It was National Allotment Week between the 10-16th October this year. Started in 2002 by The National Allotment Society, it is a way of increasing awareness of allotments and their positive impact upon people’s lives including their mental and physical wellbeing. Just as gardening generally and being amongst nature do as well. All three certainly add fulfilment in my life as well as improve my health mentally and physically.
Apparently during this Covid-19 pandemic, applications for allotments has increased as more people have become interested in growing their own produce as well as gain therapeutic rewards from it.
I had been on the waiting list for my local allotment site for a year. I finally received and accepted an offer for a plot just as lockdown occurred; having initially been furloughed, I spent my hour exercise each day clearing and developing my new plot. It gave me purpose, hope and stability at a time when I couldn’t connect with people or gardens at work. It also enabled me to remain in the moment and observe nature continue as normal when so much upheaval was occurring in the world; helping to keep my anxiety at bay.
The downside at this time was that my partner couldn’t help me until lockdown eased, when at last we could work at the allotment at a social distance. Eventually we were able to form a support bubble and work together on the allotment properly and spend quality time with one another.
I love my little plot. It’s a place where I can grow cut flowers, edible produce as well as support local wildlife. I aim to work with the land in an organic permaculture, no dig method; taking care of rather than try to control it.
Practically, this journey is still in its infancy and yet I have come so far already.
Socially, I have met lovely fellow allotmenteers.
While in a personal note, I look forward to continue growing along with the plants I tend to.
Bee in the Moment 