Allotments, coming along like buses!

[Alison]

Been moaning for ages that I couldn't get a lottie so was very excited to get one a few months ago, even if it wasn't at my favoured site. Been spending loads of time up there clearing the jungle and getting the structure estabilished. All good, even worked out that there we some advantages in the site I'm on over the more formal original favourite. Met the neighbours and all good.

Then, get a message on my mobile phone that I'm being offered a choice of two plots on my original favourite site. Now if this had been before I'd done so much hard work, I'd have jumped at the chance but now I'm almost disappointed to be offered one as it will hurt to turn it down Loathed to even phone up as I'm scared it'll sound too good to be true but don't feel like I can go back on the original decision to take the plot I have - and OH would go mad at the abortive work

[terrier]

One plot for you and one plot for OH, then

[rainbowminx]

I had a similar dilemma with mine. We have a big problem with rabbits on our lotties and I knew a fence would be ideal. I got mine, did loads of work clearing and digging etc, and got one bed planted, but couldn't afford the time or cash for a fence at that stage. Then after a month of love and sweat, a plot became available two plots down from mine with a BEAUTIFUL fence all around it - all professionally done with lovely hinged gate etc. I was seriously torn, but decided to stick with MY plot. Now, almost six months on I have my very own fence which I did myself, and which is more special for knowing that I did it too. I have a lovely non-hinged gate made from an old pallet and recycled fence posts from a car boot sale - so much better than a professional one, I know that now!

I am so glad I did. I know that I started out with a blank canvass, so anything I have on my plot is exactly that - MINE! The hard work I have put in is what makes it mine, and I wouldn't swap it for the world. With that in mind, if I were you I would keep the one you have sweated over already and wish the person well who gets the other one you have been offered.

Kris

[Alison]

One plot for you and one plot for OH, then

LOL - about 3 miles apart too! Somebody has just pointed out to me that the plots on the second site aren't as big as the one I've got, even if they do have the luxury of a tap!

[chuffa]

It sounds like hard work but take it. I would love another plot so that i could turn it over completely to fruit. Good luck on your new one.

[jaykay]

Alison, this happened to me a couple of years ago. I took a small plot on a site where the soil is very heavy clay and started work with great enthusiasm. Then about a month later I got a call to say a couple of plots were now available on another site (on the other side of a natural ridge in the land) where the soil is a more easily workable loam. At the time I thought I had enough work with the plot I'd just started, but with hindsight I wish I'd taken the bigger plot as well now that I've run out of room for planting during the summer months. Could you try both for a year and see if you can manage? If it does seem too much at least you can then choose the one you prefer!

[Alison]

No chance on taking them both on, the plot I have is 25m by 14m which is more than enough for now. When that's up and going I would be tempted to take on another one if everything was going OK but only on the same site. The plots on the other site (probably gone now) would have both been smaller and I'd have only had one of them and I'd have had to sort out a base (otherwise known as a shed) on the other site too. I'm comfy with sticking with what I have but might have gone for the other one (and just the one!) if I'd been offered them both at the same time. Mine's cheaper too, only a third of the price and far less formal so no complicated rules just "don't annoy the neighbours" which is good for me.

[Wren]

I wish my Lottie would hurry up. One will do me.

[Snadger]

Back on topic...........same happened to me 2 weeks after I'd accepted and paid for my present plot.

Often wonder how things would have progressed their?

I'm really happy where I'm at now though and like to think I've fitted in well and been accepted into our little niche.

We only have 40 plots and everyone seems to get on well together. It's a bit like my Mum used to say it was like years ago where everyone knows each other and keep popping into each others shed for a cuppa or helping with advice or materials "I've got just the thing for that" is a common cry.

Nope, in retrospect, better the devil you know!

[Alison]

Only 40 plots !!!! That's 4 times as many as we have but I know what you mean about it being friendly. Have met all the regulars and they seem really nice. Mostly newer growers which is good for me in that I won't feel as scared having a go at something but I'm not sure how many of them will be any use for local advice.

[Finedon.Dandy]

I'm not sure how many of them will be any use for local advice.

Who needs local advice when you have the vine!

[Alison]

Who needs local advice when you have the vine!

That's why I added the "local" bit, here's good for general advice but no good for problems with the soil, flooding etc on the site

[Two_Sheds]

I was offered another allotment yesterday ... I'd had my name down for a year. I wasn't greedy (I have enough) so was happy to let it go to someone else.
So that waiting list has just gone down a bit

[Alison]

When I turned this one down, they guy told me that there are currently about 400 people on various waiting lists in Warrington (don't know if this includes people twice if they're on the list for two plots though) so still a long way to go here.

[ecoprincess]

I'm on the waiting list for an allotment too, it's awful waiting when I'm so dying to get started on it!!