seedlings and young “Organic September is a great opportunity for people to plants. discover their reasons to love organic and to enjoy special But  
- 4m. wide. Also good as a Pond Net. Black 7 x 6mm. offers and events happening across the UK. mesh.5m. £18; 12m. £30; 24m £60; 48m. £110. 150m. £250 Weed Stop -Long life Strong woven Ground Cover. “Reasons to support sustainable organic food and farming 500mm. wide. 12m for £10; 30m for £20; 100m. for £45, 1m. wide. 18m for £20; 48m. for £45; 100m. for £65. 100m rolls:- 2m.for £120; 3.3m for £190; systems have never been more compelling in the face of 4m. for £220; 5m. x 100m £275 climate change, the rising cost of oil, increased pressure on Weed Control, Mulch and Landscape fabriC - 1.5m. wide 50gsm. 9m. our natural environment, declining wildlife, and the threat of for £7; 48m for £35; 100m for £50; 250m for £120. US style mega-farms coming to the UK.” Plantex 1.5m wide. 8m. for £15; 48m. for £70; 100m for £100. Windbreak and Shade Nets -Strong product for gusty locations. Knitted to reduce tearing. Used in the Highlands and Islands. “Food and farming have a vital role to play when it comes to Available in many options – see a few below. our impact on the planet, given 45% 24m. x 1m. for £40; 50m for £60, 100m for £100. 50m. x 1.5m. for £90. that farming is responsible for 30 50% 12m. x 1m. for £25; 50m.for £85; 100m for £125; 50m. x 1.5m. for £125. per cent of global greenhouse Ammonium Sulfamate / ROOT-OUT is available in packs of 908g for gas emissions and up to 30 per £12.75, 2.27Kg for £26, 5Kg for £46, 10Kg for £80 and 25Kgs for £107. Due to EU rules you can only use Root-Out as a compost accelerator! cent of our individual carbon Root-Out must not now be used as a tree, tough weed Marestail, Knot- footprint is based on our food weed or bramble killer. choices. Choosing kind, healthy, Showa Garden Gloves - a choice in sizes of the 310 and 370. £5.50 a pair. wildlife-friendly organic food has Showa Thermo Gloves - a choice in sizes. £6.50 a pair. got to be the easiest, most All cheques to: delicious and enjoyable way to Dax Products Ltd. T: 0115 926 9996 e: [email protected] 18, Marlborough Road, Woodthorpe, Nottingham. NG5 4FG make a real difference.” Soil Association

28 Onions et al At best it was inconvenient, at worst downright dangerous but enormous. Grasslands that cover vast areas of the world’s land the situation persisted for several centuries although that’s not surface would be impossible; you wouldn’t decimate all your to say that efforts to improve things were not made. Matthias ‘Senshyu’ onions. Well, whatever the human perspective on the de l’Obel, whose name is immortalised in Lobelia, tried in 1570 matter, basal growth seems to be a very successful way of and so did the English botanist, John Ray in 1682 but old living as evidenced by the 52,000 species of monocots which habits die hard and so we muddled on. The problem was that constitute nearly a quarter of all flowering plants and include there was no system for the naming of plants. Common names their two largest families, the grasses (Poaceae) and the differed from one country to another and often, in different parts orchids. There are, however, many others, just how many of the same country. This ‘Folk Taxonomy’ was all very well but depends on who is doing the counting There are a lot of using diagnostic features such as ‘spinyness’, ‘fragrance’ or tropical aquatics and marsh-loving forms (helophytes) along simply ‘foreign’ could easily lead to misidentification and, with the highly unusual marine Zosterea and Posididonia. sometimes, to fatal results. De l’Obel and Ray, in rather different Members of the Restionaceae pretend to be grasses while ways, arrived at the one fundamental character which could be Eriocaulon thinks it’s a daisy. All this diversity testifies to the used to differentiate the flowering plants into two great, natural success of the monocots. If the number of families is debatable groups and to lay the foundations for modern plant systematic there is general agreement as to the number of major orders of on which, whether we know it or not, we all depend. The monocots. The six species of monocots which we cultivate as distinction was based initially on leaf shape, venation and, most vegetables fall into but two of these. First is the Asparagales significantly, on whether the embryo had one or two seed which includes, in addition to the obvious asparagus, garlic, leaves or cotyledons. Thus, the flowering plants were divided leeks, onions and chives. Second is the poales in which we find into the mono and the dicotyledons. This division remains a only sweet corn. It is clear, I think, that our allotment monocots very useful one although modern DNA-based techniques have represent a very meagre cross section of the whole group, but fine-tuned this dichotomy. The fine-tuning is due to the that’s latitude for you. repositioning in the evolutionary tree of, among others, those old suburban favourites the magnolias and the laurels which are Garlic, leeks, onions and chives are species within the genus now neither mono nor dicots but ‘basel Angiosperms’. Indeed, Allium (family Alliaceae, which also includes Agapanthus) but it it seems that a more fundamental division of the flowering doesn’t take a DNA sequencing machine and a computer to tell plants is enshrined in the structure of their pollen grains. you that these vegetables are all very closely related; your nose Monocots are a truly natural group so, as plot holders, we need will do that, indeed the word ‘allium’ is derived from the Celtic not lose too much sleep over DNA sequences and pollen “All’ meaning pungent. This is because, like the brassicas, and structure. unlike almost everything else, the members of this family are able to manufacture sulphur-containing compounds but these So far in this series I have dealt only with the families of the compounds are chemically very different from those of the dicotyledons and, although the monocots are divided into brassicas. As you know, cabbages don’t make you cry, onions about one hundred families, in this country, we only grow some do. This lacrimatory effect is not produced until the bulb six actual species of monocot vegetables scattered between sustains damage of the sort produced when it is chopped. The three families. Many more, of course, are to be found in the odourless precursor is then transformed into the volatile and flower garden, as a vast majority of our bulbs are in fact pungent chemical which produces the well known effects. As in monocots. For those of you with plots near your tropical holiday the brassicas, this mechanism is probably a defence against homes you will naturally be extending your range to taro, yams, predators and certainly allyl compounds are commercially bamboo shoots, gingers, pineapples, bananas and arrowroot available as slug repellents. Garlic and the enormous variety of but for the rest of us, asparagus is about the most exotic onions (‘A Question of Onions’ R.Pearson ALG magazine, Issue monocot we can expect to grow. Let us, however, take an 1 2006, pp.22-23) have been used in medicine for thousands of overview of these monocots in order to put our six species into years. The Elbers’ papyrus, 1550 BC, mentions garlic as being perspective. efficacious for everything from headaches to parasitic worms and cardiovascular problems. Modern science has now shown In his recent book, ‘The Secret Life of Trees’, Colin Tudge states that these sulphur compounds do indeed have antithrombic that (p140), ‘The monocots represent a new and different way properties and are effective as antibiotics as well. When it of being a plant’. One of the reasons for this assertion is the comes to culinary use we cannot do better than to take the way in which the growth of monocot leaves differs from that of advice of Sydney Smith, the nineteenth century wit. He tells us dicots. In short, dicot leaves expand by division of the cells in that, ‘if you want to prepare a really good salad, then you must the leaf blade of lamina and along its edges, those of monocots let onions atoms lurk within the bowl, and, scarce suspected, grow from the base. This might animate the whole’. It’s that ‘bite back’ again, but even more seem to be a piece of academic potent than that found in brassicas. Peter Quilliam, in his trivia but the consequences excellent article (ALG magazine, Issue1, 2006, p14) dealing with are ‘Companion Planting’ tells us how garlic, which produces the potent sulphur compound, alliin, can be planted as a companion to carrots and roses to ward off carrot fly and black spot respectively. Since, it seems, cabbage white larvae have learned to love glucosinolates but not, as yet, allyl compound, try growing onions among your cabbages. Peter J.James

29 A place of beauty and tranquillity in the rolling South Downs

The restored Walled Kitchen Garden features some of the finest Victorian glasshouses in the country with row upon row of perfect produce.

Exotic flowers and a cornucopia of seasonal fruit and vegetables are carefully cultivated by the gardeners – from orchids to melons, peppers and cucumbers, tomatoes to aubergines.

In the extensive grounds, rustic summerhouses, rare trees and shrubs, ornamental borders and a naturalistically-planted pond contrast with the ordered rows of vegetables and over 200 varieties of carefully trained fruit trees in the walled garden.

