I have previously written about summerhouses on St Ann’s Allotments during the 19th century. They provided gardeners with shelter, along with partying and storage facilities. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II a shelter proposal under the Hungerhill Gardens, rather than over them, was suggested. In a city that is on the edge of a mining area, where thousands of men are living who know all…
DetailsIt’s that time of year when we begin to harvest those prize fruits, vegetables and flowers that we’ve been nurturing all year. Back in August 1871, the “hard-handed mechanics” of St Ann’s Allotments “gently and lovingly” handled their roses: “They cut them affectionately, set them up tenderly, and the Roses respond by displaying their full beauty. It is impossible…
DetailsFrom my first visit to St Ann’s Allotments, around 3 years ago, I knew I had to have a plot here. There was a certain magic to the place. No, I’m not a witch! I don’t mean weird midnight rituals and other dubious practices. I mean a real feeling of wonder and childlike glee at being immersed in a natural environment brimming…
DetailsHave you seen those very posh summerhouses at some of the larger garden centres? They tempt you inside and then you catch sight of the price. £10k, £15K or £20K. No problem. I’ll have two. And what about buying one of those expensive super-duper barbeques that the British weather will only allow me (or rather my wife)…
DetailsI moved into my house 20 years ago and enthusiastically installed my greenhouse and raised beds. Many solutions to pigeons, squirrels and other crop-raiding critters have been tried with little success. My heart fell when, after much lockdown attention, my red current and gooseberry bushes fell to the same fate, even before ripe this year!…
DetailsHave you tried spotting tree seedlings in your garden? Wood pigeons and squirrels are a pain if you’re trying to grow brassicas and beans. But then again, pigeon poop (poop from other birds may be available) is a great producer of free tree seedlings. Thanks to the pigeons and their friends gulping down tree…
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