Newcomer to forum

[Eristic]

Hi everybody,

Just a quicky to introduce myself to you all. I've had several allotments over the years and after a break for a while, took on 2 derelict 5 pole plots a year ago. I grow mostly heirloom types of veg and lots of flowers using organic methods.

Although mainly using traditional methods, I am a great experimenter and will always be trying something new each year. Allotments are no longer there to feed the starving kids but are evolving into recreational therepy. I have my pond and expect to have a patio later in the year, once a few more paving slabs leap into my van when I'm not looking.

As my plot is adjacent to a nature reserve and close to the Welsh Harp reservoir, there is always an abundance of birds close by, notably jay, green woodpecker, spotted woodpecker, heron, tawny owl, green parakeet, sparrowhawk along with all the usual garden birds. The plots are home to plenty of slowworms, newts, frogs and toads so all cultivation needs to be carried out with care.

Looking forward to chatting to you all.

[Eristic]

[coznbob]

Hi there :D

Welcome to the forum, there seem to be a lot of us newbies around at the mo!

Will look forward to picking your gardening brain! ;)

[lorna]

Welcome to A4A nice to see so many new members. Very jealous of all the birds you are able to watch. Keep trying to entice more in to my garden but still no finches etc. I still get enjoyment from the starlings, blackbirds, green finches and collared doves.
Any pics to show us?
Regards Lorna.

[SteveJ]

Welcome to A4A Eristic hope you find it the wealth of information that I have. Everyone here is really friendly.

Your plots sound fantastic - look forward to some photos.

[Hyacinth]

Hello! Great that you've found your way here at the beginning of the season. We have a thriving Swap Shop, so anything you want to try, just ask...oh! and anything you want to offer from your heirloom collection, feel free ;D

You're certainly growing in a lovely part of the Isles - looking forward to seeing pics if you have any..

Cheers, Lishka

[shirlton]

Welcome Eristic. You have certainly come to the best allotment website there is. Watch out though cos you may get hooked. Like Alishka said we can't wait for the photo's. I have newts in my pond but am in the middle of Birmingham.

[flowerlady]

Goodness Eristic with that many birds next door to watch ... do you get much gardening done !! ??  :D

Welcome ... good to hear you grow FLOWERS too  ;)  Anything special ??  Always good for swaps in that department  ;D

I also have a 10 pole plot  :)

[saddad]

Jealous about your location and wildlife...
Welcome aboard...
;D

[Jeannine]

Big Welcome from me too.I have a 'wee' list of heirloom veggies too, enjoy the site,it is very well run , I am very impressed with it. XX Jeannine

[kitten]

Hi there eristic and welcome!  I'm a total newbie so look forward to learning some of your wisdom over the coming season.  Also, don't forget to post some pics of your plots, the setting sounds divine!

Good luck & happy growing x

[manicscousers]

Hi, eristic, welcome aboard, how do you protect your plants from the wonderful birds, or do you grow mostly to encourage them?  :)

[Marymary]

Hello from me too.  Your site sounds idylic - would love to see photos.  :)

[theothermarg]

hello
marg :D

[sea chelles]

hello!  ;D

[Eristic]

Thank you all for the welcome. There does seem to be some confusion over my locality which for some reason does not appear by my avatar. The Welsh Harp is in fact in London, roughly between Brent Cross shopping centre and the new Wembley Stadium. The site is still idyllic though as the arial photo shows. Red is my bit.



Regarding the birds, yes they can be distracting but who goes to the lotty to do any work? I have to admit to not actually seeing the tawny owls but I hear them most evenings during the winter. I take lots of photos but the most recent ones are a bit drab with one muddy plot looking much like any other, but will endeavour to get up-to-date pics over the weekend.

As for swaps, I will make a list as soon as possible although I've not yet established any surplus for heirloom veg. The flowers I like to grow are varied but my favs are Canna and various arums mixed with pretty much anything that begs for a new home.

Wildlife can be a problem and I do get attacked from all quarters, mice, squirrels, pigeons, jays, foxes, slugs. They all have a go but judicious use of sticks and netting does reduce losses.

[MrsKP]

be careful of that Alishka woman Eristic.  She demands pics, but won't post any herself !!!  I think she thinks she'll be "found out".   :P

Welcome aboard !

;D

[machman5]

Hello from me too Eristic!  They're a great bunch on here and I have learned and shared so much ;D.  Good luck with your lottie,
Donna.

[Chris Graham]

Welcome to the site ;)

[Hyacinth]

There does seem to be some confusion over my locality which for some reason does not appear by my avatar. The Welsh Harp is in fact in London,

Oh! So you live in a pub? That explains the flocks of birds and the wild life as well  ;D

[Emagggie]

Hello, good evening and welcome from me. ;D