All Things Considered

Allotment Gardens
Posted by Kate Sullivan

Allotments have a magical lure. As I drive about Norfolk, I always slow down and stare at my favourite communal gardens where the tenants grow a wonderful array of seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers. It's the rambling sheds that also grab my attention, quiet hideaways to ponder and cultivate.

Community gardens have been around since the 18th century and were set up as a place for factory workers who had been forced off the land, to still grow fresh produce. In the 1960's, food became cheaper and allotments became less favourable, offering local authorities the chance to sell off the land for development.

The popularity of 'growing your own' has really taken off in recent years, coinciding with our ecological stance on the food we consume and the effect food miles have on the environment. Having an allotment has so many advantages, it brings together a
cultural mix of communities who share tips on recycling, improvising, organic methods as well as it being a garden space many don't have. It's the sense of pride, wonder and achievement of planting a tiny seed, watering it and watching it grow to then eating it that never fails to disappoint even the most dismissive green fingered people amongst us.

This coming Monday sees the start of National Allotment Week which is aimed to promote the awareness and availability of allotments both locally and nationally. Many allotments are being earmarked for development as is Manor Gardens in the London district of Hackney Wick. This much loved  plot is being bulldozed for the Olympic games at the end next month despite fierce campaigning to stop it happening. Check out Jane Perrone's blog and her allotment predicament.

Posted by Kate Sullivan on August 9th, 2007