Last week when I was at the plot I pulled up 4 of the raised beds and brought them home. These are the B&Q ones. Even if I was keeping the plot I knew I didn't want to do raised beds any more. The weather had been unseasonably warm so I let them dry out a bit and then yesterday moved them around to see if it would be possible to put some in my wee front garden.
The view from above!!
I think I still have at least 3 or maybe 4 salvageable beds that I could put along the fence and into the corner, making a U shape. Plus all the containers/pots in the pic. I could grow a lot of herbs and botanicals plus it's South facing so lovely and sunny all day!! 🌞
I put these 2 in the back garden against the decking, just to see if they looked ok. I think they will work! Maybe beans/sweet peas that could climb up the railings? I could throw netting over them to stop Miss Luna jumping in them!! The back garden doesn't get as much sun but I did observe the sun's movement throughout the Summer and this bit does get a lot of light during the day and catches the late afternoon/evening sun.
Of course I had help!!🙄🤣
Thanks for all the comments on yesterday's post. They helped me finally decide I'm letting the allotment go and will create something in my own gardens instead. I also have a Community Garden within walking distance of the house where I could rent a large raised bed if I need more space in the future.
Looks great, am sure given time you will rearrange the beds to suit your planting requirements. A very informed and wise decision to work it all from home, keep us up to speed on progress and good luck. Jan
ReplyDeleteThanks! And I'll show you my progress :-) xxx
DeleteH Ali, it sounds like a very good compromise - extra space in the Community Garden if you need it. The front looks very nice already!
ReplyDeleteThat was me by the way!
DeleteThanks! I can see how it could look with a wee bit of effort :-) xxx
DeleteI think you have made the correct decision - with the community garden within walking distance you will do well.
ReplyDeleteThat was the deciding factor. I may be able to grow enough in my garden but it's good to have that option too :-) xxx
DeleteIt's always a nice feeling when you've made a decision and start planning the way forward isn't it. I don't think you'll regret giving the allotment up.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
It's the indecision that was bugging me especially as I kept talking to other plot holders who said it wouldn't take much to clear it. But I know I can't keep it clear enough atm, it's too much work :-) xxx
DeleteIt will be a good feeling to know that you have made a decision about the allotment. Retirement means you can enjoy spending time in your new home and garden in a way you have not been able to do for years. Put those Dobbie’s vouchers to good use and you’ll see the rewards every day. Catriona
ReplyDeleteNow I've made the decision I feel more positive about it :-) xxx
DeleteLooks good already. It's a nice manageable space and with extra near at hand, should you need it, it looks like you have got all the bases covered.
ReplyDeleteI think I have, with just a bit of work and my Dobbies voucher it could look fab next year :-) xxx
DeleteI do think that it is the right decision. You will find that you can get a lot more done as you can nip out of the door and do ten minutes weeding whenever you want to, (I do mine while I'm on the phone to my son, he's a real chatterbox) or move pots into the sunshine for a while so that the plants or vegetables do better. And of course you will be able to keep on top of the watering so much better being in the right place to see things drying out as it happens. I hope it works out well for you. Now your only dilemma is what to buy with your Dobbie's voucher. :-)
ReplyDeleteyep, it will be much easier to do wee bits here and there! I'll definitely be buying compost/manure/top soil or whatever they've got to bulk out the free compost I can get at the recycling centre. Maybe in Spring I'll get a wee plastic green house :-) xxx
DeleteHi Ali, I'm another one who thinks you made the right decision. It will be so much easier to grow food at home, especially when you need to constantly water things during the summer months or cover things during winter. You can just step outside! A south facing bit of garden should produce some lovely tomatoes next year! I look forward to seeing your progress :)
ReplyDeleteAngie
It took me a wee while to decide but i'm glad I got there in the end! :-) xxx
DeleteI also think you made the right decision, being able to have things a bit closer will be wonderful for you. Every year we plant a bit less in our back garden as it is harder to look after. We are really considering waist high raised beds... that is if lumber comes down in price.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes the cost of wood has rocketed. Waist high beds are the perfect solution but as you say, they're expensive! :-) xxx
DeleteI also think you are very wise. It's going to look lovely in time. xx
ReplyDeletegood one
ReplyDelete