MEETINGS & DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Southport Flower Show: 20-23 August 2015
Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time: 24 August 2015 Abas Onion and Leek Show: 27 September 2015 Plot Holder Meetings
Send items for discussion to the Allotment Committee in writing or use the 'Contact Us' form on the Wharncliffe Allotments Website. |
NEWS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Gardeners' Question Time (Liverpool)
BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time is being held at the Everyman Theatre, Liverpool, on Monday 24th August. Tickets £4.50
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All Change on the Committee.
Members voted in both Lyne and Brian to their new roles on the Committe, as a result of Jan and Bill's recent announcement to step down after 3 years. Brian and Lyne were given the full support of members and will take up their respective position as Treasurer and Secretray. Dave Peacock will continue in is role as Chair Pearson.
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Member's Announcement.
Important notice for Wharncliffe Allotments plot holders to attend a Member's Meeting. To avoid the disapointment of missing the next meeting, please put the following date and time in your diary: Saturday 15th August 2015 (10.30am). The Meeting will take place in the Community Plot Classroom. You will be informed, should it be necessary, of changes to the date and/or time of the meeting as soon as practically possible.
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National Allotment Week.
National Allotment Week 10-16 August is nearly upon us. The National Allotment Society have had a great response to their appeal for people telling them about the wide age group that enjoy growing their own food and learning from one another and the councils who value their sites and have been working hard provide a decent allotment service to their citizens.
The week will start with the opening of a pop-up allotment on Monday 10 August outside Plymouth Guild Hall during Plymouth Show week, followed by local events at sites around the country. |
Liverpool City Council Open Spaces SurveyMembers are encouraged to complete the survey which is about open space usage in Liverpool and includes allotments!
For more information and to take part in the survey click on the link: http://liverpool.gov.uk/council/consultation/liverpool-parks-and-open-spaces-user-feedback-survey/ Start date: Friday 3rd July 2015 End date: Friday 28th August 2015. |
UK National Bird - Robin Tops Poll.
Earlier this year the United Kingdom voted for its very own national bird. The result was overwhelmingly in favour of the Robin, a small but hardy little bird. Wharncliffe is visited regularly by Robins in search of food, they're never far away from a dig, waiting patiently to pounce on a loose worm or two.
Our members also favour Robins, some of the birds are so tame they are quite happy to be fed from the hand; as filmed here by Joan and Lol (Plot No.3) :https://youtu.be/9mai8qJdFWY More than 224,000 people voted online, at ballot boxes in schools and by post. For the full result go to http://www.votenationalbird.com/ |
ALA Security Information
Due to a recent spate of thefts from allotment sites across Merseyside, the advice from the Association of Liverpool Allotments is "Many sites will be holding Open Days, Garden Parties or other events and may need to be extra vigilant, making sure no money is left on the premises and the family silver is not on display!"
If you see anyone acting suspiciously call the Police or Crime Stoppers (0800 555 111) |
Out of Sight Hidden Gems.
When walking through the allotment you tend to look at the usual suspects in terms of what’s growing in the ground. It’s the hidden gems that interest me, the things we often don’t spot at a glance. Some interesting secluded havens such as Jim and Donna’s water-but space at the rear of the shed, which has some interesting recycling taking place…. more photos on our Facebook page.
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No Room at the Shed.
We have some great growers at Wharncliffe Allotments, members enjoy walking through the site to view what others are doing each year and to get ideas for their own plots. I particularly like Lyne's plot which is full of rich produce her shed is full to over flowing both in-side and out!
For more views of Lyne's plot and her beautiful golden tyre miniature garden take a look at our Facebook page. |
Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia Axyridis)We see more of the Harlequin ladybird at the allotment these days. The Harlequin is an alien species and according to the Guardian is expected to spread rapidly as it outcompetes other species and is a major threat to them and some other insect groups. It has a yellow-orange, orange-red, red or black body with up to 21 orange-red or black spots, and white or cream spots, lines or solid marking on its pronotum (front plate) Alamy.
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A Cluster of Artichoke.
