Topic: Cards on the table time

[markymark]

Although certainly more in vogue, how many of us admit to our work colleagues that we have an allotment??

So far I haven't as a lot of the guys/girls I work with have an average age of 25, few commitments and seem to be content getting off their faces every weekend and evening? Don't get me wrong (said the old boy of 41!) I've certainly had my stint of the odd pint or 10 in the past but I just don't think they'd get it? Yet by no means am I the youngest plot holder on our site?

I have so far confided in my close friends who are aware of my new(ish) quest for digging and planting and in general are supportive inbetween stifled giggles!

[markymark]

Hmmmmmm  ::)

Looks like I'm the only one not to have told?

Oh well, guess I'll break the news to the work gang when they're suitably sozzled at the office do!

[tim]

Pints, gm? Worked it out that, while I was on working leave from India in the mid '40s ( no beer for 18 months), I managed 58 gal in 7 weeks. Spirits extra! I am NOT proud of that, but at least still had a 28" waist at 40!! How about you - are you fit for it?? If not, you will be!! = Tim

PS Do read Jeremy Clarkson today on office parties!!. Don't do it!!

[teresa]

Hi Greenman and welcome
I think some peoples ideas of an allotment is retired men in caps digging potatoes. Well these days it is more up market.
You tell your work mates your growing fruit and vedge organicly because its good for you this they will understand if you do or not does not matter.
Then you tell them you instead of going to a gym to work out you can do it on a lottie in the fresh air which is better for you and watch the women garden as well this they should understand.
I know when I took over my lottie this early summer the chaps down their watched over me bless them.
Teresa

[ina]

Hi Greenman. I belong to the oldies at my work. Since I am proud of my lotty hobby I told them all. I think it depends on how you word it. I said something to the effect of not only growing all my own veggies but doing it all biologically. It's that biological part that does it with the young ones. When I bring my excess gourgettes to work I say: "enjoy and.......... 100% biologically grown you know". Then it becomes extra special to them hahaha.

[Hyacinth]

Theresa and DD are spot-on, you know..."organic" is the new buzz word? And growing your own stuff is the new thing....pulling girls/pulling organic carrots can be synonymous..think of all the ladies who ooh & aah over the TV gardeners?

Best of luck at the office party.  ::) Lishka

[cleo]

well I got my first half plot when I was 23 and doing my PhD-and am still a keen gardener. Now an old git of 50 .

Stephan

[Mrs Ava]

Well greenman, gardening has been my pash since I was a nipper, and I have bragged about it ever since!  And it is amazing how helpful the chaps are at the plot, when I arrived in the late summer wearing....well....not a lot.....and had sooooooooo much digging to do....they didn't offer to  help, but they did cheer me on for some reason   :P

[legless]

i told everybody and still do and get all the ridicule that comes with it, but i don't care cos i love it.

they don't know what they are missing (and i haven't even grown anything yet  :D)

just need to convince my husband to stop laughing at me about it now.....

[Doris_Pinks]

I tell everyone! I am very proud of my lottie ;D They may laugh at me, but they gratefully accept the organic fresh veg when it appears, without a giggle ;)

[Tenuse]

I tell everyone. And they might think it's weird, and giggle a little, but secretly I think they're

JEALOUS

because I have a passion, and they (mostly) don't!

Ten x

ps and lots of them ask how it's going, now!

[jethro]

Well being the youingest in the office i'm constantly told to SHUT UP about the bl**dy allottment  ;D  as nobodys interested, yet when i'm harvesting they all ask if there are any surplus veggies?

"**!!!*@*  off" I reply, your not bothered about the lottie,(good job i'm the manager  ;D).

And yes i'm totally organic, you should see the size of my weeds  ;D :-/.

[linsdownoptimist]

I only got my lottie last week and was dying to tell everyone. I even told people I dont know (well I was working with them at the time).

I dont know whether my boyfriend takes me seriously though.

[Doris_Pinks]

My hubby just throws his eyes up, thinks i am weird, then eats all the yummy veg! But I just do not expect him to lend a hand in any way shape or form!! I think in all the years I have had mine, (must be going on 5) he has only stepped foot on it twice!!  But I kinda like that as it is my sanctuary ;D

[tim]

What a treat he's missing. So sad!!

Assuming, of course, that you join in with the love of his life?? ( apart from you, of course!!)

Suggest that he savours it before it all gets covered with concrete!! (Stansted, M6, "Green Belt" et al) = Tim

[legless]

rick says he will happily come down the allotment if i erect a hammock for him!

he says my sharing in the love of his life (wading into the north sea to waist level to take pictures of him surfing) doesn't count cos i've got the camera with me!

[clare]

I told all my work colleagues when I got my lottie - we're all early thirtysomethings and are all into gardening so we spend all day swapping tips!  We do get some strange looks from the other people that work here.... but we don't care!!  don't be ashamed of your lottie  :)