Getting there but so very slowly !!

[Chocolate]

HI
Just thought I'd update you on my slowly growing allotment.
Its been a nightmare really, have decided to take help thats
offered, so sister, niece and knight from two plots away, who
set light to all the plot so that it would burn down the dried
grass that was left!!!  Your not really supposed to have a bonfire
never mind about setting light to the plot ??? Oh well.
Just about finished today by taking the last of packed estate
car full of wood all rotting,getting on for twenty odd window frames,
a bay window, bedsteads,tent poles, loads of bricks, couldn't carry the 1880s fireguard,glass that was broken and spread all over the site, site like a forrowed field and sheets by the ton of glass, still having to clear another three what I think are compost heaps full of plastic bags with household waste in,and bits of carpets,and still more glass ext  ::)
My word I'm sure this is the worst plot there is.I don't think your supposed to leave them like this :(
I'm feeling tired of it already.
Wanted to burn a bonfire about 8pm but as usual theres always a jobs worth to stop you trying to get things straight. Got round it by waiting until they all went.
Mind we have had a hedgehog sleeping all winter in the shed :o
Oh and the shed is held together with bits of string and you've guessed it window frames!! Took them out and waited for the whole thing to fall to bits.
Don't care tho' have bought a shed from someone whose moving for a tenner,wants fifteen coats of creosote and a new roof but other wise OK. :D
Still stink of smoke this AM even after a bath!! Will just have to stink cos I'm back up later in the week to burn the brambles!!
All round didn't have a bad day

[Chocolate]

[tilts]

Just think about what you would like it to look like and how proud of yourself you are in preparing it for that day.
I do know it is disheartening, but look forward, beacause 'that' day will arrive sooner than you think!

[supersprout]

It's a bit like painting a room - you spend 80% of the time on preparation (if you're good lol)
Just think how easy it will be to manage and maintain now you've cleared it properly :)
The old boys around here reckon it takes three years to 'turn around' a neglected plot. Take a look at your 'before' pictures for inspiration from time to time.
You'll have lots of lovely potash on your soil already from the sound of it ;)
Little and often does it - you'll get there :D

[sarah]

yes it sounds like you have a real job on your hands there, i wish that your assossiation was a bit more helpful and could a least clear the rubbish out for you before you took the plot on; its very disheartening when you start out to have to clear so much out.  it sounds as though you are not letting it get you down too much and thats a good thing, because this is really the worst stage, and once you have it cleared and productive you will be so glad you did.  it does sound as though you could do with some help though.  just do what you can, when you can and you wil get there in the end.  good luck with it, and remember we are all here to pep you up when you need it. :)

[jennym]

Oh wow - that sounds so familiar. My plot was in a similar condition to yours when I took it on in 1999, spent a whole weekend burning stuff and another 3 or 4 days shipping rubbish to the council tip.
Wish you every success with your allotment, slow but sure is the way to do it, do a definite area and finish it, eventually you really will reap the rewards  :)

[markfield rover]

May I just repeat what SS said... take loads of pics...
     we  were in a similar state last autumn and it is amazing what you
will achieve  without realizing it..a journal too is fun!

[Chocolate]

'Sposse I should have taken photos, didn't
think of it, mind I'm still on the box brownie!!
No, the disposables from Asda, will get one
when I next go.
Mind its just about clear now, its Mick's job
now to lay the paths ext, and put the wires
round the plot so I can grow pretties and fruit
up them.
I'll get there,but when I don't know ;)
Faith