After the rains of yesterday and after the ground has cooled down during the morning releasing that wonderful heavy scent of petrichor, in the afternoon a faint mist rising as a result of all the elements of rain, soil, warmth, and I am in my own elements.
I have been loaned three beds in one of the oldest established allotments in the city which has been managed by Martin’s family for over 100 years. He is 3rd generation. Can you imagine that? In the city of Sheffield, what these allotments have seen and hear. I am delighted with my small allocation which houses, at the edge, 3 old cooking apple trees, 1 eaters, 1 plum and 1 pear tree. I began by digging out the one and only bed that I think I can plant – the middle bed being full of raspberries which are my favourites and rhubarb which I can ignore and the last bed is full of blueberries which actually sadly look a little bit worse wear. Beyond my three little beds are three more on a lower tier and then three more and a greenhouse where I am the proud overseer of six tomato plants and a shed full of accumulation. Honestly, this simple small plot has given me hope – I am in my element.
After while when I rest with my flask of tea, the humidity of the weather and the vast greenery of the area rest upon the bare skin of my arms. The plants are still covered in the rain drops from yesterday’s 24 hours of constant mizzle. I begin to have a few hopes for the blueberries and I cannot wait for the soft fruits to grow. I will bring my knitting down here. the other allotment folks will get to know me and I will get to know them. I will be seen as a small part of a very large Community and I welcome that.
Here is to a healthy summer.
I have forked and dug and raked the single bed for planting and added onions, spring onions, broccoli and cabbages. I don’t even really eat cabbages but the Deer and her baby will like them.
I return to this tiny plot every day. Each day is different always the birds are singing always it is lush and green but on the fifth day there appears a calm in me whilst I knit beside my baby cabbages starting life under the net, next to the apple trees where a gentle breeze is blowing blossom petals across the beds. I have knitted in some places in my life but I think that this is the most stable, close to home, open to nature, light, and growth.
I have just opened a May Colour Blending workshop on 31st – there are only 2 places left, if you would like to join. Take a look at the content of the session here.
Online knitting workshops – tracey doxey
tracey doxey 