The Compost Song

For ages Barbara has been obsessed with sorting out our compost heaps. She has been trying to get me to help her turn them and use it on the plot but I have been putting it of for ages. The compost now is about five years old and is really good so a few weeks ago we started to sort it and use it.I found this video on You Tube and not only does it look like Barbara it shows how enthusiastic she gets about the stuff. By the way I do not appear in any of the film.

Went to the beautiful Kelsey Park in Beckenham to feed the birds with a loaf of Mr Warburtons finest brown seeded. I was soon surrounded by all sorts of ducks,geese,pigeons and gulls. The blackheaded gulls are just beginning to get there black heads so spring must be on its way. The most impressive of the ducks was the Mandarin which is really spectacular. The swans also let the Canada geese know who was boss. I then went to check my feeders on the allotment and all the suet pellets that I hung up yesterday had gone but still a big pile of seeds left.

Going on a march tomorrow in support of Lewisham Hospital which is in danger of losing its A&E department and maternity unit. This hospital is dear to my heart as not only does Barbara work there but they have looked after me during my heart problems. Sunday will be at the plot for my RSPB bird count.

Just my luck

Really started to get in the swing over the last couple of weeks. I have retired and Barbara had two weeks holiday. We spent quite a few hours on the plot and I was able to coppice all the plum runners that I had been meaning to do for ages. Barbara spent time sorting out our compost heaps and we have loads of good stuff which has spent a few years rotting down. Now it is covered in snow and put a stop to groundwork.

We have been feeding the birds and we have put up a new bird box. We have had great tits nesting in our old one for the last six years and last year a robin nested in our shed, I will put pictures on here when I can sort the camera out. We are taking part in the RSPB  bird watch at the weekend so will let you know how many species we see on our plot. Last week we had a pheasant on site which was chased by a fox.We thought that he would fly away but he just ran as fast as he could, he had a head start on the fox and managed to escape.

We are back "AGAIN"

Well after a looooong break from our blog we are back again. We still have the allotment and as I have now retired I hope to spend a lot more time working on it to get it back to how it was a long time ago. I met a friend called Marion who has a plot on our site who said that she enjoyed reading the blog and would I be doing it again, so even if nobody else reads it at least I will have one viewer. There will however be a shortage of pictures for a little while as I am unable to find the lead that conects the camera to the computer but will buy a card reader.

Onwards and Upwards
Jim and Barbara

Who Can Grow the Biggest

After the success of last years largest pumpkin competition our quest this year is to see who can grow the biggest marrow.Free seeds are now available either from Clive or the trading shed on Sunday mornings.The judging will take place at a social gathering on 20th September when marrow soup(yummy!!)will be available.Please bring along anything you may have made from marrow or squashes (jam,chutney,rum etc.)for a tasting.A trophy will be presented to the winner.

Talk on Organic Gardening

Hello everyone:We are very pleased to announce that Jack Dudley Swale of Spa Hill and the Spa Hill Organic Gardening Group will be talking on organic gardening on Saturday, May 9th at 3.00pm at the Forster Road Allotments Community House.Jack has much experience in this area; he says that "the secret is in the soil". There'll be lots of time for questions and it is free of charge. Coffee and tea will be on sale; proceeds of which will go toward the allotment fund.

Coffee Morning and Seed Swap

Everybody is welcome to come along to the Forster Road allotments Seed Swap and Coffee morning. Bring a long any seeds that you no longer need or want, and add them to the "Seed Swap" table. Then have a rummage through the table to see if there is anything you fancy... you never know what you will find.Tea's, coffee's, cakes and maybe even bacon sandwiches will be available for the duration. Please pop along with your seed (spare seedlings if you have any yet....)There will be no official "charge" for the refreshments, but an honesty box will be available, with all proceeds going to the allotment fund.

Come along on Sunday 5th April to Forster Road Headquarter Building Clock House Road Beckenham. 10am - 1pm