COG is back, giving entry by programme to over 20 gardens, yards and allotments throughout Chorlton.
Programmes cost £5 (although under-13s get in for free) and are on sale from late May at:
Chorlton Bookshop (Wilbraham Road)
Creative Recycling (Beech Road)
Blossom Flowers (Manchester Road)
Chorlton Nursery (Vicars Road)
Proceeds from the sales go in aid of Freedom From Torture, the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.
www.chorltonopengardens.org.uk
Looking for something?
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Apologies for intermittent blog
Due to an ailing laptop, I'm restricted in what and when I can post. In particular, I can't post any pictures, despite having shots of some allotment corkers piling up.
As soon as I have a working machine, I'll be posting pics like there's no tomorrow!
Jen
As soon as I have a working machine, I'll be posting pics like there's no tomorrow!
Jen
Roll up for the plant sale! Saturday 18 May 11am - 2pm
Please help make this year's plant sale an even bigger success than last year's by telling family, friends and neighbours about it.
We look to have a good range of herbs (including coriander, basil, chives and sage). There will also be decorative plants such as lavender, mexican daisies, heuchera, phlox and, the ever-popular black grass (ophiopogon). The stars of the show will, of course, be the vegetables and we seem to have a bumper crop this year including tomatoes, French, borlotti and runner beans, courgettes, cucumbers, butternut squash, mangetout, sweet peppers and cavolo nero to name but a few.
We hope that many of the plants available will be of interest to plotholders too. If your seeds haven't germinated or you have space to squeeze in some more plants, come and have a look at what we have on offer. Our prices are very competitive!
If you are able to donate any plants, would you pass them to any committee member or leave them (but not before Thursday or Friday please) in the greenhouse at Plot 31. Remember to label them!
Look forward to seeing you!
We look to have a good range of herbs (including coriander, basil, chives and sage). There will also be decorative plants such as lavender, mexican daisies, heuchera, phlox and, the ever-popular black grass (ophiopogon). The stars of the show will, of course, be the vegetables and we seem to have a bumper crop this year including tomatoes, French, borlotti and runner beans, courgettes, cucumbers, butternut squash, mangetout, sweet peppers and cavolo nero to name but a few.
We hope that many of the plants available will be of interest to plotholders too. If your seeds haven't germinated or you have space to squeeze in some more plants, come and have a look at what we have on offer. Our prices are very competitive!
If you are able to donate any plants, would you pass them to any committee member or leave them (but not before Thursday or Friday please) in the greenhouse at Plot 31. Remember to label them!
Look forward to seeing you!
Hulme Community Garden Centre - Plotting The Future!
The lovely people at HCGC start their latest Plotting The Future alloment gardening course tomorrow.
Running 2pm - 4pm every Wednesday from 15 May until 19 June, the course will cost £35 and will cover all aspects of growing; site laying, composting, companion planting, organic growing etc. and give new allotment holders a user friendly introduction to sustainable allotment gardening.
To book a place, write to Katherine Kennedy on thetrainer@hulmegardencentre.org.uk or phone 0161 227 8198.
http://www.hulmegardencentre.org.uk/
Running 2pm - 4pm every Wednesday from 15 May until 19 June, the course will cost £35 and will cover all aspects of growing; site laying, composting, companion planting, organic growing etc. and give new allotment holders a user friendly introduction to sustainable allotment gardening.
To book a place, write to Katherine Kennedy on thetrainer@hulmegardencentre.org.uk or phone 0161 227 8198.
http://www.hulmegardencentre.org.uk/
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Woodchip and fritillary
More is available. As always, it's first come, first served!
