Look what I got today... :)

[shonam]

Phoned the woman on our local plot last week to enquire about getting an allotment and was told there were about 20 people on the waiting list. On asking if there were any over-grown plots or anything she would be willing to let go sooner she mentioned two guys who came down a few months ago all tooled up and took one of the overgrown plots. So I arranged to meet her today and my boyfriend and I are now plot-holders.  ;D

Even more exciting is the size of the plot - it is at the end of the row and when I asked where the boundaries were we were basically told to work what we could. Although the plot is overgrown, we're just going to work a bit at a time. Managed to get a bit cleared today and going down tomorrow with canes and string to mark out the first bed and path round it and will clear this and continue a bed at a time.

There is a large concrete foundation at the back which will be ideal for a shed and a greenhouse.

A few pics...before we started...



After a couple of hours work...Soaking wet, filthy but who cares lol...


Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated - I know we have alot of work ahead of us but we're both really excited about the challenge and the opportunity to get growing our own stufff next year.

Shona :)

[shonam]

[Flighty]

Well done! Take it steady and you'll have it all good and ready for next year.
Like the pink wellies!

[macmac]

You must be so thrilled I can remember when we got ours brilliant.The one thing I would say is enjoy ,if you get fed up of doing a big job break off and do something else for ten minutes,and don't forget to stand back and "admire" YOUR PLOT
p.s. my (now overused )saying is take it steady "you can't eat an elephant in one sitting" ;D

[Fork]

Congrats on your getting a plot.Dont try to do too much at once...take it steady.

Those 20 people on the waiting list cant be that bothered if they turn their noses up at an overgrown plot!

Mine was overgrown but nothing like yours.

[caroline7758]

Well done, you've worked hard today! Hope you're not aching too much tomorrow.

[saddad]

The pink wellies are great...  :)

[Sparkly]

Well done on securing the plot. Dont' worry that it is overgrown as you will get there in the end.

[shonam]

Macmac - I think that's going to be our new mantra for the site lol.

There were quite a few overgrown plots on the site but none as bad as ours but she's going to start going through the process of evicting soon so hopefully we'll be getting new neighbours soon. Everyone we met today were so nice though. Got a big load of apples fresh off one of the plotholders trees which was really nice of him and the two guys beside gave us some top tips how they cleared their site.

Is really good having the two guys there as their plot was the same as ours when they started in March so we can always peer over the fence and remind ourselves of what we can achieve (you can see their plot over my shoulder in the second photo).

And thanks for the compliments about my wellies lol - my one concession to girlieness on the plot ha ha. I actually loved how liberating it was today going out and doing something and not worrying about what I was wearing, doing my make up etc.  Think I need to invest in a cagoule though - crappy Scottish weather and all that.

Oh - does anyone know anywhere online that sells wellies in a size 12 for my OH? Went to B&Q and they only go up to an 11.

Shona :)

[small]

Congratulations. You have years of pleasure ahead of you, remember to pace yourselves and never give up!

[flowerofshona2007]

Well done on making such a brilliant start, you have all winter to get your plot sorted now, a great time to get it and good for you for being so committed to do some hard work !

[greenstar]

Brilliant Shonam!  That was quick work - whereabouts is it?  You must have been *really* inspired by the open day!

[thifasmom]

welcome to the site, congrates on the plot and here is a link to size 12 wellies.

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/details.php?cat=Clearance%20Wellingtons&product=1421

If you try a search wellingtons size 12 in google, etc you will get lots of choices.

[shonam]

Brilliant Shonam!  That was quick work - whereabouts is it?  You must have been *really* inspired by the open day!

We were! I was already sold on the idea but it really helped convince OH - he loved seeing how everyone had worked their plot and all the lovely stuff being grown. The plot's on the Bellahouston private site - backing on to Craigton Cemetery. Its just by the M8 but you'd hardly know as it's so peaceful.

[shirlton]

How exciting to have a blank canvas. I really do miss the feeling of creating something out of nothing. Thats why we took our second overgrown plot on. As others have said "Just dig and plant a bit at a time and watch things grow". You are starting at the best time of year cos you have all through the winter to prepare the ground without having to fight the hoards of weeds(Be warned they do come back every year) ;D What are you going to plant in your first bed.There are quite a few things you could be putting in. Keep the pics coming.

[macmac]

Shirlton I so agree with you about the blank canvas thing,everyone says how lovely our plots are, and they are but it's that starting from scratch feeling that's missing :( 

[Sholls]

Shonam, you've made great progress already! Hope you're not too sore today.

I see you have some of the 'delightful' pink flowered weed that is the bane of my life at home. I think I'll be asking you for tips on how to erradicate that one.  ;)

[Mushy Pea]

Hi Shonam,

Welcome to the mad house.  ;D

I can only concur with everyone's advice. Take it easy and take lots of pictures. They will remind you of how much work you have done and how quickly things grow.

It is really exciting for you.

Remember though taking on an allotment isn't all work.
Enjoy the sense of community too.
Never be too busy for a chat.
Never turn down any freebies.

Before you know it you'll be drinking tea watching your produce grow.

MP

(Like the pink wellies.  :) )

[cornykev]

As said already bit at a time and you will soon get there, there's no point in over doing it and feel too stiff to do any thing for days.
Mind you Shonam your taking all the credit and I bet the OH has been doing all the graft while you've been cracking the whip and drinking tea, them pink wellies look a bit clean for my liking.   :-X       :o      ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[1066]

Congratulations and well done!
The only other advice I can think of is to get some pink / girlie gloves to go with the wellies  ;D I've had various ones over the years with cherries / strawberries etc on but then they don't match my tatty old Doc Martin boots  :D

I used to work in Glasgow and remember how bloomin wet it gets there so pass on the cagoul and get a wet suit  ;)

take care
1066