Allotments 4 All

I have a neighbour who has an spreading elderberry bush some 12' tall with a spread of about 15', immediately to the south of me and overlapping the edge of her plot.

At this time of year the shadow (even without leaves) completely covers the whole width of my plot  and in late summer takes out (say) a third of the width for about a quarter of the plot.

I'm looking for some help and recommendations as to how I can best use this shady area, please.

Anyone know of any fruit bearing hydrangeas or some such?

Raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries will all tolerate some shade. On my shaded area of allotment I have decided to put the chickens there because it only gets a very small amount of sun. :)

Breaking news.

Elder is linked with several serious illnesses.

What we all thought was just a harmless tree/bush giving us berries to make wine is a killer. This news was reported in the `lacnet` earlier this week. Owners are strongly advised to cut down any growing in their garden.

Worth a try?

Can you provide a URL?

nope. but I have a mean bow saw ;D

This might prove useful info next year:

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/78/95926.htm

Many thanks, everyone.

I will be getting some soft fruit and small fruit trees for the area. And if there's any space left, I'll build a BBQ - need to do battle with the surrounding houses who allow bacon smells to waft around on a Sunday morning!!

Cliff

I have built a barbeque on my plot, it is gorgeous in the summer to barbeque the fresh sweetcorn for a late breakfast ...

Derekthefox :D

Cliff you could grow your salad crops in part of that space - lettuce, spinach and chard.