Set behind West Dean house; now an internationally-renowned Arts College is the 300 foot-long Edwardian Pergola designed by Harold Peto. Flamenco dancer ©MarkPritchard For the more active, enjoy a circular 2 ½ mile walk through the A wonderful and vast selection of stallholders are attending 49-acre St Roche’s arboretum offers breathtaking views of the MedFest to provide a representative sample of regional take estate and its fine flint house and parkland setting. Or, simply away foods, gourmet food products, crafts and plants including relax in the Gardens Restaurant for delicious home made food, Palmavera, who’s owner Emma Lundie is “excited to be part of or browse in the shop. an event exclusively dedicated to the Mediterranean and West Dean Gardens provides a wonderful setting”. Other stallholders Why not join us on Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 July 2011 at our include: Pure Spain, Jamon Jamon, Lebanese Fine Food, the exciting new event MedFest: A Taste of the Mediterranean at Churros Bros and The Garlic Farm who will feature some West Dean – MedFest promises to be another winning educational aspects relating to garlic, its history and culture. combination of food and drink, live music and dancing with a great party atmosphere and sensational setting. This year will Cookery demonstrations from local cook and Guild of Food capture the diversity and richness of the regions cultural and Writers member Rosemary Moon with special guests, should gastronomic traditions paying particular attention to Spain and send you away impassioned and ready to create a taste of the Lebanon. Med in your own back garden and kitchen.

30 Chilli Fiesta. Photography by Chichester Observer The Chilli Fiesta is a must-have date in your diary. With 2010 Dean will be home to a three day family-friendly festival the hottest year yet with 19,300 visitors over the three days – promising to celebrate the best in music, performance, anticipation for this year is already hotting up! storytelling and creative making. There really is something for everyone with the choice of camping in the grounds, staying in In 2011 the fiery Chilli Fiesta at West Dean Gardens near the 19th Century mansion, which is now home to West Dean Chichester in West Sussex will be on Friday 5, Saturday 6 and College, or arriving on a daily basis. Sunday 7 August. Opening hours: 10.30 – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) It is truly amazing what you will see, hear and do at this festival. Why not join us to discover for yourself. Tickets start from Discounts and fast-track tickets are available to purchase in £25.00 visit www.westdeanfestival.org.uk advance at www.westdean.org.uk As you’ve probably noticed, there are a great many reasons to Introducing a new and exciting new event, The West Dean visit West Dean, so we look forward to seeing you. Festival For the first time ever the stunning location of West

31 NEWS from the Church of England A new garden community – in your own garden!

A new national community growing project, supported by Shrinking the Footprint, the Church of England’s national environmental campaign, and endorsed by a BBC Gardening expert, aims to bring people together locally to help each other grow fruit and vegetables in their own gardens.

Grow Zones has been created to address the challenges facing a new grower with local teams sharing skills, tools and produce to eliminate food miles. A resource kit has been developed to help a facilitator and their team to get organised and growing without necessarily having any expert knowledge.

BBC Gardening presenter Alys Fowler said: “At last, an easy to use guide on how to get a community group up and running. This is a brilliant resource for anyone who wants to gather some like- minded people together to get gardening. Now all you have to do is get out there and garden!”

David Shreeve, the Church of England’s Local Food scheme. It was started by To order a kit and to find out more about national environment adviser, said: EarthAbbey (www.earthabbey.com) and starting a Grow Zones in your area visit: “Churches and faith groups are ideally piloted in Bristol through the Revd Chris www.growzones.com placed to establish Grow Zones. Many Sunderland, a priest in Bristol Diocese. younger families have the enthusiasm whilst older people often have the Chris Sunderland said: “The Grow Zones gardens which they would welcome Kit has been developed to help teams some help with and so here's an get organised and growing without excellent way to bring congregations necessarily having any expert together. Grow Zones not only provide knowledge. At the beginning the project practical opportunities, but can produce was a way to get people growing their a very real sense of community with all own food but it has proved to be an ages sharing in a 'real-life good life'.” amazing friendship and community forming project too. It seems easier for Grow Zones is a national project people to make friends over shared supported by the Big Lottery Fund’s work.

32 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE The Walk-In Wonderwall® (Patent Pending)

Netted Brassica / DESIGNED - MANUFACTURED - PACKAGED - HERE IN BRITAIN. vegetable Tunnel HELPING TO GROW THE GREEN SHOOTS OF RECOVERY The Walk-in Wonderwall provides a wall against the elements and garden pests. While, at the same time allowing rain and sunlight to enter. The Walk-in Wonderwall is designed for the garden / allotment growers budget and is ideal for the organic grower. After fighting a losing battle year after year against pigeons, cabbage white butterfly and other garden pests, we realised that we needed something that could both eradicate these problems and also be affordable and hard wearing. We came up with the Walk-in Wonderwall. No more having to remove net to weed or drastically reduces wind speed within the tools are required for assembly. thin out. No more makeshift bits of wood / tunnel and can withstand very strong winds. Buy direct from the manufacturer. Not bamboo cane frames etc. No more height The entire growing space can be worked available in any retail outlets. restriction for our brassica (with the with ease and watering can be carried out We have Wonderwalls in the Orkney isles, Wonderwalls 1.9m height). from outside or inside the Wonderwall. the Shetland isles, the isle of Arron, Republic The unique light weight, yet robust pvc Assembly time is 2-3 hours, using our of Ireland, France, Jersey, Croatia, and also – frame needs no base and fixes directly into easy to follow instructions. Port Stanley in the Falkland Isle. the earth. The frame is then covered with a Each stage of assembly is accompanied fine heavy duty uv rated netting, which by a full colour photograph. No specialist Visit our web site to see the photos.

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www.walk-inwonderwall.co.uk 3.5 width x 5m length example A unique, innovative and organic solution to most of your problems! A GREAT BRITISH PRODUCT Buy direct from the manufacturer-Not available in any retail outlet • GROW ALL YEAR ROUND • RAIN AND SUN CAN PENETRATE • AIR CAN CIRCULATE / WIND IS REDUCED • PROTECT AGAINST PESTS/ ANIMALS • PROTECTS FROM FROST • EASY TO WEED Prices*: (Standard width - 3.5m. Standard height 1.9m) PREVENT BRASSICA MASSACRE! 3m £149.00 4m £179.00 5m £209.00 6m £239.00 7m £269.00 8m £299.00 9m £329.00 Contact us with your enquiries • Tel: 01543 677531 • www.walk-inwonderwall.co.uk

33 PLUG PLANTS Plug plants are good a way of obtaining rare or specialist plants and minimize maintenance. varieties of plants. They come in various sizes; very small plug plants may need intensive care particularly during hot dry Small plug plants of shrubs are often incredibly cheap and weather. Tender varieties may also need heat during cold could still be a good investment even when losses are incurred. spells. With the increasing cost of F1 seed. You could try several different cultivars of a particular plant in plugs to see In the old days you would buy a score of cabbage plants dug which you like best for little more cost than the price of the from the ground, now you would be more likely to buy cabbage seeds. plants as plugs.

Also, for people with little time, space or facilities plug plants Holland has huge factory-type glass houses producing plug could save considerable effort in germinating or rooting difficult plants. Large quantity production keeps prices down. Plug plants. Plug plants are becoming increasingly popular and can plants may need shading from hot sunshine and protection be bought online or from catalogues. from scratching animals or birds until they are well established.

Peppers and tomatoes come in quite a vast array of choices Plug plants may need hardening off and some may need even carrots, parsnips, beetroot and swedes are sold in plugs potting on if they are very small. Plug plants give an instant and can produce a successful harvest, but do not like their effect and are quicker to mature than seeds grown directly in growth checked, which could result in them running to seed. the ground. In weedy ground sown seedlings may be mistaken for weeds or simply swamped by weed growth. Trickle or drop irrigation could be a boon to help rear tiny plug Maurice Lander

34 35 Competition time

Faithfull Flex-Tub… …Your Flexible Friend! We have 5 to give away ! Courtesy of Faithfull Tools

Faithfull heavy-duty Flex- Tubs are one of the most useful items you can have in your tool kit. The combination of flexibility, strength and lightweight make them the ideal solution for a multitude of carrying and storage tasks.

Available in black or yellow, and in 4 popular sizes holding 15, 28, 42 or 60 litres, there is a Flex-Tub to suit your needs. They are environmentally friendly and are made from 100% recyclable material. The black ones are made from recycled polythene. The super strong handles are comfortable to hold, and are also large enough to take a gloved hand.

Flex-Tubs have a number of uses for the gardener, landscaper or agricultural user. They are ideal for holding or transporting liquids or soils. Many people use Flex-Tubs to ‘mix’ in, whether this is compost, soils, fertilizers prior to planting, or ballast and concrete when positioning and setting fence posts, paving slabs or bases. If any residual material has dried in the Flex-Tub, simply move it around with a little pressure (we advise rolling it on its side whilst pushing down on the side a little), and it will soon come away from the sides, leaving you with a clean tub to start again.

