Want an allotment?

This is a long shot, but I'm wondering if anyone here:

a) Lives in the Waterlooville-Havant area of Hampshire.
b) Would really like an allotment, but can't get one.
c) Would fancy some kind of no-money deal to use my dad's old allotment?

or d) Knows anyone who would?

Here's the deal. My ageing mother has a big back garden, including an area that my dad used as an allotment when he was alive. Keeping the whole thing under control is beyond my mum's abilities now and the allotment is completely unused.

I would like to offer the plot for someone's use, in exchange for them putting in a few hours a week keeping the rest of garden from going wild. This would involve mowing the lawn every few weeks, trimming the hedge, basic weeding and pruning.

The allotment area is approximately 50' x 50'. There is a youngish apple tree in the middle and a very young maple or plain(?) tree. Other than that, it's all usable space.

I've been staying with my mother for a couple of months and will be out in the USA until next March. I've got the main garden under control, but the allotment is a jungle at present. Any deal would be for more time than that of course, given the lateness of the season. I'd like to set-up a long-term arangement if possible.

Because my mum is old, I'm looking for a nice person or couple who wouldn't worry her.

So, would anybody be interested?

 

It's a great idea Louis but isn't there someone living close to your mother that would like to give it a go someone that your mother might know personally and who enjoys a chat as well as a bit of hard work?

After all I'm sure she and you yourself would feel safer knowing the people that took on the work instead of complete strangers. I'm not saying everyone is a criminal far from it but I always think it's better the devil you know especially if your mother is aged.

I do hope you are not offended by my comments I just thought what I would feel like if it was me in your own shoes and how I would feel say if it was Bob's mum. Fingers crossed you can find a good'un to help you both out.Hel.xxx.

 

Yes - an existing friend would be an ideal choice, but there are no takers. Mostly because they are either too frail themselves or have quite enough to look after already. Or both.

And no, Hel, I'm not offended; I appreciate the empathy It is a worry that we'll get a bad'n, but probably unlikely. I'm just going to be as cautious as possible.

 

just an idea :

is there a school, scouts, guides, brownies , cubs or somthing simular near you

what im saying is aproce a youth group that has adult supervition.
the alloment gets sorted the kids learn how to grow stuff . AND your mum will have fresh veg

 

Good thinking batman. 02

 

I have to agree with you guys an organized group would be ideal even more so if an adult is supervising the young ones not only will Louis's mum get the garden done but the young ones will discover the delight of growing their own veg. Another good point is that if the young'uns get out of hand there will always be a sensible adult to keep them in check.

Good idea Colin all that manure must be doing your brain the world of good!:D Hel.xxx.

 

Masterful idea! I like it. Thanks for the suggestion.:thumb:

L.

 

no prob my friend. Keep us informed on how you get on :thumb:

 

Mum doesn't like the idea of children (supervised or otherwise) runing round the garden, or groups really. So it's back to plan A, I think. I've been in contact with the local horticultural society to see if they can help. No reply yet though.

 

nice to hear of you looking after your mum i was taught as a child look after your mum because you only have one mum.
be careful who you hire make sure you know them and trust them and your mum and her garden,and allotment will be fine.

 

Isn't it a shame that we have to search, beg, and form an orderly queue for an allotment these day. I think that we should start to lean more on our local government to hand over brown field sites to budding allotmenteers. In the current political, economic and oil starved climate, I think we all should be encourage to 'Dig for victory' to future-proof our way of life. I think that caring for plants and providing your own food is good for the soul and for society as a whole. I think it's time to sharpen our spades!

 

We secured a plot just 2 days ago, from the 150 or so that were available, in an area that houses approx 240 plots. Reading this discussion, it seems we have been VERY lucky indeed.
We're starting out with 5 Rods, whatever that equates to in metric ! and have the option to extend to 10 rods if we want to.
We're making a start in 10 days time (weather permitting) - check the link below for updates !