​ENJOY THE SEASONS COME RAIN OR SHINE 

Activities at the 'Create & Flourish Allotment' are geared towards group working and enjoying the natural environment at a relaxed and achievable pace. We will be working alongside adults to manage and improve their emotional wellbeing, including people in drug and alcohol recovery, providing a positive approach to staying well.​
High on our 'To Do List' is to make a new composting area using recycled pallets.  
​We have also had some pallet collars donated for making raised beds which will make gardening easier for those who need to sit and garden. Paths and a level working area in front of our lovely new shed are also on the agenda. 
Two new volunteers have come forward to help us to get our shed painted and organised so that our gardening groups have a dry and warm place to work during chilly days.​

Apples Galore

We are working with our Friday morning group, to keep those weeds at bay while still using eco-friendly gardening methods. We also have an abundance of apples and plums and Sharon is busy checking out new recipes and ways of preserving fruit. For more news on our every day gardening adventures go to Sharon's Blog page.
TIPS FROM THE PLOT
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comfrey
​Comfrey has many uses:

Add to the compost heap or bin to speed things up.

Use it as a mulch around tomatoes or runner beans.

Make a comfrey tea – plant feed. Put some comfrey into a container and add water – After a few weeks you will have the worst smelling liquid ever but the tomatoes and runner beans love it. Dilute the comfrey solution with water and feed away.
​​​​"A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows."
Pictureblackfly - fast food for ladybirds
Mint & garlic spray for blackfly:

Chop a couple of handfuls of mint and about a half a bulb of garlic add to a pan of water. Bring to the boil and simmer until the mint and garlic have softened.

Leave to stand overnight and then sieve.

Put the solution into a spray bottle and use on affected plants. We also sprayed all the other runner beans to act as a deterrent.
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​We had a lovely day out at Tillingham Horticultural Show and some of our volunteers came over to support us. We won 2 firsts for apples and redcurrants. I was particularly impressed with this 'dancing carrot' !

As part of our 'garden team' there are opportunities for those who, attend, support & work with us to enjoy group outings, visiting gardens and horticultural events together. We will also be hosting social events and wellbeing days throughout the year which link to staying active and maintaining positive mental health.
Sharon's 
​AMAZINGLY-WICKED-SPICED-GREEN-TOMATO-CHUTNEY​
​Reminding us of last summer, we often indulge in some of Sharon's delicious tangy homemade chutney.  To watch a video 
click the pic... thanks to Nigel !!