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Newsletter for December 2006

March 2007

Editor: HeatherJenne hjenne@blueyonder.co.uk  0117 973 3451
Date: Mar 2007
Correspondence to : Registered Office, 2 Kennel Lodge Road, Bower Ashton, Bristol BS3 2JT

Chairman’s Comments

Bits & Bobs from the AGM

Here are a few facts and figures reported at the AGM:

Lettings

We have about 22 acres of which 20.5 are under cultivation (the remainder are hauling ways and car parks). There are 444 lettings to 413 members, a 7% increase in membership which due to our policy of letting half plots. All plots are let and the waiting list exceeds 70, plus there are 14 existing members on the list who have requested further areas. We give starter packs to new members and they appear to be popular and helpful.

Gate locks

The lock mechanisms get a lot of wear, but there appears to be more wear than expected, probably through people using poor copies of keys and being impatient. Please do not use keys other than those provided by the Association (either at the start of the tenancy, or additional keys purchased from the stores). Contact the site rep if there is a problem. Mike Stephens keeps spare mechanisms so that we can now replace worn locks ourselves.

Rats

These continue to be a nuisance on almost all sites. Bait and boxes are in use and appear to be containing the problem, but good husbandry helps. In particular, chicken feed attracts them and so must be secured in metal containers. Plus turning over compost heaps disturbs their nests (as well as helping to break down the vegetation more quickly). If you see them and want to get rid of them, contact Brian Gorrigan (963 4811) for Alderman Moores, and Peter Sinclair (963 8366) for all other sites. Please note precisely where rats were seen so that baits can be placed effectively.

Water

It's probably going to be just as vital to conserve water next summer as last, so please think hard about collecting water from shed roofs via guttering and water butts (see special offer under Stores Stop Press overleaf). One member expressed concern about children's safety in the vicinity of water butts. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES AND MAKE SURE THEY DON'T GO ONTO OTHER PLOTS AND THAT THEY DON'T PLAY WITH WATER BUTTS, {nb The water butts we have sourced have a lid).

Other matters

Another member expressed concern at dog mess and dogs on sites generally. Please train your dog to do its business elsewhere and MAKE SURE IT STAYS ON YOUR OWN PLOT AT ALL TIMES. Another member asked for information about the plans for the AM container and the Bower Ashton stores and was concerned at a possible stores move to KL2. We don't know what we will do about the Bower Ashton stores yet, but will keep everyone informed about plans through the newsletter. Please relay any thoughts or worries to a site rep.

Best Plot Award

Harry Green presented the Harry Green Shield for best plot to Nigel Perkins (AM78) - see article about his plot below.

New Alderman Moores Stores / Meeting Room

NOW OPEN on both Saturday and Sunday mornings 10.30 - 12 noon (the Bower Ashton store remains open on Sunday mornings only 10.30-11.30) Members from all sites are most welcome - your site key will fit the lock on the Alderman Moores gate. This light and airy new purpose-built building, with its own power system for light and heating, is up and running. There is now a much wider range of items on display in the stores, including stainless steel forks and spades at incredibly low prices. Apart from items for sale, there is a small library of gardening books and publications which can be consulted while seated in comfort having a cup of tea or coffee!

Official Opening

The building will be opened officially by Steve Clampin, Bristol City Council allotment manager, (and a plot holder on one of our sites) at 10.30am on Sunday 22nd April 2007. Apart from being present at this historic moment and being able to look around the building, come along for refreshments and other activities (eg a talk on compost making by Roy, Indian head massage, seed and plant swap table). Put the date in your diary and watch out for notices on the site gates giving further information.

Stores Stop Press

What would you like the stores to stock? Add your requests to the clipboard in the stores, or via the form on the HWDAA website (see below). NB Currently in stock: 30L growbags at £1.20 each, and 75 L bags of Gem Multipurpose Compost at £3.20 each. We have managed to source a limited number of 210L (45 gall) water butts (including lid + tap) at the knockdown price of £22. If you want one, you will need o order it from the stores and pay the cost in advance. Our gallant waterbutt team will then purchase and collect them and deliver them either to the stores, or to your allotment if you can make arrangements to be there. The butts are unlikely to be available after the end of April.

