Plot has New People

[jackie j]

A plot on our site has been relet after being allowed to become overgrown by the last tenant, despite being cleared when it was handed back before this.
The new guys turned up today 4 in total, I had a chat with one of them and asked what would they be growing. The reply was I dont know we havent got much time. The boys have learning difficulties by the time we get here its nearly lunch time. It sounded like they would only be digging to keep the weeds at bay. I also found out that despite the fact I was told anyone living outside of the boundry will not get a plot, these people live way beyond the boundry.
Whilst I dont have a problem with anyone who is disabled or have learning difficulties having a plot on any site, Why take on a plot that you know you will not be able to keep up, surly the whole point is to grow fruit, veg or flowers they managed half an hour not going to achieve much at that rate. They also have a large garden.

[Seahorse]

You might be pleasantly suprised and find that it's something that fires at least some of these lads with enthusiasm to make a beautiful plot. A lot of people with special needs can be very single minded and really want to do things 'right'.

In either case though, wouldn't you rather be next door to a weed free space, where you know the occupants will be supervised and regular attendees. And where (just maybe) this plot could be a true boon to generally disadvantged members of the community?

[SueA]

Even if they just keep digging the patch over it will be good outdoor activity for them & will keep the weeds down. Our local garden centre is operated by people with various learning disabilities & they are excellent at their own jobs, some just spend all day sweeping up, some serve in the shop, others water everything etc. & they all seem to enjoy their work.

[squashysu]

my son has a special need and i would embrace the fact that someone, somewhere would be prepared to give him a chance.

at least these kids are being given the chance to do something with their time that could be productive, its better than hanging on the street corners with drink and drugs!

also, perhaps no one in the allocated area actually wanted the plot, so if it was sitting there doing nothing at least it is now being used. better to be rented and kept, rather than left it rot!

[jackie j]

Dont get me wrong I'm all for it, the boys seemed to enjoy what they were doing apart from one, it was the person in charge of these lads that got me, he seemed to be doing it just because, he didnt have any enthusiasim at all, It seemed to me that he thought he was waisting his time, if he had more upmh maybe the lads would enjoy it more, I mentioned what they could grow at this time of year and he didnt seem to be that interested. Prehaps he was just having a bad day.
I would give all special needs people a chance.

[rustylady]

Hey Jackie, give them a chance. Even if they keep it weed-free it will be a bonus. Someone somewhere does an article on the half hour allotment and reckons its feasible.

[JanieB]

I think it rather depends on the level of Special Needs. A bloke who works at the same place I do is very, very focused. He is also very intelligent in his own way. He takes responsibility for his job and regards it as his and has very definite ideas as to how it should not only be done but also progressed.

I suspect that as growing is a natural progression from preparation of the ground one of them, at least, will want to do more and the disinterested "man in charge" will be forced into taking an interest.

Does no harm to talk to them and explain what you're doing. Isn't chatting to other lottie holders part of the job?

[jackie j]

I did chat to them ( I try to talk to everybody ) and offered help if needed and tools as I think they only had enough for three of them to work, the boys were certaintly physicaly able to do most jobs. I am not against them being there, like others have said better a plot worked than overgrown. Its a nice area and there is a picnic table for all to use so they could bring a packed lunch which would give them more time and the boys might enjoy that. I hope they do make a go of it and grow things, I suspect at the moment they find it a bit boring as nothing there except weeds I will see if I can offer some plants or seeds to start them off. I might have some spare strawberry plants.

[Stacey Steve]

The plots next door to me are taken by the Christain Foundation and try to train youngsters to be horticulturists.

To be truthful they stand more chance of flying in the air with some of them. As far as I know they are sent to the CF because they have community service orders on them.

A lot of them I would not like to meet in a dark alley, that's for sure but some of them, just some actually take to it and work their socks off. The leaders tell me that 3 have been accepted at a horticulural college this year and some have passed their entrance exams and are likely to get places.

Now to a tee society would have been perfectly willing to ignore them and leave them quite happily on the scrap heap, some of them may never rise above that level to be honest and some may flunk out of college but if even one of them becomes a useful member of society, then I take my hat off to the CF. At least they are willing to give these kids a chance.

I see the new groups arrive as if they have been sent to a chain gang and are sullen to all around but after a few weeks of being spoken to with respect, they start treating me with respect and get quite chatty to the old git next door. I think that all of them have not been dealt with the best hand of cards and had little or no parental guidance apart from the best shops to steal from or what is the best drug to take.

So for the new neighbours, I say give them a chance, treat them civilly and you may just be surprised.

[petal]

I think offering them plants is the answer, a few spuds to grow, strawberry runners and the like, they will catch the bug quick enough!