Many users also use Flex-Tubs for carrying tools, mucking out horses, storage for feed or fertilizer, or even as a dispenser in agricultural environments. The uses are only limited by your imagination.

www.toolbank.com

To enter please answer this simple question: What two colours are Faithfull heavy-duty Flex-Tubs available in?

Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Faithfull Flex- Tubs ALG2.11, Crest Publications Ltd, 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or email: [email protected] (subject line: Faithfull Flex- Tubs ALG2.11). Competition Closing date 31.7.11. T&C apply. winners AnySharp Edge ALG 4.2011 The following winners received an AnySharp Edge Garden Tool: Mrs E Morris, Harrow Keith Jack, Liverpool Brian Harris, Derbyshire Mr David Corner, West Yorks John T Spurrell, Hove Mr T Rands, Thetford Hilary Forster, Monmouthshire Mrs Maggie Appleton, Kent

Competition terms and conditions Competitions are open to all UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees or agents of the associated publishing company and their families. One entry per person. The prizes and giveaways are as specified on the relevant pages. No cash alternatives. Entries must be via post or email as stated (no purchase necessary). Illegible entries and those that do not abide by these terms and conditions will be disqualified. No responsibility is held for entries lost, delayed or damaged in the post, proof of posting is not proof of delivery. Your details will be processed by Crest Publications Ltd. (publishers of the Allotment and Leisure Gardener magazine on behalf of the NSALG) in full accordance with data protection. Crest Publications Ltd. may wish to contact you with information of other services we provide which may be of interest. Please indicate on your entry if you do NOT wish to receive such information by post, phone or email. The decision of the judge is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winners will be notified by phone, email or post. A list of winners is available on request from Crest Publications Ltd., 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP.

36 – your chance to win!!!

GREAT FREE OFFER FROM DEWIT Free Bio-Cultivator* for every order placed on www.sporkgardentools.com (*Total order value must be over £50 excluding vat & delivery) The ‘Spork’ family of tools. A unique collection of multi-tasking tools designed by Robert Todd from Oxford and manufactured exclusively by DeWit. DeWit is the trusted brand name in quality from a family run company in Holland who have been making the finest garden tools that gardeners really want since 1898. The Blacksmiths who make them are keen gardeners who for many years, with great passion and feel, have crafted individual tools for almost any soil condition and task you’re ever likely to encounter. Lightweight, strong and made from Boron steel, you can be assured you will have a real lasting friend in hand. Indispensible for digging, planting, weeding and much, much more! DeWit produces an extensive selection of FSC wooden handled tools of varying forms and lengths, realising the importance of the users comfort, and are manufacturing some of the most environmentally friendly tools on the market. So, whether working in the garden or the allotment, ‘think not a bit and buy a DeWit’ For a limited period we are able to offer readers a free Bio-Cultivator for every order placed on www.sporkgardentools.com Closing date - 31st September 2011 Enter the following code on the website: 5656 www.sporkgardentools.com

Win a Deep Root Propagator and grow your own with British-based Sankey Sankey’s premium Deep Root Propagator is the first of its kind on the market, letting plants go straight to the bed. There’s no need to prick out and pot as plants will be well-established. The extra deep tray of 14cm is ideal for raising deep-rooted plants such as trees, tomatoes and sweet peas and the high top cover allows plants to be grown until they're strong enough to plant out. It's also perfect for starting off winter vegetables and plants with fast growing roots such as beans and beetroots. Like all of Sankey's products, it has been designed to be used over and over again. In line with Sankey’s ethical ethos, the Premium Deep Root Propagator is made with recycled materials wherever possible. New consumer website at www.sankeygrowyourown.co.uk Trade website www.rsankey.com To win simply answer the following simple question: Q: How deep is the propagator tray (in cm)? Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to: Sankey Competition – ALG.1.11 Crest Publications Ltd., 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP or email: [email protected] (subject line: Sankey Competition – ALG.1.11). Closing date 15.7.11. T&C apply.

Competition T&C apply

37 The origins of the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners

Since the inception of allotments, plot holders have been were, of course, advantages to becoming registered. Landlords represented by a number of organisations, which have helped and local authorities acting as landlords would be more willing to promote the movement, lobbied on its behalf and provided to let land for use as allotments because the lessor could be advice on all aspects of allotments to governments, other reasonably assured that the land would be well-cultivated and societies and individuals. Many of the organisations have lived the rent paid. Furthermore, the landlords would be relieved of through various incarnations, not least of which is the current the trouble and expense of managing small parcels of land National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners. cultivated by a large body of men.

The earliest society of which we have any knowledge is the In its first incarnation, the Agricultural Organisation Society Labourer’s Friend Society, which was formed in 1815 and was a appears to have been fairly short-lived because a later report field leader in promoting awareness of the early rural allotment describes it as having been reconstituted again in September movement, although it was by no means the only allotment 1912, although no further details are given. It was originally run organisation. The Society produced a monthly magazine, as a voluntary organisation for farmers, small holders and those initially called Facts and Illustrations, which later became the with allotments, but by 1917, it received money from the Labourer’s Friend Magazine. The magazine gave advice on all Development Fund and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. matters related to allotments, including how to set out a site, cultivation techniques and other matters such as tenancy In 1917, the Agricultural Organisation Society boasted an agreements, much in the same way that the National Society of eminent Board of Governors, including the well-known Allotment and Leisure Gardeners does today. agriculturalists and reformers, the Earl of Shaftesbury and Lord Bledisloe. Bledisloe presented an allotments trophy for In April 1901, the Agricultural Organisation Society was ‘progress in organisation.’ founded. It described itself as an Organisation, which had been formed to give advice and assistance for the formation of Other notable persons on the board were Lady Denman, who properly registered Co-operative Societies. In order to operate became Director of the Women’s Land Army during WWII and as a registered co-operative at that time, a society had to be Francis Acland MP, a Liberal politician, who became incorporated under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture and 1893. Registration for allotment societies was, and indeed is, Fisheries 1915-1916. Acland championed the cause of the still necessary in order for a society to hold a land lease. There allotment holder throughout his parliamentary career. He was a tireless member of the Society of Friends Allotment Committee, which was formed to help the unemployed miners obtain allotments and all necessary supplies during the economic depression of the 1930s. Acland also publicised the movement by giving a series of radio talks about allotments and gardening. In 1917-18, the Agricultural Organisation Society appointed Acland to preside over its allotments section. It appears that the Agricultural Organisation Society was a cause célèbre of its day, with many of the great and good working on behalf of the allotment holder.

In 1924, the Agricultural Organisation Society decided that in view of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Farmer’s Union taking over duties previously performed by the Society, it would close down the farming part of its interest. At the same time, its funding was halted ‘for reasons of national economy.’ It did, however, continue with its allotments and small holdings sections and at the same time changed its name to the Allotments Organisation Society and Small Holders Limited. The new organisation was registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies’ Acts and by holding a single five-shilling share, allotment societies were permitted to use the Society’s model rules, which they could then use to register their society, thus allowing it to hold its own land lease.

At an unknown date, but probably during the early 1920s, another organisation, the National Union of Allotment Holders, was constituted. In 1930, the National Allotments Society was formed through the amalgamation of the Allotments Organisation Society and Small Holders Limited and the National Union of Allotment Holders. In 1947, the National Allotments Society changed its name to the National Allotments and Garden Society, and sometime thereafter, it changed its name again. Today, of course, it is known as the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.

