30 July, 10:59,
by Fran
Not long after we started on the allotment we were viciously attacked by the local rabbit community. They decimated our cabbage plants and lettuce seedlings with malice aforethought.
The representative from "The Warren" did not wish to be identified.
A witness statement claimed “The little buggers nearly ruined us!”
A representative from “The Warren”, as the rabbits call themselves, told us “Youse guys have the goodies – and we have the determination and the numbers on our side, see! Yez don’t stand a chance! Yez don’t know who ye’r dealin’ with.” He did not wish to be named.
Another victim of the rabbit attacks had this to add: “I’ve seen some nasty things in my life but this just pure evil. How could they do this to us? This just pure vegetable slaughter “
We were given many tips on how to combat the onslaught including one that suggested we surround the plot with ashes. We didn’t try that one as it sounded too supernatural to actually work. Maybe they were thinking of slugs?
We found that the only surefire way to prevent these incursions was to erect chicken wire fencing dug down at a depth of at least 6 inches. It works. But we must be ever vigilant. The Warren is waiting for any opportunity for an open fence or gate. Be warned!
21 July, 15:50,
by Fran
I enjoy a drink like the next man (providing the next man is not a teetotaler) and ’twas a fair evening in March whilst enjoying a pint in my local that I suggested that myself and my long term drinking buddies should look into growing our own vegetables. This suggestion was not, I’m happy to say, spurned like a rat in a wellington boot but was received with a few curious looks, two nods, a grunt and a “tell me more!” It could have been so much worse!
“Well” I explained, “I was on the way back from Holland the other day and noticed while I was on train that every town and village that we passed through were bordered by allotments.”
Silence prevailed but I could tell that all ears were pricked. Someone may have farted – I can’t really remember. I continued…
“I think it’s a good idea to grow our food rather than buying all that processed stuff and it will work out cheaper in the long run. How hard can it be?”
How hard can it be?
My friend Fintan was the first to pitch in. “Great idea. Count me in!”
I had a gut feeling that he would agree as he is an excellent cook and had he not chosen his current career path I could imagine him trading recipes and expletives with Gordon Ramsey. I kid you not. He is a lover of fresh produce and like me, often bemoans the lack, if not the price, of fine fresh vegetables. I am not as hot in the kitchen as Fintan is, I do admit but I try.
“It’s something we should look into before we do anything.” said Maurice and Gus agreed. It was time for another pint.
So we did look into it. We looked through it, at it, round it, under it, over it, along it and up and down it like county councilors until we knew more about what we should do about taking on an allotment than a chain-smoker knows about a chesty cough.
All we had to do now was find the right place.
21 July, 10:49,
by Fran
How do you like them onions missus?
20 July, 16:40,
by Fran
Everyone said they were hard to grow but we just put them in the ground and they got on with it. I didn’t even break a sweat.
Hannah likes carrots.
20 July, 16:22,
by Fran
Lettuce is an absolute favourite and can be grown all year round. Sow them in rows and thin and transplant
when about 5 cm. high. Delicious!
There are many varieties and you can buy mixed seed packets so your allotment will become a blaze of glory.
Would ya look at the head on that lad!
We have been very lucky with cabbage this first year. Initially we put in some Chinese leaves as well as the common variety but we had some fluffy visitors who happily nibbled the hearts out. That taught us a valuable lesson about rabbits and after all was said and done the only sure way to prevent their incursions was to invest in chicken wire and bury it down at least 6 inches when erecting.
From there we have had great success as you can see from the photo. They taste delicious!
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