Reading the Daily Telegraph gardening supplement on yet another very wet day, I was encouraged to discover that even renowned gardeners have struggled this year. I read:” Good years are wonderful, everything is a breeze and you feel like a genius.” This was definitely the case during our first year when we all enjoyed a plethora of fruit and vegetables and a rich harvest which we proudly shared with family, friends and neighbours. We took great delight in each others plots, exchanging ideas and comparing sizes of marrows, pumpkins, potatoes, onions, leeks and of a wide variety of beans. This time last year, we were feeling rather smug about what we had accomplished, especially when we bypassed the fruit and vegetable section in our supermarkets. Biddenden geniuses indeed!
Twelve months later we have come down to earth, literally! This year’s harvest was disappointing. 2012’s wet summer was in direct contrast to last year’s drought. We compared with awe and revulsion the size and magnitude of the slugs that invaded our paradise.
Like farmers throughout the country our crops suffered from weeks of rain, blight and slug infestation. Peas, broad and runner beans failed to meet our expectations, and many potatoes were attacked by pests.
However not all was disappointing! The hose pipe ban was eventually lifted. After weeks of persistent rain, our plots turned ‘fifty shades of green’ as well as our fingers! The verdant field resembled the Emerald Isles, as lush vegetation flourished. Aquamarines, chartreuse, lime, sage, Artichokes, olive, jade, emerald, etc. etc. Besides the abundance of green, our fruit flourished. Rhubarb, gooseberries, strawberries, blackcurrant, red currants were plentiful. Succulent, juicy, delicious raspberries were abundant for weeks. I picked our last crop on November 5th!
We were cheered by a vibrant array of colours: aubergine, orange, pink, yellow, blue, mauve, scarlet, vermillion, violet, lilac and purple provided by a rich variety of flowers. Cabbages, parsnips, carrots, beetroots, onions, leeks and garlic have done well along with courgettes, cucumbers and pumpkins.
Our allotment is more than just a vegetable plot. It is a new way of life. The richest harvest of all has been the continuing growth of friendship and goodwill that we share. We have made new friends, enjoyed several social events: BBQs, monthly gatherings at the Red Lion and the Bowls Club Quiz night. Our allotment may appear slightly lacklustre in December as the many shades of green fade to brown, but its generous spirit and warmth of bonhomie means that ‘peace and good will’ are ever present.
Happy Christmas!
Liz Cartwright
Biddenden Allotments Association