Lesley Acton

38 Northern Cockfield Allot & Garden Association

Please find details of our long and hard fought battle to erect a A few years ago we thought that a polytunnel on one of our only two vacant plots. communal polytunnel would be a good idea but unfortunately it did not We are a small village situated between Barnard Castle and materialise due to lack of funding. In Peter Horrocks Bishop Auckland and the parish council who rent the ground 2010 we brought up the idea again with Regional Rep from Lord Barnard of Raby Castle provides our allotments. As the intention of opening it up for the use you pass along the nearby A68 you will see his castle and the of all in the village, as we felt that there would be some people deer grazing in its grounds. who, while not wanting to have an allotment or to garden as such, would enjoy growing their own plants, making hanging The allotments are tucked away behind the houses making up baskets, making use of the raised beds we would install and Front Street, Cockfield. So passing through the village one having disabled access to them. It would open up opportunities would not see them; like all villages years ago there was always for them, as well as for existing allotment holders who do not a waiting list for an allotment, but we are very fortunate in that have a greenhouse of their own to use. we have a total of 53 allotments, two of which were vacant. We had kept one of the plots vacant on purpose with the idea of So we applied for a grant through Durham County Foundation, erecting a polytunnel on it at a time when we had the funding in asking for £3500 and were awarded £2260, which after cutting place. many corners and pruning our budget we thought that it would be enough initially to get the project off the ground, How wrong About ten years ago a few of us allotment holders got together we were; we never gave ‘big brother’ a second thought. That is and formed an association and applied for grants to get us where we ran into trouble in the form of planning and councils. started; we were awarded £1500 initially with which we bought Previously, the system was if you wished to put up a two heavy duty strimmers, one lightweight strimmer suitable for greenhouse or shed, you sent a letter to the parish council ladies to use and also a small tiller, and I am pleased to say that telling them of your intention (well, some did) and you put it up, since then we have gone from strength to strength and added end of story, but when I attended the parish meeting last March to our equipment over the years. and announced our intentions that was the start of a long and prolonged fight against planning. All the information I could glean from all sources said the same that it is not a permanent building and planning permission will not be required. To cut a long story short we had to have plans drawn up and submitted to Durham County along with the planning fee, £220 being the final bill for that. This had to come out of our own funds as we had not applied for this sum when applying for the grant, so beware of hidden pitfalls when applying for grants and dealing with officialdom.

Finally, I am pleased to report that the 30’ x 14’ tunnel is now up and yes, it did survive the gales of Friday 4th Feb, and we now have our next grant in place for the raised beds, tables and benches, so if any of our green-fingered fellow gardeners are in the area or passing through the village you are more than welcome to drop in and see us. There is bound to be an expert on site to advise you or answer your queries. Ted Hoyle Treasurer to Cockfield Allotment and Garden Association

Profile on you – be on the front cover!

‘Individual experiences from the allotment’ Whoever, wherever you are, whatever you grow, why not tell us a little about yourself? Don’t be shy! We may be able to come to you to take some professional photographs of you on your allotment to feature on the front page.

Please supply approx 400 words/ good quality images and your contact details and we will be in touch – [email protected]

39 Northern Northern Regional Report

Gradually slipping back into action after THAT winter! The this costs the council lots of money! Other councils have weight of snow this year was unprecedented, as was the quality invested cash in training allotment tenants on their sites in the of it. It brought down fruit cages galore, collapsed greenhouse black art of vermin control by organising one day courses roofs, destroyed beds of winter vegetables by flattening them where the participants get a full day’s on-site training with an etc., So much for global warming!!! examination and a certificate if they pass; this allows them to do the job on-site themselves. The council arrange for the I’m an extensive user of Google as a means of answering supplies of bait, tubes etc. and the people who know where the questions which pop up from time to time; usually trivial things rats are get to put the poison down! A far better solution than like, “What was the boss’s name in the ‘Man from Uncle’ allowing outsiders to do the job and a lot more cost effective. series”? (Mr Waverley if you really want to know!). When it Some associations sell rat poison directly to any tenant so that comes to allotment matters, I’ve been answering some everyone is a ratcatcher; others use firearms for the purpose or members' questions by using our members who are available sometimes even terriers or ferrets for rabbits. It’s encouraging on email as a research tool for a while now. I hope they don’t to note how many people take matters into their own hands by mind what must seem like an endless stream of questions from buying traps as well, although it needs a regular inspection to the regional rep on topics of interest to some members, but in ensure that only rats end up in the traps. my eyes, they’re the ones who have the real answers! On the topic of mixed pigeon / gardening sites, matters are at The first question this year was a general enquiry to the 236 two extremes. Most people co-exist peacefully, with gardeners members, mainly but not exclusively secretaries, on my keeping fires and noise to a minimum on race email contact list for allotments in this region. days, presumably rewarded by sacks of pigeon Occasionally I also include the 56 local authorities from droppings in return. On other sites, it’s open another email list specific to this region in the question warfare because pigeon men are seen as being asked as well. I asked what the annual rent being careless with gates being shut and was for a standard 300sq yd. or 250 sq mtr. trackways being ruined by cars and plot, whether or not water was included, were vans driving incessantly up and down there any concessions for OAPs or those on the internal pathways. This benefit, and finally were they self- combined with less than carefully managed, partially self-managed, cultivated land on the remainder of council run, council or privately owned. the plots where the crees stand leads This was an attempt to get a picture to animosity. With 20/20 hindsight, of the state of this region’s where animosity exists, pigeon sites allotments. would have been better if they were segregated onto smaller plots which didn’t Thank you to the 76 members who need cultivation with more substantial paths replied giving the answers to the for access. This of course does nothing to deal questions. To those who didn’t reply, with the subject of building sizes on pigeon plots. I didn’t want your bank account In this day and age, more and more authorities are details or any other sensitive requiring plot holders to use no more than a given information, just generally known facts! percentage, usually 20%, of their plots for The answers to the survey can be permanent structures. Pigeon crees can be summarised as follows. Top rent massive and constructed years ago at enormous including water charges was £65 for cost in terms of money and effort, hence my a site in Cumbria, lowest was £7 in favouring of the segregated pigeon site, immune from South East Northumberland and the average overall was £38 percentage cultivation requirements. per plot. One lucky site was charged a rent of £20 but the association were allowed by the council to keep this as a One last point in this report on my favourite subject, gesture of thanks for managing the site! Twenty two sites still MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS. I now know several sites where the give concessions to the elderly or unemployed, although the committees AREN’T declaring the full member numbers as practice is diminishing gradually. The largest discount was required by NSALG rules. In these days of allotment shortages, 50%, given on five sites, including the one with the £7 rent! there isn’t an area in the North where there isn’t a waiting list! Astonishingly in this day and age, seven sites were without Many councils are requiring sites to let out only half-plots and water! Eight of the sites were on private land and five were are spending time and money to reclaim uncultivated land from owned by the association themselves. Six were fully council years of neglect. These two factors alone should be leading to run, four by a combination of association and council, but a an inexorable rise in site’s membership numbers. It comes as total of 67 were fully self-managed which was an encouraging something of a surprise then to me, and no doubt to other statistic. regional reps to find a full site where the declared site membership goes from 50 to 35 from one year to the next. Further research using the “allotment members Google When the regional rep has spent time and effort to help the site method” included questions on vermin control and co- with a problem in the previous year, it comes as something of a habitation on mixed pigeon/gardening sites. The vermin kick in the teeth as well. It costs £2 per member per year and if question was about who looks after vermin control (especially you can’t spare less than the cost of a pint of beer or seven rodents) on your site. The answers varied enormously. Some cigarettes a year, God help us all. Your priorities are all to pot as councils are paranoid about who poisons their rats; only council well as your morals! or private contract staff are allowed on site to place poison and Peter Horrocks

40 The Big Society in Action

Here are just a few photos that show a group of allotment holders from Newfield South View Allotment Association busy demolishing disused stables on our site in Newfield, Pelton, Co Durham.

We received a grant of £1000 from the Sir James Knott Trust based in Newcastle to enable us to hire a skip for the asbestos roof sheets which we needed to dispose of. The volunteers included David Rawle, his daughter Gillian and grandson Andrew. Others included Malcolm Barker, Edwin Wheeldon, Helen and Harry Morris. We all worked from 9am until 4pm on Saturday, 5th of March to help clear the site. Hopefully we can now offer new allotments on the site when the season starts in April. This will add to the present nine sites in cultivation. Harry Morris Allotment Secretary Newfield South View Allotment Association

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Arthur Morton’s Retirement

On Tuesday 8 March I was privileged to be asked to attend Mexborough Allotment Association’s Annual General Mr Tony Heeson Meeting as there was to be a Regional Rep presentation to the retiring Secretary. As a representative of the National Society I was asked to present Mr Arthur Morton with the Scroll and Gold Spade of an Honorary Life Member. At the same time Mr Keith Mowforth, the Treasurer of the Yorkshire Federation was asked to present the Yorkshire Cup which is awarded annually for Outstanding Achievement. What, I hear you say, is all the fuss about a secretary retiring? Well, Mr Arthur Morton is now 86 years old, he has been a member of the Mexborough Allotment Association (a group of five sites) Management Committee for SIXTY years and served as secretary for FIFTY of those years. Several members of Arthur’s family were present including some who had travelled from London to attend and in spite of all the preparations necessary for such an event Arthur was unaware that anything other than a simple retirement "do" at the end of the AGM was afoot. At the same time Arthur was made a Life Vice President of the Association thus ensuring his continued attendance at the committee meetings and thereby preventing the loss of such valuable experience. After all the

speeches and presentations were over the buffet and bar were opened and a AGM Announcement very convivial evening was enjoyed by all The Yorkshire Allotments & Gardens Federation will be holding its Annual and I suspect that the celebrations General Meeting at Knaresborough Working Men's Club on Saturday 12th carried on well into the evening. November 2011, commencing at 10.30am. Tony Heeson For further information contact Tony Heeson. Regional Representative

