..And after the big chop

It looks quite post-apocalyptic ! Quite a transformation.

We've unearthed the old compost heap but it will be no good any more - full of weed roots. How on earth will we get rid of it? Any ideas greatly appreciated..

The Big Chop

We hired a serious strimmer with a metal blade and flattened the brambles, nettles, grass and weeds. I don't think a string strimmer would have coped with the thick brambles.

I have been drawing up a plan.. well, I say a plan it's changed every day so far.  Obviously, I want it be a productive patch, but not too overwhelming and reasonably low maintenance. So we are going to try to have a plot with raised beds and covered and mulched pathways. There is a stock of free bark chippings at the allotments to use.

We want to get something in the ground and so we are planning to get a few beds dug.

I'm thinking carrots and spinach to start. We've a lot growing at home in containers ( Different salad, herbs, strawberries, aubergines, peppers, dwarf beans and peas ) - so it not like we not trying!

Muddy Face

Nettles from the Path looking into the allotment.

Day 2... Sizing up

Mama, Papa and Boy admired plot today, measured up and pondered with fertile imaginations the potential of our 42' x 21' overgrown allotment.

I can't wait to see our plot without all the brambles, nettles, grass and weeds.

We need a shed so we don't have to carry tools to and fro. 

We are starting the great scavenge from now on... looking for boards to create the raised beds, pallets to create the compost area, paving slabs or gravel, membrane & mulch, some more tools and a pile of well rotted manure. 

I'd also like something to fill with sand for the boy! He had fun today playing with some child's watering can, another's tonka crane and managed to get a very muddy face too

I'm chomping at the bit to start and get something in the ground - perhaps some carrots, leeks and spinach as recommended by our new friend D?

Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of our lives.

Today is Day One. 

We have an allotment. We have a purpose.