Category: Allotment newsey stuff

It’s always good to just sit back and observe. Spring is such a great time of year, everything is fresh and new and with the days getting longer you just find yourself becoming more and more enthusiastic about growing your own.

The daffodils and bulbs that poke through also make for a pleasant and welcome change in scenery. It’s also nice to see the buds and shoots of plants that you thought had passed away during the winter.

I also signed up to Instagram a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been having a bit of fun with the filters. (I know – I’m a little bit behind on this Instamullarky!)

Take a look at these spring themed photos, sit back, scroll and enjoy!

The mystery and romance surrounding the rose have captivated man since time began. As a result, the rose can relate to a range of emotions including love, passion, beauty, war and even politics.

In the run up to Valentines Day, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a range of different roses and colours that petrol stations and supermarkets have to offer, but each colour and tint means something different.

I’ve tried to do some research on what different colour roses could mean or what they interpret when they’re given as a gift. During my research, I’ve come to the conclusion that the rose, as a plant, and its colours, all have different meanings based on opinion – rather than fact.

In light of that, I’m going to do the honourable thing and pass the buck as I’ve found that the best run down of coloured rose meanings comes from Good House Keeping magazine.

Check out this article, A Rose isn’t just a Rose to make sure that you get every occasion right.

I particularly like this run down by Lauren Piro because the examples she uses relate to all aspect of everyday life, and shows how the beauty of the rose can apply on not only valentines day but also if you’re seeing a friend or other special occasions.

Good luck with your future choices when picking out that ever important bouquet!

I bet you’re wondering “how do I get an allotment?” Well, seeing as it’s a new year and all that – I can imagine that many of you will be toying with the idea of starting something new.

Getting hold of a plot these days is no mean feet due to the increasing waiting lists and the reducing of green space across the country.

Reasons to get digging

• Access to green space
• Good social environment and a place to get to know your local community
• Exercise and access to fresh fruit and veg
• Learning something new and discovering what you like and what you don’t like
• Encouraging wildlife and helping the environment
• An allotment is a good excuse and a good place to recycle

Where to get an allotment

1. Your local authority: The Government has a search facility for both the UK, Wales and Northern Ireland – whereby you just pop your postcode in and it will lead you to your local authority website and specifically the hoops you have to go through to get somewhere to grown your own.
2. Private landlords and organisations: Find out about the allotment society in your area and you may be able to find out if there are any plots that are available.  If the landlord or organisation is part of the National Allotment Society (NAS) – they can advertise plot vacancies here.
3. People power: If you find that your area is lacking in allotment ground – try and seek out more than five people who would also like to grow their own.  Form a plan submit a formal letter to the local authority – both collectively and individually. It’s recommended that you send this via recorded delivery.  All local authorities have a mandatory obligation to provide an allotment provision under Section 23 of the 1908 Small Holdings and Allotments Act.  If you find that the local authority is dragging their feet, apply pressure and send more letters.

 

Hello there and here’s to wishing you a happy new year and hoping 2016 is a healthy and fruitful year for you.

I have to admit, this entire winter season has come as a surprise due to the unusually high temperatures, lack of frost, torrential downfall and of course… storm Frank.

This unseasonably warm weather has caused daffodils to poke their tips through the ground and buds to bloom.  Temperatures in London this past December reached 16C – which, according to the MET office was the average temperature of June 2015.  So, if you’re wondering why you’ve gone down with a terrible cold or bug, don’t be too surprised as germs and viruses have been allowed to flourish and spread.

2016 looks like it’s going to be just as hot with temperatures and conditions shifting into, what’s expected to be the biggest El Nino event on record.  Typically an El Nino event lasts from between nine months to two years.  However, this El Nino event is expected to last a staggering four years.

In September 2015, head of the Met Office Hadley Centre, Professor Stephen Belcher said: “We know natural patterns contribute to global temperature in any given year, but the very warm temperatures so far this year indicate the continued impact of increasing greenhouse gases. With the potential that next year could be similarly warm, it’s clear that our climate continues to change.”   

It goes without saying that the environment is probably one of the most important things, we as human beings, need to both care about and not take for granted.  Maintaining and increasing the amount of green spaces that are available, recycling, encouraging wildlife and reducing the carbon footprint is definitely going to be amongst my new years resolutions.

These warm temperatures also mean that I need to pull my finger out and get cracking with sowing seeds, planting bulbs and gearing up for the seasons ahead – all be it, slightly early, as usually at this time of year I’d be kicking back waiting for the ice to thaw.

Roll on 2016 and good luck!