43 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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44 North West North West Regional Report

I promised to keep you informed on the progress in the North continued support. I know that their West in establishing NSALG Allotment Federations in all Local hearts must sink every time they hear authority areas. I am pleased to report that a further three me on the telephone or receive yet Federations have been set up this year. This brings the total in another email from me! the North West to fifteen. Mr D Morris I would also like to express my thanks Regional Rep It is only by coming together with other local allotment sites that to Don Booth and the plot holders at you can have a real voice with your local authority concerning Tindall Street Allotments in Salford near the way in which allotments are promoted, managed and Manchester for volunteering their site for use by a TV crew. supported. They are also an ideal way of exchanging ideas, Tindall Street has a Junior Garden Club on their site and all of dealing with common problems and promoting allotments. If the children had a wonderful time and are now dreaming of your Local authority area has not as yet established a Federation future careers in acting. They filmed the children digging, please do contact me and I will do all that I can to help you to planting, and watering in Manchester in February; they also establish one. The NSALG will provide some initial funding to looked busy feeding chickens and collecting the eggs. The film help you to establish the Federation and provide ongoing was for the Co-operative Group who sponsors the ITV National financial support to cover some admin costs via a rebate of up to Weather, so keep your eyes open for it. 15% off the NSALG membership fees, i.e. 30p for every NSALG member within the area covered by We have been approached by Cancer your Federation to help promote and Research UK to see if allotment support the work of the NSALG. societies would be willing to stage a small display at the Race for Life I am still hopeful that the NSALG will events to be held over the summer be able to stage displays at both the months. They are looking for help in Tatton and Southport Shows. The promoting healthy eating and exercise Liverpool Federation have agreed to via a simple display to show what you take the lead in producing the NSALG can grow at home or on an allotment, display at Southport and may I if you are fortunate enough to be able express my thanks to them for taking to get one. Please see their website at this on. The NSALG contribution www.raceforlife.org for your local towards the Tatton Show is still be to events and contact your Regional Rep decided. if you require literature or factsheets on the NSALG or growing fruit and It has been another busy few months with a whole range of veg and the benefits of getting involved in “Growing Your Own”. problems including Legionella testing on allotment sites, attempts by councils to significantly increase plot rental and We will be holding our North West AGM in the magnificent withdraw concessions from pensioners and the disabled and setting of Blackpool Town Hall’s Council Chamber on the 14 pressure from councils for sites to become fully self-managed. May. You should have received your invitation by now but if you Self-management can be a real advantage for many sites but it contact me I will let you know if there are places still available. should not be taken on without considerable thought and Our Guest Speaker will be Donna McDaid, NSALG’s National research; please contact me for advice and information. There Secretary, who featured on the first programme on the new and is also the ever-increasing size of waiting lists and attempts by excellent Horticultural Channel TV. councils to solve the problem by simply splitting plots into two http://thehorticulturalchannel.info. as they become vacant and the barriers of planning permission when new sites are trying to be established. You are not alone if If you are holding any allotment related event please let me you have any allotment related problems so please feel free to know the details and they can be included in our future Dates contact me at any time. for your Diary and on the NSALG www.nsalg.org.uk and North West Region’s www.northwestallotments.btik.com websites. In a previous edition of the Allotment and Leisure Gardener (4/2010) I reported that Wirral Council had decided to put the Dates for your diary: management of its parks and open spaces, including North West AGM Blackpool – 14 May allotments out to external tender. I am pleased to report that at Tatton Show – 20 -24 July the last minute they decided to exclude allotments from the Wirral Flower and Veg Show. – Birkenhead Park, 14 August tender process and to keep it “in-house”. I will leave you to Southport Show – 18 – 21 August. decide if this was due to the strength of our arguments against doing so or the possibility that potential contractors could not Blackpool Allotments Open Days: see how they could make a profit out of managing allotments. Layton Permanent Allotments – 31 July. Lawson Road – 7 August which is to host Radio Lancashire's The NSALG have recruited a new temporary member of staff, Gardening Programme with Stephen Lowe. Rakhi Arora. Rakhi has set about contacting allotment David's Slack and Oxford Square Allotments – 14 August. societies in the North West who are currently not in Blackpool Federation will also be holding their Produce Show membership of the NSALG to explain the benefits of at The Garden Place, Cropper Rd, Marton, on Sunday 28 membership. This has proven to be so successful that it is to August. be extended to other regions. May I take the opportunity to Dave Morris thank all of the staff at NSALG Head Office in Corby for their North West Regional Rep

45 North West A Rosy future in Chorley

Chorley Allotment Society (ChAS) members and local schools have benefited from a grant to plant apple trees in the Borough. The Community Foundation for Lancashire provided the grant of £1250 via the Grassroots Grant scheme. Over 2 years, almost 40 trees have been provided, mostly on allotment plots, but with some also offered to primary schools close to allotment sites. ‘It’s great that we’ve been able to offer these trees to our members’, said Bill Taylor, Chairman of ChAS, ‘and being able to offer them to local schools is fantastic, because it encourages pupils to learn early about healthy food and the benefits of growing locally. We are very grateful to the Community Foundation for Lancashire for the funding.’

The trees are all traditional heritage varieties that should do well in the North of Manor Rd School, said ‘Our gardening holders to use on their plots. West, and were sourced from a local club members were delighted to receive Bill Taylor nursery. Advice was offered by Steve a tree and help with its planting. We’re Chairman of ChAS Edwards, of Lancashire County Council looking forward to using the fruit in future and a selection and planting sessions years and getting to know more about Chorley Allotment Society can be were held. All the trees are labelled with allotment gardening in the autumn when contacted via sustainable ash-wood tags, and should the new allotment site is opened close to www.chorleyallotmentsociety.org.uk or provide delicious fruit to cook and eat for the school.’ The grant also provided via the Chairman, Bill Taylor, on 01257 many years to come. Deborah Jacques some communal barrows for allotment 262 130.

Sefton Park Allotment Society Over the last five years our Society has of refugee women who are able to the natural world. We are working with taken advantage of various funding relax in a calm environment and the Lawrence Community Primary opportunities to develop our site and receive professional counselling. School to provide the kind of plot that make it more accessible to our local will be low maintenance but, at the community. Our first project was to We are in the final stages of our latest same time, give all the children the provide a suitable plot for people with venture which is to provide a plot for chance to have a go with the tools special needs. This involved schoolchildren to learn about provided and enough space to grow a introducing a paved layout with raised everything connected with the variety of crops. They have only had beds and a large polytunnel as well as allotment experience. This is totally two classes to date but there is no lack major (and expensive) work to new ground for a lot of our city's of enthusiasm from the children who introduce plumbing and cesspit toilets. children and we hope it will give them become totally engrossed as soon as We have since welcomed a local a taster of what it is like to work with they enter the plot – this is very charity involved with the rehabilitation the soil and a basic understanding of heartening!

We are not sure how it will work out yet, particularly as the school can only work within a limited timetable. Part of the project, which has been initiated by the school's Community Liaison Officer, is to gain the confidence and involvement of the parents. We are hoping that eventually some knowledgeable gardeners will emerge from this group and then it will really take off. In the meantime the Society have enough funding to plant various fruit trees and bushes to get things growing. Jane Baxter Sefton Park Allotment Society

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48 West Midlands Len Waldron - A Centenary!

Len Waldron, a former plot holder on Thornbridge Avenue Allotments was 100 years old on January 14th 2011.

Len Waldron first came to Thornbridge Mr Maurice Lander Avenue Allotments at the end of the Regional Rep 1950’s but moved to Aldridge Road Allotments when he was told that the bees he wanted to keep were not allowed at Thornbridge. However, in the late 60’s he returned to Thornbridge when the area containing his plot was taken for the construction of the M6. Ironically he couldn’t get back to his original plot as this had been turned into the car park!

At one point he had plots 7, 25 and 27 and as time went on he was left with plot 7 which he kept until ill health at the age of 97 forced him to give it up.

