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Hi there!
I am MaoMao13. My forum handle is recycled from the days when I used to frequent a humorous cats forum, not inspired by a certain notorious political leader from China.
I've always had an interest in gardening, but I finally took the plunge and got an allotment plot in 2016. It was possibly the best thing I've ever done. Like most allotment plots, I had to transform an overgrown wilderness into something workable. It now has a brassica cage, a second-hand greenhouse and 13 raised beds made from recycled pallet collars.
I was really lucky because the plot came with several established trees, cooking apple and damson, and a whole section planted with various currants which I've supplemented with honeyberries and gooseberries.
I took on the plot next door late last year. Basically, several people in succession had tried and failed to make it productive, and when it was left abandoned again I snapped it up as I was fed up with weed seeds and horsetail spores blowing over into my plot.
I am now transforming plot #2 using no-dig techniques as much as possible, thanks to a dodgy arthritic hip. It is proving to be another hidden treasure trove, with three enormous compost beds, several trees, and hidden away in a thicket of raspberries I found at least three metal raised beds. Lucky me!
Having an allotment is very therapeutic. It forces me to exercise more, but in a more pleasurable and productive way than a gym, and it's great for my mental health. I've suffered from anxiety and depression for decades, and it really helps. There's a good atmosphere on the site, and lots of friendly people. The danger is getting carried away talking to someone when I should be working!
In my personal life, I have a partner who is pretty severely disabled and often bedridden, and we have a daughter with autism. I keep my other half up to date with the plot by taking lots of photographs to show him, and often take my daughter to the plots as extra muscle as I am short and somewhat pathetic and she is much taller
I am MaoMao13. My forum handle is recycled from the days when I used to frequent a humorous cats forum, not inspired by a certain notorious political leader from China.
I've always had an interest in gardening, but I finally took the plunge and got an allotment plot in 2016. It was possibly the best thing I've ever done. Like most allotment plots, I had to transform an overgrown wilderness into something workable. It now has a brassica cage, a second-hand greenhouse and 13 raised beds made from recycled pallet collars.
I was really lucky because the plot came with several established trees, cooking apple and damson, and a whole section planted with various currants which I've supplemented with honeyberries and gooseberries.
I took on the plot next door late last year. Basically, several people in succession had tried and failed to make it productive, and when it was left abandoned again I snapped it up as I was fed up with weed seeds and horsetail spores blowing over into my plot.
I am now transforming plot #2 using no-dig techniques as much as possible, thanks to a dodgy arthritic hip. It is proving to be another hidden treasure trove, with three enormous compost beds, several trees, and hidden away in a thicket of raspberries I found at least three metal raised beds. Lucky me!
Having an allotment is very therapeutic. It forces me to exercise more, but in a more pleasurable and productive way than a gym, and it's great for my mental health. I've suffered from anxiety and depression for decades, and it really helps. There's a good atmosphere on the site, and lots of friendly people. The danger is getting carried away talking to someone when I should be working!
In my personal life, I have a partner who is pretty severely disabled and often bedridden, and we have a daughter with autism. I keep my other half up to date with the plot by taking lots of photographs to show him, and often take my daughter to the plots as extra muscle as I am short and somewhat pathetic and she is much taller
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