Ian & Jo Plot 44a
Featured on Monty Dons Small Spaces Big Dreams
“Have fun – get an allotment!” George Horrocks offers his thoughts having been to see Wellesbourne Allotments “You’re having a larf!”. This was my way of testing / probing Ian on his colourful structures when we strolled over on a bright Spring morning to visit the allotments and Plot 44A in particular. He and Jo had certainly been busy since I last came to Wellesbourne, (for me a haven of rest, exuding essential tranquillity enabling me to recoup from my adventures).
As Ian’s oldest friend I was well aware that he espoused an ethos to recycle wherever he could, in his words “to reduce wherever practical our footprint on this lovely planet”. But, what for the colourful structures? The “greenhouse” takes shape with recycled shed in the background By way of background, the shed he and Jo had inherited 4 years ago on taking on Plot 44A was very much on its last legs. A firm lean on the northern shed wall was required to grant the freedom necessary for the door to open. Understandably, as Jo remarked, “It had to go!”. Whilst it was sad to see Duncan’s Pet Shop close last year, Duncan’s “garage sale” proved to be fertile ground for both materials and inspiration. Jo was particularly keen on embracing the concept of a “green roof”. The new shed comprises 2 rows of galvanised shelving supported on a paving slab base. Ex-trestle tables with their legs sawn off form the roof. Jo adapted a quote by Nelson Mandela to finish the roof off – “Let your hopes not your weeds shape your plot”. The whole assembly is held down by a heavy duty strop. I was encouraged to note that the shed had withstood the recent onslaught from “Hurricane Doris” without mishap. A unique opportunity exists on this plot with a requirement to weed the roof! This activity ensures that the sedums enjoy unfettered access to sunlight. It’s also a surprisingly peaceful place to reflect on life’s travails, amidst the song of skylarks.
It was Sam Goldwyn I believe who said that anyone who consulted a psychiatrist needed his head examined Psychiatry failed to remove the obsessive neurosis of a woman who asked for help because she was convinced there was a man hiding under her bed. The vicar dealt with it in one brief consultation. He didn’t treat the patient, he treated the bed – he had the legs cut off it Here again it was clear that Ian and Jo sought natural solutions, this time to pest control. I learnt that the frogs had become quite widespread through the year and are to be found under sheds and even in neighbouring greenhouses. Jo and Ian’s keenness to recycle is evident as you approach the plot. To protect carrots from carrot fly they elected to make elevated beds from large pots sourced from the local tip (3 for a £1) and a plastic barrel cut into 3 sections. In addition to their ethos of recycling they like to have fun and laugh a lot. We agreed that, life can be too serious.
Viewing their plot I cannot help but smile at the customised greenhouse where Jo is intending to grow sweet potatoes. Early potatoes are already in the ground, the garlic sown last autumn looks healthy and even the asparagus was sprouting. It was evident that the allotments also proved to be fertile ground for wide ranging conversations and what was also clear, great friendships. Finally, I reflected later that it was a great achievement to sit down on Sunday night to dinner where everything on the plate had come from their allotment (with the exception of the roast meat!). Jo had succeeded in growing celeriac which was delicious. By George Horrocks
Ian and Jo’s with ‘ The Might Monty’ when their Plot was the focus of an episode of BBC TV Small Spaces Big Dreams