The number of artichoke plants growing on plot No.8 took me by surprise, they look totaly at home here. The Globe Artichoke (are no relation of the tuber-like Jerusalem artichoke), is considered to be the 'true' artichoke and is a member of the thistle family. The tender ends of the leaves and the base (or 'heart') of the bud are both edible; the tough outside leaves and the furry central choke and its surrounding leaves aren't.
How to prepare globe artichokes Links: BBC Good Food and Simply Recipes |
Best Fresh Garden - Gold Award. This year’s Chelsea Flower Show saw the collaboration between horticulture and astronomy. Wharncliffe Allotments have been doing for years, for obvious reasons, namely the intrinsic connection between the land we work and the conditions the British weather throws at us each day.
No surprise therefore that Liverpool’s Dark Matter Garden, won Gold for Best Fresh Garden (Howard Miller Design Ltd). I wonder, did Howard Miller Design Ltd get inspiration from our association with the Liverpool Astronomical Society? |
The Vegeterian Society - Free Feast.
National Vegetarian Week 2015 is organised by the Vegetarian Society. This year it’s all about sharing and enjoying delicious veggie food with your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and community. It’s a great way to connect with those around you and explore tasty meat-free food together. The Vegetarian Society and its cookery school will be touring the UK covering almost 800miles and creating delicious pizzas to share. Pop along 21 May – Liverpool, Church Street.
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Flower Sprout a Superfood. 2010 saw the arrival of Flowers Sprouts to super market shelves, a brand new vegetable developed in Cobham (UK). The new vegitable is a small green and purple sprout with curly leaves. The Flower Sprout is a cross between two real 'Superfoods', Brussels sprouts and British kale. This season our members have decided to grow something different, Sid is going for Aubergines but Billy (Plot No.7) and Joan (Plot No3) will be growing Flower Sprouts.
For more information on this new superfood click here |
Joan's Spring Poem.
Joan is one of our valued members, regular visitor to Wharncliffe Allotments website will have seen and read some of Joan's earlier work which includes poetry, recipes and ideas for growing. To read Joan's latest contribution, click the image to the left associated with this item.
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Cream Teas After a Rubish Morning at the Allotment.
Members worked together today to clear the site of rubbish and allotment waist in time for the arrival of a skip. Filling the 8-ton skip took no time thanks to of those who had gathered their waist and to those on hand earlier today for their help in coordinating and loading the skip full to the brim. When we were done some of us stayed on to enjoy a hot cup of tea and a homemade cupcake.
Thanks to Lyne for the cakes and Joan for the teas! |
Organic Gold-dust!
There was definitely something in the air today that got members talking. That’s right, the first delivery of fresh horse manure from a friend’s stables at Bickerstaffe near Stanley Gate. Members will be pleased to learn that regular deliveries will improve composting and enrich all of Wharncliffe Allotment's site plots.
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Our Members Getting all Fired-up.
The winds were blowing in from the east today. At this time of year that normally means there’s going to be a chill in the air. Not at Wharncliffe Allotments a couple of fires helped keep our members warm and eager to clear and tidy plots from dried weeds, rotten wood and old twigs. It took some members a little longer than others to get their fire started!
For more images of our members today go to one of our social sites. |
Dishing-out the Dirt.
Members will find a
welcome bag of compost today. The Committee agreed to donate a bag of
compost to members who helped with the Open Days last year. Jan is
delivering Colin's to his greenhouse and Bill is barrowing a few bags to other
members. Jan and Bill say, the compost is our way of saying thank-you for making both days fun
and a great success!
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Raise The Bed Against Carrot Fly. Jimmy shows us how to safe-gaurd against carrot fly, with a raised bed structure and protective insect-proof netting fastened to heavey duty pipe and secured with wooden battens. According to experienced growers a rasied bed helps protect against low flying femail carrot flies looking for a spot to lay their eggs, but there's no real proof of this. However, netting is an effective solution or you can choose carrot cultivars that are less susceptible to carrot fly, such as 'Fly Away', 'Maestro', 'Resistafly' and 'Sytan'.
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The Waiting is Finally Over.