Thanks to his mobility scooter Len still visits the allotments on fine summer weekends. Lesley Sherburn Thornbridge Ave Allots

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We have heard of a number of tunnels that did not survive the Finally Spring is here! heavy snow due to the poor quality of their frame but have been encouraged to hear from our Scottish customers that It feels like this has been one of the longest and coldest winters despite 2 feet of snow combined with gale force winds, there for many years but having just enjoyed the first weekend of was no damage to report on their Haygrove Garden Tunnels. Spring here in Herefordshire a new growing season is truly underway! I had a conversation with one of our customers regarding the use of sulphur in her tunnel which is traditionally used to control Many growers with pests and diseases usually by burning a sulphur “bomb”. It is polytunnels and important to be aware that continual use of sulphur will reduce greenhouses will be well into the life of your polythene as it attacks the UV inhibitors and the new planting season leads to early cracking of the either with overwintered polythene. With this in mind crops or early spring only use sulphur sparingly. sowings. However, as the winter has been cold with Plants will soon be growing considerable amounts of and thoughts will turn to snow, it is important to give pollination. The Haygrove Haygrove Zip-Lock System your structure a spring Garden tunnel is designed to “MOT”. When a plastic be fully vented but still keep covered structure has been pests such as aphids, carrot covered in snow, the weight root fly, thrips and butterflies can loosen the polythene so out. This is a tremendous advantage to being able to grow once the temperatures start good quality crops but the issue of pollination needs to be to rise, check that the covers addressed. If the bees and other pollinating insects cannot are still tight with no holes or enter the tunnel then hand pollination is an option. Tomatoes cracks. With a Haygrove and strawberries, in particular, require good pollination over an Tunnel this is really straight extended period. It is important to remember that a lot of crops forward by using our zip-lock will get pollinated simply by plants being brushed against, or Haygrove Tunnel in Scottish Highlands system, where the plastic is from misting. If you are worried then I would recommend a secured into a steel channel on the frame. It is also a good camel hair brush to move pollen between plants. opportunity to clean the covers with warm water and a little Tim Crossman, Sales Manager at Haygrove, Experienced mild household detergent to help improve light transmission. Commercial Grower & Keen Gardener!

4949 West Midlands North Warwickshire Allotment Federation

North Warwickshire’s allotment organising trips to other sites and places community have always been tricky to of interest, organising networking and pin down. There are 27 allotment sites in social events and gathering information the area varying from two plots squeezed on every site in the area as part of a between houses to our largest site with comprehensive mapping exercise which 60 or more plots. Some sites are very has assisted the Borough Council to well established going back at least 100 make decisions on where best to focus years whilst others have been developed resources in order to meet the growing or regenerated over the last five years. demand for allotment land. Each year the The sites also come under a variety of role of the Federation grows as more different ownership with some owned by sites come on board and more North Warwickshire Borough Council, opportunities for the Federation to some by town and parish councils and support allotments come to light. some under private or charitable ownership. The Federation is supported by the Borough Council as part of an annual With such variety it’s been difficult in the Service Level Agreement and also raises past for those looking for a plot to find funds in order to provide the finance the information they need. It’s also been needed to run activities. The Federation impossible for the allotment community is a constituted group with a bank to speak with one voice about issues and account and holds an annual AGM opportunities which are of interest to meeting to agree work for the following everyone such as where to get your year with its members. hands on funding, how best to manage your site and simply to find out what’s The aims of the Federation are to promote information. going on locally. and support Allotments Associations and • Seek funding to promote aims and allotment gardening in all its forms. objectives of the Federation. With this in mind Paul Gaskin, former Specifically the Federation aims to: • Promote partnership & consult and NSALG West Midlands Secretary, • Provide enjoyable and healthy leisure negotiate with Associations/Site suggested the Borough Council activities & promote sustainable owners etc. investigate whether an Allotment lifestyles. Federation could be set up for the area • Encourage the production of healthy Events for 2011 include: gardening quiz and whether an annual awards event food, produced locally which will night, the annual awards event including could help to bring the allotment impact on the health of individuals, the judging day and awards evening, a visit community together. community and the environment as a to two community gardening projects whole and encourage environmentally and a visit to Trentham gardens. This After a meeting of interested people from sensitive methods throughout the year the Federation will also be exploring the various allotment sites, five brave boundaries of the Federation. allotment insurance issues and individuals stood forward to take on the • Provide valuable pockets of green investigating opportunities to open up role of becoming the first ever North space for individuals and wildlife in new land for allotment use and use Warwickshire Allotment Federation. After urban areas. existing allotment land to its maximum nearly three years the Allotment • Consult with national and local potential. Federation has achieved a great deal organisations. Karin Cartwright including setting up a website, running a • Work in conjunction with outside North Warwickshire Allotment very successful annual awards event, agencies gathering and providing Federation Secretary

50 Ale-otment

In 2010 Alan Lavis (pictured left), Dave Wilson (right) and Ken Jackson grew hops on Ansley Common Allotments. Most of the plants came from Ken’s dad, Bob, who grows hops in his garden in Solihull. The Tunnel Brewery in Ansley took our combined output and used them as green hops in a brew called (wait for it) Ale-otment. There is only one brew a year so it’s quite rare. Some is sold on draught but the rest is bottled. Tunnel Brewery sells bottled beer at various farmers’ markets around the Midlands – see their website. The photograph shows the brewer, Mike Walsh, rather generously giving the four of us a dozen bottles each. Cheers!

David Wilson Treasurer Ansley Common Allotments

Notes from the West Midlands Regional Meeting at Cheslyn Hay

On Saturday, 12th February 2011 the rents considerably. The meeting was advised to cover their onion family first meeting of the year was held in reminded that Section 10 of the crops especially in March and Cheslyn Hay, a former mining village in Allotment Act 1950 referred to rents September when the insect hatches. south Staffordshire, between Cannock being that “… which a tenant may DEFRA should be informed of any and Walsall, with approximately twenty reasonably expect to pay.” Members’ outbreak. people present. attention was drawn to the revised NSALG website and the benefits to be Chris Brown told the meeting about the Members were informed that after had in accessing it, especially the intended layout of the NSALG site at discussion with the NSALG and Regional section available with a the NEC Gardeners’ World Live Show Cheadle Town Council, the North password obtained from the site in June. Eight gardens are to be set up Staffs Allotment Council in the town secretaries who will need to contact on the allocated plot, with a shed in the now appeared to have been successful Head Office for their site’s password. middle of the plot as an Advice Centre. in finding a suitable site. Reference The Regional Representative pointed was made to the success of the Concern was raised at the change in out that the Kings Heath Show, in International Workshop held in the insurance cover offered by the society September, will take place again this Region during 2010. The Edible and members were reassured by the year but only due to the dedication of Garden Show, with an emphasis on Regional representative that NSALG the local NSALG team led by Chris what it is possible to grow in a small had taken note of the situation and Brown. space, will be held in March at were hoping to introduce changes for Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. next year. Reference was made to the The next meeting will be at Meadow fact that a number of garden centres Road Leisure Garden Association, Discussion took place regarding the were offering plots for would-be plot Edgbaston, Birmingham, B17 8DH on wide variation in allotment rents and holders. The high price being asked per Saturday, 14th May at 2 p.m. facilities throughout the Region, with a week was likely to lead to a general rise John McNab concern being expressed that many in plot rents. Regarding the problem of (Regional Secretary) providers are moving to increasing the allium leaf miner, members were

51 Eastern Alconbury Allotments and Gardens Association AGM

Achievements in 2009/10 The search for water was a major project undertaken during this year and despite setbacks a solution has been found that will The 12th of June 2009 is an historic date. On that day the be the starting point for the provision of free water to the Alconbury Allotments and Gardens Association was formed, its allotments. This project did stretch the resources of the AAGA committee elected and the processes commenced that would to the limit and it is unlikely to be repeated. ultimately lead to the re-creation of community allotments in Alconbury. We have also had interest from other allotment associations, and several representatives from other newly formed Much has been achieved by the committee and volunteers. associations have visited our site and spoken to committee Here are a few examples: members. • a website created and newsletter published • car boot sales organised As well as this very positive interest, the site has had a few less • site layouts designed and plots set out welcome visitors – Rabbits, Muntjac, and other wildlife have • rules and agreements and other documents written found the crops too tempting. • publicity produced • sponsorship and free contributions provided Membership of the AAGA continues to grow. • opening day held, plots allocated and agreements signed • fencing, hedge cutting, and grass cutting undertaken What about the future? • bulk buying and contacts made with suppliers - We now have water from a bore hole but not as we expected, • manure delivered so a second phase may be required to improve that. • water to the site almost delivered - To establish some extra plots and encourage more people to • a mountain of pallets provided join in. • countless emails and meetings, discussions and hours of - To continue fund raising. time. - Work is required on the access tracks, pest control, bulk buys, the community shed and notice board. AND of course, all of the hard work put in by the individual - One for the future, wouldn’t it be nice to have a toilet! tenants. The site has been established in just 6 months, making the allotments a very successful project. Plenty to get on with then! John Craig Since the AAGA was formed on 12th June 2009, 15 committee AAGA Chairman 2010/11 meetings have been held, committee members and their spouses using their dining rooms and providing hospitality.