The plan is to get a few more pictures of our dear old plots here on the blog: veg, fruit, flowers, structures, bizarre tools that lurk in sheds, wildlife, etc. If there's anything that you'd like to share then please do send it in! I'll start off with a couple of shots of the snake's head fritillaries at the foot of my shed:
The plan is to get a few more pictures of our dear old plots here on the blog: veg, fruit, flowers, structures, bizarre tools that lurk in sheds, wildlife, etc. If there's anything that you'd like to share then please do send it in! I'll start off with a couple of shots of the snake's head fritillaries at the foot of my shed:
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Cleveleyes Avenue Allotments = tree magnet!
Last week a tree on the far side of the brook was blown down and crashed through our fence onto 57A south, one of the quarter-plots, which, fortunately, wasn't damaged, although it is inaccessible for the present. The plotholder has already been informed.
The council's tree team have promised to come and remove the tree early next week.
The council's tree team have promised to come and remove the tree early next week.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Summer Shindig - 16 June 2013 1pm-4pm
Hi all,
Summer is just around the corner and this year it is going to be a good one (fingers crossed). There have been lots of successful social events at Cleveleys Avenue Allotments in the past including some memorable barbecues but it is too long since we had one, so we asked at the last AGM for suggestions for (and offers to help organise) social events. As a result, the plotholders of 53A have now very kindly offered to help organise a summer get-together on Sunday 16 June from 1pm till 4pm (or later) which will be an opportunity for all of us to meet other plotholders in a festive setting.
The suggestion is that you bring some food and drink for yourselves and some to share with others. Activities for children will be provided by the 53Aers.
So, if you think it's a good idea and you would like to attend, it would be really helpful if you could reply a.s.a.p. so that we have some idea of the numbers. And also, if you are bringing children, would you please let us know?
Best wishes,
Gareth
Summer is just around the corner and this year it is going to be a good one (fingers crossed). There have been lots of successful social events at Cleveleys Avenue Allotments in the past including some memorable barbecues but it is too long since we had one, so we asked at the last AGM for suggestions for (and offers to help organise) social events. As a result, the plotholders of 53A have now very kindly offered to help organise a summer get-together on Sunday 16 June from 1pm till 4pm (or later) which will be an opportunity for all of us to meet other plotholders in a festive setting.
The suggestion is that you bring some food and drink for yourselves and some to share with others. Activities for children will be provided by the 53Aers.
So, if you think it's a good idea and you would like to attend, it would be really helpful if you could reply a.s.a.p. so that we have some idea of the numbers. And also, if you are bringing children, would you please let us know?
Best wishes,
Gareth
More woodchip available
Yet another delivery from our friendly neighbourhood tree surgeon has landed on the main path. It's ideal for suppressing weeds especially on paths, so please help yourselves.
When did you last see your compost bin lid?
One has appeared on plot 38B. It's now been placed at the entrance to the plot, so please collect it if it's yours.
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Compost bay update
One of the compost bays (number 4) is almost empty and the one next to it (number 5) is being accessed from the side. We can see some of the concrete planks have become dislodged and are lying at odd angles. Please take care when digging out compost. We will be cleaning off the top of bay 5 and placing what we can over on the wildlife area in order to try to make the ground there more even. We will open bay 5 up from the front to make access easier. Ideally both bay 4 and 5 will soon be empty so that they can be used for green waste in the coming months.
We would be grateful for your help in the following ways.
Best wishes
B (plot 27)
We would be grateful for your help in the following ways.
- Please continue to use bay 3 for green waste. We know it is almost full but no green waste should go into the other bays at this time. It is hard to access, so get some help if you need it. Do take care on the ladder. If it proves impossible let us know and we will try to help out. The plotholders on 11a and 26a are available to help too.
- When you have made your deposit at the bay or if you have a spare moment or two could you help us out please? To ensure that bays 4 and 5 are empty for the new season could you dump a barrow or two of compost over on the wildlife area please? We want the area to be more even and you will see where deposits have already been made so just follow suit and fill in the hollows.
- Keep composting... we want the bays to be a useful resource for the site.
Best wishes
B (plot 27)
Bricks available at Plot 4
The No.4 plotholder has placed a number of bricks in front of the greenhouse at the edge of the plot, free for anyone to take.
