9th October:
Now, when one gets the opportunity to become the allotment gardener for Millies garden Design, you visualise beautifully tended rows of vegetables, gorgeous blooms, glorious fruit trees and manicured paths with rose arches and maybe a quaint wildlife area? Well, think again. Nothing could quite prepare oneself for the sight right in front of me when I first arrived at my lovely new workplace. Oh, the fruit trees were most definitely there, lovingly planted but surrounded by grasses a metre high and every inch of the plot filled to the brim with weeds.

Before!
Luckily, I have years of experience of ‘growing my own’ and the task no longer overwhelms me. Through years of practice, I now look at a task this big with both amusement and determination. If you are faced with the same situation, maybe you have acquired a new allotment plot or converting your garden to a growing space, the best thing to do is take it all in, walk your land and boundaries go back to where you started, then pour yourself a cup of tea from your flask. This flask will become your absolute best friend in the next few months. Only over a hot beverage can the way become clear. Now close your eyes and visualise what you want your space to become and keep that happy thought – you are going to need it. Now finish your drink, put on your gloves, and start to weed. The work truly begins!

After!