Exciting Prospect

[betula]

but not sure what to do. :-\

If you have read my posts lately you will know that due to a move had to give up my allotment.

My health is not great but I have managed to create a small veg plot and loads of pots.3 year waiting list for a local lottie.I have also spent time helping in the garden of local historic house and I love doing that.

Anyway this land belongs to local cathedral and I have been told I can use this if I wish as previous person who had it does not want to do it anymore.

Thing is will I bite off more than I can chew ??

Turning that into an allotment that will have to look smart all the time as it is on public view would be very hard work but maybe being able to plant it up with all my faves is an easier prospect.

Not sure..........

[betula]

[BarriedaleNick]

Can you get in and do a bit here and there or are you expected to get it all looking good within a short space of time?
Only you know if it will be too much for you but being outdoors and doing what you love is always for what ails ya!

[GRACELAND]

if you decide to --good luck :)

[gwynnethmary]

Maybe you could ask yourself if you would have given up your allotment even without the move.  If so, then possibly it might not be a wise choice.  But if you know, in your heart of hearts, that you would have still been working your allotment, digging, planting ,watering, weeding etc, then go for it!

[betula]

I think the simple answer is no I would not have given up my lottie.I would prob have to have been forcibly removed.Fact is though I love being here so no regrets.Lots of Grandson time and that is great,he has also helped me with my veggie patch and proudly shows off his carrots to all who will listen   ;D He is only Four.

We had created loads of raised beds on old lottie so that made life very easy really in a lot of ways.

I think if I do take it on I would create wider borders and do some veg interplanting.I do know that to turn the whole thing into an allotment may turn into a problem I can not deal with on my own. :(

It is such a rare opportunity to be given some land to use that I feel I must give it serious thought.

Thanks all for your thoughts.   ;D

[tonybloke]

go for it, Mate!! a little and often, just carve some small beds in the lawn, plant some salads, etc, bit by bit.  you'll succeed in the end!!

[Tin Shed]

Go for it - I would :D
You could keep some of it as grass  where you can sit and admire all your work ;) - or have raised beds as you had before.

[1066]

never say no to land! Well that's what I think.
And as others have said, a little and often - and with a nice seating area to sit back and relax in  ;)  :)

Good luck whatever you decide

[caroline7758]

Why not make it a real old-fashioned cottage garden, with a mix of flowers and veg, then you could keep some of the grass or (given that the grass doesn't look great) put gravel down.

[1066]

Had another thought - what about planting mainly fruit - strawbs, raspberries etc - that way the maintenance would be less

Love the idea of a cottage garden tho!

[grawrc]

Sorry Den! I didn't know you had health problems. I think I would go for it though. I don't know what the dimensions are but it looks eAsy to maintain as is. Then you could chip awY at it and make it something beautiful and productive?

[irnhed]

My two-penneth is that you should go for it, but plan & tackle it in stages.

One other thing to consider is, given the openess of the location it may be a good opportunity to chat with passers-by, which would allow you to pass on your knowledge & wisdom.

Don't know how you'd feel about that, or if people would be interested.  Something to think about.

Cottage garden sounds lovely, with a nice secluded spot to enjoy it.

Another point is that, although there is a good looking fence, as it's 'open' you could possibly face problems with vandalism or theft.  Sorry to sound negative, but it's something to consider if you're looking at putting things in.

Overall, I'd go for it.  I'm sure you can make a lovely looking space that you, and other people will enjoy.  Anything is better then boring grass.

Best of luck.

[Georgie]

Had another thought - what about planting mainly fruit - strawbs, raspberries etc - that way the maintenance would be less

Love the idea of a cottage garden tho!

I second this idea.  Go for it Betula, you know you want to.   ;D  Oh, and how about a living willow den for the grandson?  Saw a fab one at Capel Manor recently.   :)

G x

[lottie lou]

And just think of all the people who will stop to chat.............

[queenbee]

Why not share the plot. If there is a three year waiting list for lotties, there must be someone who would really appreciate sharing with you and who knows with your knowledge and their muscles, you could still get a good supply of veg for two families.

[betula]

Oh thanks everyone for so many ideas and encouragement. ;D

Will keep you posted.