Pauline surveys her newly aquired plot of land and is officially Whancliffe’s newest member. Secretary Jan Bentley officially welcomed Pauline to Whancliffe Allotments today. Pauline also took time for a brief walk around the site and an opportunity for introductions. Everyone is deligted for Pauline and know she will make a success of her plot No.12.
To help get her started today, Pauline received a few items for growing; Jan’s garlics and rhubarb plants from Albert. |
Try Leaf Mould in the Garden.
Why not have a go at making your own leaf mould? For best results take a pile of leaves, make sure they are damp this aids decomposition. Here at the Allotment some of our members place leaves in an area of their plot contained by chicken wire this allows the elements get to them and aeration (you can place them in bin-liners too) and leave them to rot-down maybe for a couple of years.
Use Leaf Mould as a replacement for peat, it’s similar, absolutely free and environmentally friendly! |
Class Bird Feeders for Jan Bentley.
Pupils from Jan's school (Phoenix Primary School) made these beautiful bird feeders for Jan to place on her plot at Wharncliffe Allotments. The feeders pictured here are made from fruit juice cartons and have been carefully created, painted and food added by the Breakfast Club Pupils. We all agree the quality of the feeders is excellent and will prove very popular with a variety of birds that visit the site on a daily basis.
Wharncliffe Allotments Members and Committee would like to thank the children of Phoenix Primary for this lovely donation, great job! |
The Waiting is Over for Albert.
Albert finally takes charge of a half plot which he will find much easier to manage. Albert inherits Billy Regan's plot after Billy deceided to retier his plot, we are so sorry to see Billy leave us, we all wish him well. However, this does leave the door open for a really patient individual on our waiting list to have and sort-out Albert's old full plot!
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Opening-up Shop.
Members will be pleased to know that the Wharncliffe Allotments shop will be open each Saturday. Jan Bentley (Secretary) has agreed to open for half an hour so that members can purchase supplies at a convenient time each week. Members are also encouraged to ask a committee member to open-up for supplies at other times.
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Member Annouces Retierment.
Bill Kane informed the meeting today that Billy Regan, our oldest member has decided to call it a day. Billy held a full plot for many years at Wharncliffe. However just a couple of years ago he felt it time to take things a little easier and moved to one of the site’s half plots. This year Billy will spend more of his time at home with family but has promised to visit us during open events.
Good luck Billy we look forward to seeing you when you visit us from time to time. |
General Meeting - PayDay.
Wharncliffe's General Meeting was well attended it was good to see friends all together catching-up over a good chat. Bill used this time to collect rents and to inform us of water rates for next year.
Ordinarily meetings are held in the convenience of the Allotment Classroom, it was a little strange to have to move everyone to the polytonal to conduct proceedings, we were all surprised to see wood being stored in place of the table and chairs we use for our members, nevertheless we managed by thinking fast on our toes. |
Tree Planting Service.
Jimmy (Able Tree Services), has planted several trees this month to help sure-up the site perimeter where, some years ago a fire destroyed a number of mature Hawthorns. We are delighted to finally see the new trees in place of what was a bit of an eye-sore to say the least. I big thank you to Jimmy for providing the trees and taking time to put them in the ground.
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Polytunnel Potting Bench Spaces.
Members may be interested to know that a space has been made availble for those who would like to take advantage and make an early start with their potting-on. A space on the potting bench in the polytunnel has been cleared, anyone wishing to use the space may want to clearly mark their pots so that others can share a part of the bench also.
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The Importance of Community Allotments.
It is well documented that Allotments provide enormous benefits to society, from organic food and exercise, community cohesion to mental health benefits and recovery from mental health difficulties.
Mat Haslam wrote a piece on his blog to highlight these benefits. With the threat of allotment closures, local councils need to take into consideration the health implications of their actions. http://www.mattsplot.co.uk/2014/07/wellbeing-from-horticulture.html |
Member's Meeting Announcement.
A meeting has been announced for the first Saturday of February 2015 (Saturday 7th) at 10.30am. The meeting will be held in the Allotment Classroom.
Those of our members able to attend please come prepared with your hot drinks and rents which will be taken during the meeting. Any matters for the agenda please contact Jan Bentley or click on the ‘Contact Us’ page on this website to leave a message which will be forwarded. |
The Ground Just Keeps Giving.
