Snow next to the snowdrops which have popped up early with a mild winter. Mother nature has her own ideas about what should happen when. A flower that has been around since the fourth century BC according to Greek writing of that time. Less unusual is snow which can appear from December to February. Allotmenteers are allowed to grow flowers amongst the fruit and veg. It makes the plots look cheery all year.
There are also community flower beds near the gate and community hut. These are looked after by one of the plot holders who give his time to change them with the seasons. His greenhouse is full of flowers for this. A variety of seedlings and bulbs are put in giving the entrance to the site some colour. Bulbs when needing replacing often being sourced from end of season discounts at local shops. Once the pandemic has moved on children will be encouraged to get involved with planting up these beds again.
Water Springs Forth
Having replaced all of the taps last Spring it was hoped that there would not be any unexpected leakage or water surprises this year. Pipe dream – sorry! Someone had been a bit heavy-handed with the stand pipe and it had come apart leaving this unplanned pond. A couple of the Committee Members have chickens so are on site every day and usually spot these things. Otherwise plot holders, do and contact the Committee on the numbers Notice Board at the Community Hut or on the Facebook Group.
Frog and Toad Friendly
The allotment has a number of created ponds on site. The frogs do not always wait for Spring to show themselves. A frog can cause many a shriek. Clearing leaves from strawberry plants, a frog or toad will suddenly move from the spot it had been happily collecting slugs from. They blend in so well with soil and leaves. Lifting a piece of wood or a stone may reveal a happy frog keeping cool in Summer. In Winter they should be enjoying the warmth of the mud at the bottom of the ponds. Plot holders are encouraged to provide an escape route from ponds for hedgehogs.
Know your frog from your toad?
Movement: Frogs hop. Toads Crawl.
Sound: Frogs croak. Toads squeak.
Looks: Frogs wet, smooth skin. Toads dry, warty, skin