Site Inspections

The usual round of site inspections will take place after 12th March 07. The teams will be looking to see that plots are starting to get tidied up after the horrendous weather. Sheds may need re-felting and bushes cut back. This first pass will be gentle and not too much will be expected. The follow-up in April will be another matter! If the weather allows us to get crops started, you can be sure the weeds and grass will be having a field day too. If you are having problems, let the Site Rep know - we may be able to help. Longer-serving members are only too happy to do some mentoring if they are asked.

Shed Maintenance

May I remind you that you are responsible for maintaining your shed. This includes minor repairs and re-felting where necessary. The stores have proper shed roof felt (NB it's different to roofing felt) in 5 m rolls- sufficient for the standard shed (cost £6.25), plus clout nails for free. If your shed needs painting, the stores also have large tins of wood preservative (cost £5.50) which will be sufficient for a few years and shed brushes at £2 each. Major damage occasioned by storms will be put right by our travelling shed member at Association expense. But if you have been careless and not left the door securely closed (opening doors are the biggest cause of damage by wind) then you may have to bear the repair costs. Please note that trees or bushes (if your shed is beside a hedgerow) can lacerate roofs in high winds. We suggest a clear area around the shed, and that you don't let ivy get near the shed. Remember that the sheds are owned by the Association, not by the plotholder, and in return for using them during your tenancy you have to maintain them so that they can be passed on in good repair to any future plotholder.

Trees

Other than cultivated fruit trees on dwarf rooting stock (which limit growth to at most 12 ft in height), trees are forbidden on allotment plots. I am well aware of the fact that some wild trees/bushes such as the Elderberry are very attractive to birds and produce flowers and fruit which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Plant cuttings in hedgerows: they take easily. We have recently conducted a survey and have written to all holders of plots where we saw non-fruit trees, asking them to remove them. Trees usually occur as the result of self-seeding by wind, birds or squirrels and it's best to remove seedlings as soon as they are seen. Where they have been allowed to grow larger they may have to be dug out; or where this is impractical, sawn down. In the latter case, coniferous trees can be left as a stump which will not regenerate and will eventually rot away. Deciduous trees, however, will send up strong shoots from a stump and must therefore be killed by the injection of a suitable substance. Please contact Mike Stephens on 0117 9666 446 for assistance with the bigger trees.

Orchards

We have been asked whether orchards can be created. The simple answer is yes. But, at present there is absolutely no space available and we have a very long waiting list for plots. Furthermore,there is always the problem of who manages the area and how the produce is distributed. Have a few trees on your own plot: they will generally produce all the fruit you will need. Swaps with neighbouring plotholders can potentially provide a diversity unequalled by any orchard.

Email addresses and HWDAA website

Unless you have a rooted objection, please could you provide Bob Corfield with your email address so that we can make swift and secure personal contact on matters affecting your plot, and for general allotment business only (e.g. sending newsletters). This will not be made available to anyone outside the committee. Please send an email to Bob Corfield here. We are indebted to Bob for putting together our very own website - check it out on: http://tinyurl.com/29hysn/hwdaa.htm It gives stores' opening times and price lists. It has an archive of previous newsletters, and links to other sites. You can post a notice, eg items for sale,announcements (subject to validation by webmaster)

Bob Franks

The 'Other' Tent

Did you venture outside our Allotment tent at the Bristol Flower Show and glance into the tent with outsize vegetables? As well as giant leeks and pumpkin sized cauliflowers, there were lots of other classes - everything from flowers, jam, cakes, to handicrafts and kids' classes. One of last year's judges commented that some of the fruit and vegetables from the allotment show would have been prizewinners over there. Well, why not consider entering? I did last year and it was great fun - and also worthwhile. The entry fee entitled me to attend the show on either Friday or Saturday plus Sunday afternoon - winning a first prize was a bonus! (It was for a pair of matching courgettes, by the way,nothing particularly difficult to grow). If you are interested, the 2007 Show is on 17 - 19 August, and entries close 10th August (up to 10 entries for £3). New Allotment Fair competition for the best scarecrow! New cookery class for one jar of pickled shallots. Royal Bath and West organise the Show and you can get a schedule of classes in advance by contacting them (01749 822 209 www.bathandwest.com). 

Dorothy Bowles

Companion Planting...

is based on the idea that certain plants benefit others when planted among or close to each other but... does it work? Here are some recognised 'good companions'. 

• Tagetes ( French Marigold) with Cabbages, Beans, Tomatoes and Potatoes.

