Happy Spring!

Despite the lack of daffodils and shivering nights (and not to mention the snow!), Spring is finally here! That’s right, as of the 20^th March, the sun crossed the equator for the Spring equinox. As it's Easter break for students, there won’t be any allotment sessions for the next couple of weeks. Our first session back will be Saturday 20^th April when we will get back to planting for the summer.

As summer is fast approaching, I am looking for any students or staff that will be in Chester during the summer and are willing to spend an hour or so each week or every other week to help with basic upkeep in the allotment (most likely weeding and watering). If you are interested, either now or during the summer, please contact 1102380@chester.ac.uk.

Don’t forget to like our Facebook page, Nature’s Garden, at: www.facebook.com/chesterallotment

Have a great Easter everyone!

The daffodils know it's Spring even if we can't feel it! - Outside Riverside Campus

Snow, Part 2

It was Thursday night, and as I checked the weather forecast for Saturday I felt sure that the prediction of a little light snow would not stop our band of trusty green-fingered gardeners. After all, we had had our most productive day yet the last time it snowed. I was resolute. A little white powder wouldn’t stop us. The allotment would be on!...

…As I shivered and wrapped my duvet around me tighter early on Saturday morning, I decided to peek out of the window to see what the weather was like. I awoke to a gardener’s worst nightmare: a thick blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape, with not a single inch of colour to be seen. It was snowing heavily and I could barely make out the houses across the road. The allotment would have to be cancelled. Mother Nature had caught us out this time. After alerting everybody of the cancellation (which came as a surprise to no-one!), I dived back under the covers and hoped our vegetables were better at withstanding the cold than us mere humans.

Still waiting to enjoy a summer's day on our new bench...

At least the weeds aren't growing!

A Place to Sit

After our successful event last week, we had a week off for Development Week before our next session. Unfortunately, the rain also decided to take a week off and return perfectly in time for our first session back. As we geared up, huddling inside the shed to keep warm and get away from the British monsoon, we mulled over our options. After much deliberation (and cajoling on my part), we decided to create a simple yet functional bench from scrap stone and wood lying about the allotment. Surprisingly, it didn’t take us long at all. Pleased with our efforts, we decided to let the rain have its way and called it a day.

It'll be much nicer to sit on in summer...I promise.

Admiring the view...