Children at the allotments
If you have children we very much hope that they will come with you and enjoy getting their hands dirty helping you on your plot and perhaps even have a patch of their own on your plot. However, allotments are dangerous places - with glass, metal, sharp objects and ponds to name but a few of the potential hazards. So, the committee has asked me to remind everyone who brings young children to the allotment that it is your responsibility to make sure that they are safe by supervising them at all times.
In addition, would you please make sure that your children understand that they must not go onto other people's plots (or the paths between other people's plots).
Would you also explain to them, that the area currently cordoned off with red and white hazard ribbon (which contains the dreaded Japanese knotweed) must not be entered by anyone as Japanese knotweed can be transferred by shoes and the last thing we want is knotweed growing on anyone's plot.
So, please bring children with you to learn about growing plants but keep them safely on (or close to) your own plot.
Regards
Gareth
In addition, would you please make sure that your children understand that they must not go onto other people's plots (or the paths between other people's plots).
Would you also explain to them, that the area currently cordoned off with red and white hazard ribbon (which contains the dreaded Japanese knotweed) must not be entered by anyone as Japanese knotweed can be transferred by shoes and the last thing we want is knotweed growing on anyone's plot.
So, please bring children with you to learn about growing plants but keep them safely on (or close to) your own plot.
Regards
Gareth
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Water turned off
Hi All
Just to let you know that we have had to turn off the water as we have had several bursts in the last few days. The water will be put back on once the danger of frost has gone.
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
Just to let you know that we have had to turn off the water as we have had several bursts in the last few days. The water will be put back on once the danger of frost has gone.
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Free (slightly damaged) concrete flags
Hi All
There are about half a dozen slightly damaged flags (and a few broken pieces of flags) near the container which are no longer needed. If you can make use of them (perhaps for the base of a shed or greenhouse) please help yourself.
Don't forget, though, that you will need to talk to us before you buy a shed, greenhouse or polytunnel as there are Council rules about the maximum size and position.
Best wishes
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
There are about half a dozen slightly damaged flags (and a few broken pieces of flags) near the container which are no longer needed. If you can make use of them (perhaps for the base of a shed or greenhouse) please help yourself.
Don't forget, though, that you will need to talk to us before you buy a shed, greenhouse or polytunnel as there are Council rules about the maximum size and position.
Best wishes
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Plant sale update, 18-May
This year's plant sale will take place on Saturday 18 May from 11am till 2pm.
The plants on offer will be sold to members of the local community (and plotholders) and the funds raised will go towards the cost of repairing the edges of the main path.
Please help to make this an even greater success than last year's event by donating any surplus plants or seedlings - or even sowing a few extra. Any herb, flower or, particularly, vegetable plants would be much appreciated. Although it's still early in the year, it would be really helpful if you could let us know what you hope to donate so we can see what gaps need plugging.
Many thanks
Gareth
The plants on offer will be sold to members of the local community (and plotholders) and the funds raised will go towards the cost of repairing the edges of the main path.
Please help to make this an even greater success than last year's event by donating any surplus plants or seedlings - or even sowing a few extra. Any herb, flower or, particularly, vegetable plants would be much appreciated. Although it's still early in the year, it would be really helpful if you could let us know what you hope to donate so we can see what gaps need plugging.
Many thanks
Gareth
Friday, 15 March 2013
The shop is open for 2013!
The shop will now be open every Sunday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm until the end of September.
Have a look at the price-list on the shop notice-board for the latest prices. Many of these are very competitive and it's much more convenient than travelling to a garden centre. Plus, if you have a question about crops, pests etc. there will usually be someone who knows the answer. And, if we don't, we'll do our best to find out.
Best wishes
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
Have a look at the price-list on the shop notice-board for the latest prices. Many of these are very competitive and it's much more convenient than travelling to a garden centre. Plus, if you have a question about crops, pests etc. there will usually be someone who knows the answer. And, if we don't, we'll do our best to find out.