This half hardy annual deters whitefly and cabbage white butterflies with its smell, and the flowers attract predators such as lacewings and hoverflies to eat aphids, and its roots secrete a chemical which reduce eelworm attack. It also looks pretty! Sow some seed now. 

• Mint, Sage, Thyme and other strong smelling herbs with Cabbages and Carrots.

The smell of the herbs confuses cabbage white butterflies and carrot flies. Ladybirds like to lay their eggs on Sage. 

• Spring onion and Calendula with Carrot.

The strong smell stops carrot flies finding the carrots. 

• Tall flowers such as Nicotiana (Tobacco plant) and Sweet Peas with lettuce.

These provide shade and humidity preventing scorching and delay bolting, a particular problem in hot dry summers. 

• Poppies, Nasturtiums, Calendula (Pot Marigold) and Poached egg plants.

Their open flowers attract hoverflies which feed and lay their eggs on the plants, so producing larvae to attack aphids on all plants round about, and also attract pollinating insects to assist 'setting' on Beans, Courgettes and Squashes. 

• Pumpkins with Sweet corn and Climbing Beans.

Traditionally these have been grown together to maximise the use of space, but also those prickly pumpkin stems deter raccoons! Whilst these particular pests have not yet reached our shores, I am hoping that the rats and badgers which enjoy our sweetcorn will be equally put off. 

Please email me or the Editor about your experiences with these combinations, or if you have used any other combinations. 

Gill Crawley (committee environmental rep)

 

From your Editor

Interview with Nigel Perkins (AM 78)

Nigel won the prize for best kept and most innovative allotment in the whole of Bristol during 2006, his second summer as an allotmenteer. I asked him for the secrets of his success ... When you see his allotment on AM 78, you notice a mound adjacent to the haulingway with zig-zag planks along it, then beyond, raised beds running diagonally to the plot boundaries, and an elliptical shaped bed with a circular herb section. The spaces in between are covered with bark chippings. Looking at the plot, you might well think it was the result of a carefully drawn up master plan, but Nigel says that, actually, the ideas for the plot evolved bit by bit from practical considerations as he encountered them. In particular, as he works full-time (as an engineer), it had to involve as little maintenance as possible. He read books and decided to make raised beds to avoid annual digging (an unfavourite job). They're the recommended size of 8' x 4', and run north to south so each plant gets a fair share of the sun. Because of the orientation of the plot, this resulted in the beds running diagonally - the design feature that strikes you first of all when you see the plot. 

He doesn't like doing or hearing strimming (who does!) so the paths between the beds are covered with black plastic and bark chippings (weed-free, no maintenance + aesthetically pleasing). Then, for potatoes and permanent planting, he decided to introduce a curved area by way of variety from the straight-edged beds, and settled on an ellipse shape which is easy to measure and lay out with string as a guide. In the centre of this area is a circular herbs section laid out with recycled bricks. 

Next, he decided the plot needed a bit of height - something ertical that would not cast shade on his neighbours. And the solution? A sundial using a pear tree as the gnomon (the upright that casts the shadow) with lavender bushes as the hour markers. Despite the amount of sun we had last summer, it's not entirely practical - it has been planted to tell the time in Alaska! 

Another feature of the plot is the slightly fan-shaped raised section beside the haulingway and this also evolved from 'laziness' and practicality. This uneven area had used as a dumping ground by the previous tenant and, rather than spend hours levelling it, Nigel decided to make a feature of it by filling it in and putting zig zag planking along it to divide it into beds for different plants. 

I'm sure you now want to ask the question which had been on the tip of my tongue for some time - how long did he spend making the structure and how long does he spend looking after it now? Well the answer is that, when building it, Nigel spent every evening down there after work till it got dark, plus Saturdays. Then when the crops were growing he discovered the disadvantage of raised beds: they need a lot of watering. So during the summer, he spent about an hour down there most evenings plus some of Saturday. The first year he had fantastic crops, but last summer (his second season) the results were mixed: the potatoes got scab from the dry conditions, and the leeks suffered from leek moth possibly because the closer planting in raised beds means that crops are more susceptible to a mass wipe out.And what's his next job? To clear out the inside of his shed...