Each weekend Bill Kane calls in on his plot and picks potatoes from growing bags. Bill takes them home to have for his Sunday lunch with Ann, Sid has just picked the last of his collies and it was nice yesterday to find that apples are still being stored and collected by Jan and I was lucky enough to have a share of them this week. Might make a nice hot apple pie and have it with hotter custard, just the thing for this time of year!
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Trying Something Different?
Some of us are happy with the fruit and vegetables we grow year-on-year enjoying the satisfaction that comes with a successful crop. However, there are those os us who want to try new things in terms of what to grow and how we go about it. This year for the first time Sid will have a go at growing aubergines and Jan (plot No.15) who has always tried alternative varieties may surprise us again. So we wondered if you had something new in mind this year? If any of our members are trying something new, why not tell us about it.
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King Seeds Orders.To kick-start the season members have placed orders for this years seed supplies. Wharncliffe Allotments' regularly use a highly recommended supplier 'King Seeds' Kelvedon, Essex, UK. King Seeds' products have always performed well for our growers and come with approval of The National Allotment Society.
Members who haven't already received their seed order and are waiting, should contact Bill Kane (Treasurer) to arrange collection. In case you miss Bill, he will be at next months AGM (more details to follow). |
A Concrete Base!
Jimmy (plot No.10) has worked tireless to restore the floors in his greenhouses. Having two greenhouses Jimmy has put in double the effort whilst most of us have rested and enjoyed the spoils of our plots. Jimmy has been laying new concrete floors in both greenhouses, giving him a much needed level footing for his potting benches, some of which (in is words) will need refurbishing. Great work Jimmy it will all pay-off in the end!
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Celebrating an Allotment Winter
Happy New Year to all our
visitors and allotment members. January is a time for returning to some
kind of normality after the long festive celebrations. Some us have taken
advantage of this time and may be ready for a really good workout to help lose
a couple of inches from a recent expansion to the waistline...including my own!
To help us get back to our plots, Joan (Plot No.3) has put pen to paper recently and come up with this lovely little poem "The Winter Allotment" which might help you back in to the spirit of things (click on the image to read Joan's poem). |
Bags of Potatoes
Growing potatoes in containers has brought Bill real success for a second year. It seems the best form of container for growing is a 14-litre black plastic bag. The bag will give and expand as the root and potatoes begin to grow. Growing potatoes in a plastic or clay pot may limit the number and size of your potatoes because of the lack of additional growing room they offer for expansion. Bill recommends this method of growing, he says the potatoes are much easier to retrieve, he also say because of the bags he can have more plants growing in the same size bed.
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2014/15 Allotment Rent Increase.
Important news from Association of Liverpool Allotments about Liverpool City Council rents. We all dread the yearly round of rent rises, more especially this year as the impact austerity has hit us all very hard. However, the news so far isn't as damaging as first feared, we are releaved to hear of a £1 increase for 2014/15. Nevertheless, we remain cautious until we know and hear more about 2015/16 rents.
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Safeguarding Against the Big Freeze.
It has been unseasonably warm this autumn, however it was just a matter of time when the temperatures begin to drop bellow freezing. December has once again brought the temperature down with a bump, with ice capped water buts and frozen grounds the big freeze is finally with us. With that in mind and as a precaution Bill Kane (Site Secretary) has turned off the mains water to the site and asks members to use water buts for cleaning at this time of year.
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On-going Repairs.
There's always something to do on an allotment no matter the weather. Sid Baxter has the bug and a second wind since his shed floor was finished. Sid's been up on the roof to make repairs to a hole leaking water in to the potting area and replaced glass on the lean-to. Next, the green house and a new warm shelf to help grow his peppers, cucumbers and water melons.
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Unseasonal Weather.
Everyone is talking about the weather and the effect on flowering plants. Bill and Jan are surprised to see Jan's poached egg-plant and marigolds which haven't stop flowering at all this year. Kate Bradbury talks about the second heatwave in autumn and how it has given new life to her fruit trees. Her concern is how they will react next season.
Read more from Kate on her Blog: Gardeners' World Unseasonal Weather |