In the 9/10 months I have worked here as Plot Lead, I’m most surprised at how useful this community plot has been to many people within the local community.

Originally, I was employed to increase the quantity of crops grown and general housekeeping of the plot with the help of dedicated volunteers on a regular basis.

Due to this, we have been able to welcome regular infant playgroups who spend their time here in a safe and friendly environment creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.  Local schools with no green space have also benefited from this plot and it’s good to see the teaching staff that escort the classes are just as impressed as the infants.

The volunteers benefit also from being able to grow their own produce at home by picking up handy tips on being more successful at growing various plants.

The main reward is that the produce is enjoyed by many who visit the Dorothy Parkes Centre and the infants and the local food bank.  The produce is grown organically and tastes far better than anything shop bought.

 In the whole of the Bearwood Allotment site history, which spans more than a century, I doubt there has been a plot as useful to the local community as ours.

From a very grateful employee – well done Dorothy Parkes.

Produce grown this year…..

* 3 varieties of potato – Charlotte, Kind Edward, and Desiree

* 5 varieties of tomatoes – Alka, Gardeners Delight, Fandango, Big Daddy and Mizano

* Various types of peppers, cucumbers, radish, lettuce, courgette, pumpkin, beetroot, butternut squash, runner beans and French beans (although both beans have had a tough year!), cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spring onions, sweetcorn, sprouts, parsnips, and leeks.

* We’ve had strawberries, there are apples, and 4 dwarf fruit trees are coming on but they’re yet to fruit so I’m not sure what they are,

* We’ve grown various herbs; including mint, basil, methi, coriander, chives, lemon balm, sage, and dill,

* There are carrots that are under attack due to a neighbouring plot holder disposing of his slugs and snails.

* We have many types of flowers that attract local bees and last but not least – a partridge in a pear tree!  (OK, there isn’t a partridge – but the pear tree is there!)

 Paul, Plot Lead