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a native of Siberia and therefore likes cold wet conditions, so find a suitably unpleasant spot on your allotment for it! But make sure you give it lots of nitrogen-full compost. Marco Polo brought it back from the East, for use primarily as a medicine for the lungs, liver and gut. In the 17"'C, the drug from its roots cost 3 times as much as opium! And apparently, it used to be more popular in this country than strawberries in the early years ofC20. Now it has been popularised by the GI diet as it is low in carbohydrates but high in vitamin C, potassium and dietary fibre. Dieters refer to it as a superfood because it helps to push toxins out of your system and speeds up your metabolic rate. According to an article in The Times, it's high in calcium yet actually lowers your cholesterol, unlike dairy products. Yet another good thing about rhubarb is that the leaves, when boiled up with water, make a potion that helps to control aphids (recipe at http://www.pan-uk.org/projects/local/alt~dir/aphids.htm

Source of wood for allotments (as well as skips)

There's a reclamation yard on Feeder Road between the Temple Meads overhead bridge and the old Post Office Sorting Office which has a section called 'garden wood' with planks for £1 each - and they had some cheap short bamboo canes before Christmas. I have been told about a place on Novers Hill that sells scaffold planks for £10 a go - has anyone used it - if so, please let me know. Please let me know if you have come across any other useful places which are worth sharing with other allotment holders.

Insect Life

Have you seen the first bumblebees in the recent warm spell? Also look out for those lovely solitary bees, Red Mason bees, which are some of the first bees to come out of hibernation (in mid to late March) and are very good at pollinating fruit blossom. They have been given the name 'mason'as they make a sort of cement in constructing egg cells in tubes like old bamboos canes, (not because they go into walls).See: http://www.hedging.co.uk/acatalog/Mason_Bee_FAQ.html.  

Keep an eye out for active wriggly grey/blue ladybird larvae (which look totally unlike ladybirds!). Info & picture on  http://www.organicgardening.org.uk/factsheets/gg12.php

SEASONAL RECIPE 

Chard frittata from Gregg Wallace via RHS Serves 4 

25g (1oz) butter 

3 tbsp sunflower oil 

1 small onion, cut into 5mm (0.25in) 

dice 200g(7oz)chard Salt & black pepper 

5 eggs 

5 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan 

Achieving the perfect results: 

Melt the butter with the oil in a frying pan over a low heat. Add the onion and cook for 10 minutes, until soft but not brown. Trim off any rough bits at the bottom of the chard and wash well. Chop the chard and add it, along with some salt and pepper, to the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chard is soft - about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, crack the eggs into a clean bowl. Add the Parmesan and beat well. Pour the mixture over the chard, still on the heat, and stir. Leave it alone now; the bottom will cook first. When the whole thing moves as one but the top is still a wet raw mix, place under a medium grill for 5-10 minutes, until the top firms. Serve cold

MANURE etc.

(sometimes well-rotted, sometimes fresh) Horse Manure delivered in bags from Little Grange Riding School, Claverham, Cleeve 01934 832 558 ] Derek delivers either 25 bags (over a ton) for £16, or 30 bags for £19 - cash on delivery - bags to be returned if possible. Recipient must be on site to let him in as he doesn't have a key.

Cow Manure..

delivered loose in trailer by Charlie Bloyce, Parsonage Farm, Long Ashton 01275 392 260 Mob: 0797 0797 712 Large trailer load £30 (and it is large!),'regular' load £25. He has a site key but it is best to be present to make sure the pile goes in the correct place, and to clear anything that goes astray (manure is fresh in the winter/spring, matures as the year progresses!)

Horse Manure..

(sometimes well-rotted, sometimes fresh) collect for free from Church Path Cottage (Mr and Mrs Brown), near the Black Horse pub in Clevedon Lane, Easton-in-Gordano 01275 844 626 - bagged up ready to take - but please either return their bags, or take along some of your own to exchange. (

Fresh) Horse Manure..

(almost pure horse dung mixed with a bit of woodchip) collect for free from the Police Horse depot on Clanage Road. Bring your own shovel and bags/trailer. Ring the bell on the middle (pedestrian) gate to let them know you are there, then go in through the set of gates nearest the cricket ground - make sure you close them behind you - and help yourself from the heap. Local farmer collects once a fortnight so pile varies in size! If you want to ring to find our if he's just been you can phone 0117 945 5473

(Well rotted) horse manure..

Ed 079763 02724 trailer 8x4x1=1 tonne full £30, 1/2 £15

Woodchip..

from Bristol City Council depot beyond the Meadows site / Bower Ashton art college, not currently available due to closure of Colston House. - searching for new sources.

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