Best wishes
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
Monday, 11 March 2013
Shed for quarter plots
Last week, a few allotmonauts gathered in the sunshine to raise a shed (funded mainly by last year's plant sale) for the holders of the new quarterplots to store their gear in, the plots themselves being too small to support individual sheds.
It was a grand day, but - beware! - construction instructions lie. "2 hours," they said; "2 people," they said. It took three and a half of us over five hours to put this beast together, and there may have been a small element of less-than-exquisite language.
Pictures of the intrepid workers (click to enlarge):
This robin hung around all day, keeping a close eye on the proceedings and broadcasting our progress to all its friends:
It was a grand day, but - beware! - construction instructions lie. "2 hours," they said; "2 people," they said. It took three and a half of us over five hours to put this beast together, and there may have been a small element of less-than-exquisite language.
Pictures of the intrepid workers (click to enlarge):
This robin hung around all day, keeping a close eye on the proceedings and broadcasting our progress to all its friends:
Friday, 1 March 2013
Inspections - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Just a reminder that the annual inspection cycle is about to begin.
As you probably know, the committee is required by the Council to inspect all established plots (ie those who have completed their probationary year) at least 3 times a year and we shall be doing this in spring, summer and autumn of 2013.
Basically, we'll be checking that as a minimum your plot is:
Safe - no broken pieces of glass etc.
Mainly under cultivation - as appropriate to the season.
Largely free from weeds - no established clumps of invasive perennial weeds or lots of annual weeds with wind-borne seeds left to spread around the site to other plots.
AND that paths, boundaries and hedges (if you have one) are well maintained.
For more details, see the links on the right-hand side bar: the inspection policy is under 'Policies and Procedures' and details of what makes a truly well-cultivated plot are under 'Welcome Pack.'
As you probably know, the committee is required by the Council to inspect all established plots (ie those who have completed their probationary year) at least 3 times a year and we shall be doing this in spring, summer and autumn of 2013.
Basically, we'll be checking that as a minimum your plot is:
Safe - no broken pieces of glass etc.
Mainly under cultivation - as appropriate to the season.
Largely free from weeds - no established clumps of invasive perennial weeds or lots of annual weeds with wind-borne seeds left to spread around the site to other plots.
AND that paths, boundaries and hedges (if you have one) are well maintained.
For more details, see the links on the right-hand side bar: the inspection policy is under 'Policies and Procedures' and details of what makes a truly well-cultivated plot are under 'Welcome Pack.'
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Woodchip
A delivery of woodchip arrive this afternoon - excellent stuff for making paths.
First come, first served!
Monday, 18 February 2013
Plant sale in May - date tbc
Hi All
Last year's plant sale when we offered a range of plants to the local community and plotholders was so successful that we decided we should run it again this year. So, we are asking anyone who is sowing seeds this year to sow a few extra for the plant sale. Herbs, trays of vegetable seedlings and decorative plants were all very popular and raised £114 which was used to part-fund the quarter plots project.
We'll let you know more details soon as the exact date for the sale this year is still to be finalised, but it will be in May and any funds raised will be used to fund a project (or projects) to improve the allotments for everyone.
Please help if you can, as we could have sold twice the number of plants we had last year.
Best wishes
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
Last year's plant sale when we offered a range of plants to the local community and plotholders was so successful that we decided we should run it again this year. So, we are asking anyone who is sowing seeds this year to sow a few extra for the plant sale. Herbs, trays of vegetable seedlings and decorative plants were all very popular and raised £114 which was used to part-fund the quarter plots project.
We'll let you know more details soon as the exact date for the sale this year is still to be finalised, but it will be in May and any funds raised will be used to fund a project (or projects) to improve the allotments for everyone.
Please help if you can, as we could have sold twice the number of plants we had last year.
Best wishes
Gareth
CAAS Committee Chairman
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)