The website is very successful and continues to be updated Building a bee hotel and is well used by members, the forum pages in particular. There is a gallery of photos which progress from an empty field The topic for our Junior Allotment Club (JACs) meeting was to productive plots. Thanks go to Shaun Lee (non-member) for building a bee hotel. funding the launch of the website. Our expert beekeeper, Tim Harris, started the meeting by A successful newsletter was developed and this proved to be asking, “what do bees do for us?” You could see by the very popular, not just with the local membership but there were expressions on their faces – their eyes getting bigger and also stories of the newsletter being sent around the world. slightly leaning back in their chairs – they were having a think, when Olivia says, “they help our gardens grow!” That’s The AAGA has also received media attention, and was featured right; they aren’t just scary things flying around. In fact, Tim on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire earlier in the year. Our story explained to the children that bees are one of also featured in the Horticultural Trades Association magazine the most important pollinators of fruit following the open day on 6th March. and vegetables. We rely on bees to pollinate apples, onions, carrots, The 6th March plots were allocated to waiting tenants, but this broccoli, melons, and much was just the start of the community project. Volunteers, AAGA more. He told them they would members and their families have helped to cut hedges, erect be making a bee hotel for the fences, cut the grass, transport pallets and water butts. allotment and how the bees would come and live there and help us. Using The AAGA has also received help and support from businesses scrap wood, Tim made a box frame (but you could even use and local councils. This has included contributions from B&Q, an empty soda bottle with the top cut off) and the JACs Huntingdon Garden and Leisure, Unwins and Simply stacked the bamboo in tight. This would make the “rooms” Sweetpeas. for the bees to live. As the children pushed in the bamboo they talked about how many bees would live in their hotel. In July 2009 and again in 2010, the AAGA manned a car boot We made two, one for the ground and one to hang. stall at the village fete which has been very well supported and proceeds have helped to build up the AAGA funds. When to install your bee hotel (according to the opal website

52 Eastern Regional Report

The season is upon us and, as expected, an even bigger sections of the community are being demand for allotments as people’s thoughts turn to growing encouraged to enjoy the pleasures of their own. The waiting list on my own site increases weekly and allotmenteering. Many young families Karen Kenny we are getting on top of utilising unused allotments. It is and children work alongside their Regional Rep wonderful when you make the call to someone at the top of the parents or grannies and granddads. waiting list to hear the surprise and elation in their voice and for They all share experiences and knowledge and help each other them to think that, at last, after a couple of years their turn has out. A really healthy thriving community. It’s harnessing these come! We find on occasions that the moment has passed and new allotmenteers and encouraging them to participate in the circumstances have changed and the plot is no longer needed running of the sites and integrating them into the Committees by them, although this in our case is not frequent. that will ensure a strong and vibrant Allotment movement for the future. Those of us that are getting long in the tooth are I called one young couple earlier this year who had been constantly on the lookout for successors and it is from the new waiting on the list desperately for two years. My call came at generation of allotmenteers that they will eventually emerge. just the wrong time as they were caught between a rock and a hard place as they are about to have a baby and felt that they I urge you all, whether long-serving allotmenteers or new to the wouldn’t be able to manage a new plot right now but were scene, to get involved with your local association at whatever desperate not to go to the bottom of the list again. We have level. It could be helping with fundraising of some sort, agreed that they will be deferred for one year and in a year’s assisting in an open day, participating in a work party, making time they will once again be on top of the list should a plot tea and biscuits for the work parties or making sure that the become available. We have to be flexible in our waiting list and magazines get to every member. We find that by popping ten take people’s circumstances into consideration and this names on the front of each magazine so that they are passed seemed to fit the circumstances well for all. on after a week or two at the most, eventually gets every one meeting everyone else in the association. It is good to hear that many sites around the region are gradually improving their facilities and their relationships with However the most important thing this season is to enjoy their landlords, working more in partnership to get things done working on your plot among friends, enjoying the fruits of your on site and gradually improving facilities. labour, namely the veg and the herbs and the flowers etc. Karen Kenny The mix of people on sites is also a great pleasure to see; all Eastern Regional Representative

3.
CollectelloC ct about 15m51tuoba (16.4 yards)rdya4.6(1m rd total length of hollowohfohtgnellatots) orowollo pithyhtipr stems.ms.esty ms. BamboombBa oombBa canesencao workows well,llrk soso,llewrk do ElderedElodso branches,chbdEld s,echnrabr RaspberryebspaRs, stems,stbR ms,estrry oor otherht ehtor r dead hollowohdaed orowollo pithyhtipr stemsesty ms you can find. The largeralehT.dnifncauyo erg the range of typesyptfoegnraehtr eyp s & diameteretmeaid e of stems, the largerergalehtms,estfor e the numberembunehtr of speciesespfor ecie that will use yoseulliwtahts youru hotel..letohr 4.
Cut upputuC the t stemsesteht into 15cm51otnims cm (6 inch)chni(6cm lengthshtgnel) usingsius a hacksaw owcksaahagn or pairiapr i offor secateurs,uetcase depending on thehtnognidnepedrs,u toughnessenhguote of the stehtfoss stems.ms.est There are areareehT a wide varietyterivaediw of beeeebfoy hotelsletohe forofs tube-nestingste-nebutr beeseebgnist on the marketmaehtnos thattahttrkema 5.
TightlylthgiT y pack pap the stemsestehtck intootnims the half bottle. If theehtfI.elttobflaheht stemsest are too looseseoolootreams birdsrdibse s range widelylediwegnra y in quality, structurereuctrust,ytilauqniy and size. HoweverveewoH.zesidnare it isitir easyaes sy & cheappaech& to makekemaot will destroystedlliw rost the hotelohehty while lookinglelihwlet forofgnkioo food..doofr YYoYourou bee hotel isiletoheebr now complete.cowons .etelmpco yoyouruyo own beeebnwor hotel. One wayawenO.letohee y offoy doingg thisihtgniodf is illustratedrastullis in the below diagram:ggaidwolebehtnidet m:rag 6.
ChooseoohC se where to put youruyotupotreehwse beebr hotel. BeeseBeletoheeb eBe.letoheeb like ikeils it totti be asaebotti aebo sunnynnsus asay s possible,elbssiop ,e & it helpsplehti& if it itifis is shs sheltered fromrofdreetlesh the wind.niwehtm Therefore a sunnynnsuareofreehT.dn south--htusoy facing fenceefgnciaf orocene wall isillawr ideal..laedis East-facing (sunnynn(sugncia-fstEa. y in the morning)gnirnmoehtni isi) thehts nextxteneh best thing,nihtsteb anddna,gn WWest-facinge gncia-fst (sunnynn(su in the aehtniy afternoon)fftt rne noo isi) not too bad..daboottons BeeeBe hotelsletoh ws will also do well on masonrymanollewodsolalliw nsoma orory stone walls,awenostr but you will needdeenlliwuyotubs,ll a drill,,llridad screws,s,wscre & rawlplugsgulplwra& to do this.htodots The hotel shoulddluoshletohehTs.ih be at least 1staeltaebd 1m om offffff thet eh grounddnurog so that it ititahtso is not shadeddashtons bybded vegetation. Pu.noitategvey Putting it at head-heightgie-hdaehtatignittPu ithg iss ideal alaedi ass it makeskematis it easyaetis sy to wotsy watch the beeseebehtchtaw usingnsius g the hotel..letohehtg 7.
WhennehW yoyou have chosen youruuyonseochveahuyo spot, fixif,tospr in two nailsianowtnix l oros screwswscrer level withiwlveels eachchaehti otherehto onnor a horizontal planeenalplatnzoriohan a few cm/inchesechnicm/wefa apart.apas It otI.rta oftenfftt helpsplehne holdlohs theehtdl bee hoteltoheeb in place if metal washerswlatmeficealpnilet eshaw are used tootdseurears create a largerergalaetacre headdaehr on theehtnod nail orolian screw.screr .wscre 8.
Tie thehteiT e bee hotel in place makingmacealpniletoheeb sure it isitiresugnkima level,lveels o,l or the open end vednenepoehtr veryvery slightlylthgisl y sloping downwardsrdawnwodgniposl s to drain wateretawniradot away...yawar

