Newsletter

Spring 2009

What a long dark and cold winter we have just had, the coldest and most snowfall for years causing havoc around the country. I can remember walking to school through deep snow; we also had harder frosts in those days and lived in houses without central heating. On the plus side the summer holidays always seemed to be hot and sunny where as the seasons seem to blend in to each other these days.

Last week I planted out my onion sets, it was great to feel the warm sun on my back, apparently spring is later in the calendar this year (as was Easter, Fathers' Day etc.) this is the main reason for the brighter yellow in the flowers and bushes I am told.

I am pleased to report that the AGM in December was well attended; we had twenty six adults, baby Isla, one dog and one cat, leaving standing room only! The main topic of discussion was the trebling of rent for plot holders outside of Patchway, we have since received a letter from Bradley Stoke Town Council agreeing to refund the difference in the rent between the councils so please keep your receipt as proof of payment for September. The happy atmosphere can now return to our allotment as we prepare for the new season.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome some new gardeners to the allotment young and old, please feel free to ask for advice as we all continue to learn better ways of dealing with the changes in the climate. I am sure you will have noticed that we have some new additions in the local fox population, I have been adding homeopathic drops to their food to help them avoid the terrible mange, and these drops were provided by a vet at Secret World.

I have been asked by the local council workers on site if we could ensure that all green waste is placed by the red beacons, I am sure that you will help in this request.

There are lots of ways to ward off unwanted pests the natural way by attracting beneficial insects, at the foot of this newsletter is some ideas that have been proven to work! Now it is all hands to the soil as we look forward to the worst and best that Mother Nature can throw at us,

Good gardening for 2009