Christmas Days in the Countryside

Holly and Ivy - also Mistletoe and Chilli Peppers

It sounded like a lovely way to spend a winter's morning - learning the lasagne method of planting bulbs. In a plant pot which I could take home.

I will have to wait until Spring to see the flowers - but in the meantime, I found another activity which would have more immediate results - making a Christmas wreath.

I am used to being outside in the countryside of the city even in the middle of winter, walking along the byways and discovering rural spots. For over a decade I also had my own allotment where I grew vegetables.

And here are two quirky facts about allotments: these plots of ground are measured by rods - a really ancient method of measurement. And by law, local authorities must provide them.

It's become very popular now to have an allotment. But they are a big commitment and the amount of time and energy they consume can outweigh the pleasure they can give.

And so now instead of having my own allotment, I have been discovering the joys of community nurseries and gardens.

It was on a community allotment that I joined in with others and planted the spring bulbs. There are so many benefits to getting involved - many of them have sheds to shelter in, sometimes a kettle, always a warm welcome and new people to meet.

It was on another day, at a community nursery, that I made the Christmas wreath - along with others who wove and tied and fiddled with greenery to make decorations.

In the East London borough where I live there are over fifty community allotments - each one offering city dwellers the opportunity to grow vegetables, get active and meet other people.

#allotments #communitygardens