When to installsnitonehW your bee hotelteoheebruoylltas l IdeallyllaedI the beebehty hotel should beebdluoshletoheeb put in place bybcealpnitup Mid-March-MadMiy and taken downodnkeatdnarch-Ma anddnanwo stored in annanidreost unheated shed orodeshdetaehnun outhouseor at the beginninggebehttaseuohtuo of OctobereboctOfogninnig tootr keep ittipekeo out of the worstwehtfotuo of the elementstnmeeleehtforstow to extend itstidnexteots life-span.-spefils If you take it downdtikeatuyofI.na-sp forofnwod r the winter, makema,retniweht sure you remembermereuyoresukema embme to put it backabtitupotr ck up again next springgnrispxtenniagapu so thattahtsog the beeseebeht cancas emerge outside..edsituoergmeen

ConstructingticutrsnoC your bee hotellteoheebruoygnti Other bee hotelheebrethO designssngisedlteoh 1.
TTaTakeake aan emptytmpena plasticistalpy bottlettobc and cut 15cm51tcudnael ocm offffff tthe bottomottobeht with a pairapahtiwm ia offor scissors.ssosci The example diagramgaidelmpxaeehTrs. rag usesseum a 2 litre bretil2as bottle, but otherehtotub,elttob sizeszesir s willlliws workow erk equallyllauqe well, you juststujuyo,llewy have to adjust the aehtstujdaotveah amount of stemsestfotnumoa usedseums dse accordingly.rdccoa .ylgnird 2.
CarefullyfreaC u llu make a small holelohllsmaakemay in the bottomottobehtniel of thehtfom half-bottle with theehthtiweltto-bflaheh e scissors,ssosci making sure youuyoresugnkimars, point the end of theehtfodneehttniop scissorsssosci awayawars fromrofy m othersehto rs and alllladna partsrtapl of youruyofos body..ydobr Thread through somemesohgurohtdarehT strong string agnristgnrostme as shs shown..nwosh

– details below): "The bee hotel should be put in place by mid-March and taken down and stored in an unheated shed or outhouse at the beginning of October to keep it out of the worst of the elements to extend its life-span. If you take it down for the winter, make sure you remember to put it back up again next spring so that the bees can emerge outside." http://www.opalexplorenature.org/sites/default/files/7/file/How tomakeabeehotel.pdf Liz Crabtree Barton Mills, Jr Allotment Association

53 Eastern Open Gardens Weekend Barton Mills, Suffolk - Sat 4th & Sun 5th June 2011

The St Mary’s Church, Barton Mills, the On Sunday 5th we will be offering free Ickworth House and Food Glorious Food Gardening Club, and the Allotments mini gardening workshops: booths Association have coordinated in Suffolk Co Master Composters - home Opal Explore Nature, soil survey - how to arranging an Open Gardens Weekend. composting talk test your soils ph The event begins with the Gardening Lakeford Lakes & Suffolk Wildlife Trust Liz Crabtree Club’s annual plant sale in the Village mini beast hunt and ID Eastern Region Hall on Saturday 4th June, between 10am and 12 noon, where many plants will be on sale at very reasonable prices. Entry to this event is free.

A number of gardens in the village will be open to the public between 12 noon and 5pm on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June at a cost of £4 per adult. There will be no charge for children aged 16 years and under but they must be accompanied by an adult. Garden passes and maps may be obtained from the Village Hall where refreshments, including cream teas, will be available throughout the afternoons.

On Sunday 5th, the Allotments Association will be opening their plots, just off Bell Lane, to the public between 11am and 3.30pm and will host a variety of Family Fun Events including tours, mini-garden workshops and vegetable tastings. The aim is to show how you can grow your own fresh produce “from plot to plate”. Entry to these events is free.

There will be adequate free parking on the field near the Village Hall.

Barton Mills is situated off the A11 between Newmarket and Thetford, just south of the 5 ways roundabout (IP28).

Northfields Allotment Club

Come and Visit Us! If you happen to be in Hunstanton on Sunday 14 August 2011, Northfields Allotment Club is holding its Annual Opening to mark National Allotments Week. So why not come and join us between 11am and 3pm to see how we are progressing.

Attractions will include craft stalls, sale of vegetables and, of course, delicious refreshments. You will find us on the A149 Cromer Road and the Northfields Site will be well sign posted. Peter James Northfield Allotments Club

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56 South West Two new Statutory Allotment sites for the South West

I never thought that I would ever be able to report on the feel all credit should go to her for her formation of a statutory allotment site in this day and age, but efforts in helping to make history in now I am pleased to report on two in the town where I live. forming what is now one of the only Allan Cavill new Statutory sites in the region for a Regional Rep The first is sadly as a result of the death of a local farmer; his long time. estate offered an existing rented site at Norton Fitzwarren to the Parish for purchase before the farm was sold and enclosed is a The second is as a result of our local council Taunton Deane brief history of this site from one of the committee members. making available some land to develop new statutory allotments. These allotments are specifically designed to meet I have been pleased to be associated with this site since it was today’s allotment needs and will include smaller plots, rain first thought about and I must say that the success of it is in harvesting, and a child friendly layout, and will be wholly self- part due to the considerable efforts of Janet Gobey who in the managed by the plot holders. early days had to wear several hats including the Parish Clerk, Allan Cavill Association Secretary, Fundraiser and General Organiser and I South West Regional Representative

Little River Allotments, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, Somerset After it was found there was a need for first served basis on 5 April 2008 and council agreed to purchase the site allotments in the village, the Parish the Mayor and Mayoress, Ken and which will now be held in perpetuity by Council started negotiations with a Mary Hayward, who at the time were the Parish Council for the benefit of local farmer in 2007. After the plot of also members of the Parish Council, local residents. land was agreed we were able to get a officially opened the site on 22 April. grant from the National Lottery for Now most plots are taken; there are fencing including gates, as the plot is The farmer unfortunately died and the some 20 sheds and 2 polytunnels with next to a public footpath. The farmer farm was put up for sale. Up to 40 one couple having their bees at the agreed to plough the land, which was a concerned tenants attended a meeting end of the site. During the year there set-aside field, and it was then marked in April 2010 to request the Parish are seed and plant swaps and a good out into some 40 plots and a service Council’s assistance when it was maintenance team has been path suitable to drive down. learned that the site was to be sold. As established. it has a statutory duty to provide Brian Kilner Plots were allocated on a first come, allotments if there a demand, the Little River Allotments

57 Wales Torfaen Sustainability Week and Allotments

During Torfaen’s Sustainability Week, the National Society of "Last year’s event was a great success Allotment & Leisure Gardeners was promoted to a wide and and I am confident we can build on its very diverse range of people. The purpose of the event was to achievements. The threat of climate Mr A Rees MBE promote awareness about a range of issues and encourage change affects everyone so it is Regional Rep people to live their lives in a more sustainable fashion. essential we continue to increase awareness of the importance of tackling our energy use, whilst The week kicked-off at Cwmbran Community Farm with a promoting sustainable living". Sustainability Conference and Exhibition with keynote speakers and exhibition stands from a number of organisations, including The promotion of allotments was very high on the agenda (as The Energy Saving Trust, Local Nature Reserves, Countryside always) and there was tremendous interest in the work Council for Wales, Dan-the-Can and many more. A wide range undertaken by Cwmbran and South Torfaen Allotment of events took place over the week including a business Association and our partners, Eastern Valley. Demand is at an breakfast, Feed-in Tariff seminar and an open day at the Life all time high but there is some good news as new sites are Station in Pontypool promoting allotment advice, Fairtrade and under consideration. reducing food waste. The promotion of sustainability is not restricted to a one week ‘Changing by Degrees’ was the sustainability motto for the event. It’s an ongoing, evolving process that requires the week, delivering the message that if we each make minor commitment and dedication of local communities to ensure a adjustments to the way we live our lives, together we can help balanced environment is maintained. The 20 sites that make up reduce consumption of the earth’s resources and atmospheric South Torfaen are very much involved and are playing an active emissions. role to achieve a sustainable balance on each of the sites. For example, large ponds have been created on some sites, The Leader of Torfaen Council, Councillor Bob Wellington, said, hedgerows planted and seminars held on bio-diversity, thus encouraging plot holders to garden organically and developing policies to help site Secretaries and their respective Committees.

We, the allotment community, can make a difference to local bio-diversity but it does take commitment, something that shouldn’t be in short supply! Why not contact your local council and ask what they are doing to promote sustainability and demand that allotments features highly on their programme or agenda? Also, ask your local council about the possibility of grants to help assist with developing your site to work better with nature. If you don’t ask you don’t get, so make that call today!

Good Luck Sean Evans Cwmbran & South Torfaen Allotment Association Secretary.

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