The weather has been rather against gardening over the last month or so - either frozen solid or soaking wet - and looking at a weather forecast on Friday with a severe weather warning for gales and rain I thought that this weekend would be no exception. I had resigned myself to another housebound Sunday until I opened the curtains to be greeted by this beautiful, sunny, winter's day. Perfect! Couldn't ask for anything better!
Being down on the plot and properly getting on with things for the first time in 2009 made me think about what it is that I love so much about being out in the fresh air and growing things. So instead of making a list of gardening resolutions, which will only come to disappoint in their lack of completion later in the year, I thought I'd share with you what makes my gardener's heart tick.
1. Being out in the fresh air and peace and quiet - no matter how stressful the rest of my life is I only need half an hour on the allotment to make it all seem miles away.
2. The way that growing stuff puts me in tune with the world around me and the wonderful cycles of nature that carry on regardless of how grey or rainy the day is.
3. Observing nature at close quarters and learning to work with it to get the best out of my harvest whilst creating a haven for all creatures great and small at the same time. After three years on my plot I still don't tire of the toads, newts, ladybirds, bumble bees, robins, foxes and any other wildlife that I'm lucky enough to spot and experience at close quarters.
4. Meeting new people, because I'm a firm believer that allotments are some of the only true communities left in modern cities which is something to be cherished on its own. But on top of that my allotment neighbour Brian has taught me more about growing veg than any book could have done.
5. Keeping fit - digging is so much more fun than the gym.
6. The privilege of being the guardian of my little plot of land and the proud responsibility of keeping it as fertile and happy as possible to pass it on to new generations of growers in the future.
7. And most importantly - lots and lots of delicious food produce to pick, cook, share and enjoy.
So there are mine. I'd love to hear what it is that keeps fellow growers out there growing...
