Reactions to Your Lottie and How You Deal With Them?

[lottie dolly]

last year was my first year with a lottie,i decided it was not big enough,so this year moved further up the site to a double plot,anyway another plot holder [a MALE]and an all knowing gardener,said,but i would have thought you got enough on your plate with the i plot,,ggggrrrr,red rag to a bull,i ignored him and did what I WANTED,and to top it all of i best plot on our site for the second year on the trot,you do not have to be a slave to it,as it's then when it ceaces to be a pleasure,follow your heart and instinks,another thought,if you still undecided,why not cover some ground over,and use a smaller space,just to help you choose wisely.

[Seahorse]

If your lottie makes you happy, no further discussion is required!

I probably don't know what I'm talking about but a 'wedding card buisness' sounds like it has far more potential for working all hours for little return than an allotment does!

I'm fortunate that I've had great support from family and friends re my lottie but even if I didn't, having been through an awful lot of trying to please other people in my life, I really have got to a ''f*ck 'em'' stage with the whiners, moaners and gainsayers... and feel all the better for it

[kirsty b]

My plot is a 12 rod and was covered in 6-8ft brambles when I took it over. I questioned then, as I still do, whether I had bitten off more than I can chew and do I really have the time and the answer is most probably yes and no!!

The weeds are grtting the better of me, but the thought of not having the plot and chooks fills me with horror. It is the one place where I don't have to please anyone but myself and can completely relax. I have had a f*** em attitude for a fair while now.
Do what feels right for you Shortie.

[Shortie]

Thanks guys. I guess I need to ignore people (other than Mr Shoprtie and the kids) and as you say, do what makes me happy

Yes, the lottie does seem to take from em more than I get back, but I think as the years go along it'sll change to the other way round, and I plan to plant more pumpkins and potatoes than this year, yuuuuummmmm

The cards... to be honest i think I'm too disorganised at home to organise a card business, lol! I think in reality it's just a pipe dream, but it's always nice to have one of them

Sorry 'bout starting the thread this morning, I was taking one of the many batterings via email about the lottie and had really started to think giving it up was best

Thanks as always

[Hazel at the Hill]

Shortie (*shakes Shortie!) - trust your instincts - this is an investment of time and energy which will pay itself back for you, Mr S and the nippers, so keep it going, you know you want to and it is right.

Pisk - turn your quarters into a lottie! TEN-SHUN!!

Matt - big congrats for keeping your lottie going, and anyone who thinks it's all a bit tricky should look at your blog and draw inspiration!

And if Seahorse (and many other hardworking grapes!) can derive pleasure and satisfaction (and save money!!) from turning a wilderness into a productive piece of land then who is ANYONE to take that away from you!

Hmph.

Given that having a lottie and GYO is about the most upright, healthy and forward thinking hobby you could ever have, I can't understand anyone giving grief over it??

Upwards and onwards!!

[TonyF]

Given that having a lottie and GYO is about the most upright, healthy and forward thinking hobby you could ever have, I can't understand anyone giving grief over it??

Upwards and onwards!!

And that's the bottom line, Shortie, perhaps it's just that the other people in your family are too short sighted and may even be a wee bit jealous of you!

[Two_Sheds]

The only person who has a go about the time I spend up the lotty is ... my father in law. And I don't give a monkey's, because he is able to see a cloud in every silver lining - which is why I suddenly have urgent watering to do when it's time to visit him

Bless him, he is lovely really, but I find his constant negativity really draining, and I'd rather not listen to it at all.

[piskieinboots]

Pisk - turn your quarters into a lottie! TEN-SHUN!!

on it Ma'am
*throws salute

[jackie j]

I am lucky that I have time to go to the Lottie whenever I want to. Most of my family have been very supportive my kids think I'm a saddo !!! but they still help out if they have to. My sister and BIL think its fab and love the few bits of veg I have given them.
The only person who raised her eyebrows was my MIL but even she now thinks its great and loves the veg she has had, I think she thought I wouldnt stick at it. I am one of those who has managed to get there most days usually when OH and daughter are at work/ school.
Its my thing, yes the house is a mess sometimes but I am an outdoor person the house wouldnt be any different if I was at home all day anyway.
When I took it on my first thought was great, then OMG what have I taken on and sometimes I have thought do I want to do this, yes I do and I have asked for another plot as mine is a half plot.
Do what YOU want, you will know when its time to give up, you will be dragging your heels not wanting to do it, not bothering or doing it cos you have to not cos you want to big difference.
Enjoy.

[trebellangeminired]

Read this the other day, thought it might help.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ary_17474.html

My SIL is a part time nurse and runs a side line in novelty cakes and hand made cards but sells mostly to her colleagues. I don't think she makes a significant amount of money from either and seems to invest most of it back in equipment and materials.

When times are hard, as they are now, people cut back on things they can't justify. Running an allotment or two is more likely to provide a return for your efforts. And then there's the exercise, fresh air, top produce, grateful family and friends, peace and quiet, etc, etc.

[geoff]

Here are a few points:

some people will have a negative approach whatever you do
Mountainering - too dangerous
Restoring classic cars - so dirty, why don't you just get a new one
Collecting stamps, model planes, pottery, or whatever - isn't it time you grew out of that

and so on, and so on. All they seem to want you to do is stay at home, watch telly, and clean your net curtains twice a week, probably because that's all their limited imagination allows them to do
Well it's your life do what you want and try to ignore them

If you give up the allotment to get a job, you can earn more money to spend on fruit and veg in the supermarket.....

An allotment is not just about growing things It is a place to relax, escape from everyday pressures, drink tea, and talk to new friends

[MaureenHall]

My allotment is brilliant therapy for depression Thanks Doc, don't need the pills any more (well maybe a few for when the SAD syndrome kicks in)

[Mikey]

I've had a garden where I grow veg for a number of years, but this is the first year I've had an allotment. I work long hours and am often there when no-one else is, 8.30 to 10pm. I however love every minute I am there and it always feels like a wrench when I come away. There is something very peaceful about an allotment that no garden can master. For one there is no one else with me, so I can do what I want in the timescale I have. It is mine, nobody elses, and as such noboby elses opinion matters a jot. I learn by my mistakes, and grow what I fancy.

The true meaning of an allotment, is solace, no matter what else is happening, you and you alone control this little piece of land. The next time someone offers advise shelve it, and remember what it feels like when you are there. When that feeling ceases to fill your heart with joy, then its time to give up, not before.

[Alison]

Not had chance to read all the replies above so sorry if somebody has already written this, however...

Don't give up both lotties at the same time, you don't know how you'll feel with just the one and obviously it will be easier to manage than two. You can always see how you get on for a year and if it feels too much give it up then. However, the chances of getting it back if you give it up are pretty low. Igore what other people say, you're not doing anybody any harm and I'm sure that there are lots of things that they do that you don't understand. Make a list of them and when they say something to you, mentally think one back, smile and say that we're all different.

[lzyjo]

Don't listen to them!!! Those bloody sods don't have any right to say anything rude about anybodies allotment. What do they know about you?! and for that matter, what do parents really know about us. ; ) Keep the lottie and don't listen to those evil speakers.

Hey and if you have some down time, get a card stash going. I knew a girl who made handmade Christmas cards while she was in elementary school for extra money. There are many men and women alike who plunge into business on a shoestring. Plus, in the card business you probably don't need that much start up capital. Oh and I also knew a girl who apprenticed with a woman who made bridal scrapbooks. Good Luck and I think wedding cards is a great business idea! Go for it!