What is it about the humble potato that makes it so special?
Thanks go to Val on Plot 23 for suggesting this post and offering this info.
Just thought that some plotters might be interested to know that there is a new Scottish Seed Company, Seeds of Scotland, ( the only Scottish seed producer since the 1980’s). They are based in Evanton, Inverness and are selling only open pollinated seed ( no F1 hybrids) which either originate in Scotland or have been extensively grown here so evolved to grow in our climatic conditions. They have a limited but very interesting catalogue available now.
New and existing GFAA Members please note that our Discount Scheme membership of the Dobies Group Scheme has a new discount code in place for 2024.
Well, it may seem that the wet and cold weather with endless named storms will never end, but in truth, Spring will come and the soil will warm up enough for seed sowing. In the meantime, it is almost time for windowsill sowings to get ahead as we wait.
Remember, if you are about to buy seeds, plants or gardening supplies, as a GFAA member or volunteer you will get a 40% discount on all seed purchases and 10% off other items – but you must use our unique discount code at the time of purchase. If you need the code, there are copies of the Dobies Catalogue with the code included in the Octagon, or just get in touch and I will be pleased to let you have it (gfaawebhelper@gmail.com). Once you have the code, this link will take you directly to the Dobies Website Store and Catalogue.
Note this is Dobies with one b and not the DOBBIES garden superstore here in the city.
I am sorry to report that our most recent storm has caused a good deal of damage on site. Plotters might want to visit ASAP to secure items and structures before the return of stormy weather forecast for this weekend.
These photos show only some of the damage done. Thanks go to Anna and Steve for passing on these photos. Sympathies go to all those who have suffered loss or damage.
Well, let’s be honest, 2023 has been a trying year as the weather this last few months has proved. Windy, wild and wet rather sums it up.
We think this was the worst flooding we had ever seen on site, but at least it was relatively short lived.
However, we have ended on a high note. Firstly, the volunteers enjoyed a good end of term bash. They have all put in a fantastic shift this year and our celebration was just a wee thank you for the 22 who have done us proud all season long. Sorry goes to those who missed out on the photo opportunity.
Special thanks go to Irene for overseeing a fantastic spread of party food and to Jordi for his Captain Morgan Mocktails. Very special!
It was a great pleasure to be invited to Aberdeen Council’s Celebration of It’s Your Neighbourhood successes. Phil 57, our Association Secretary, attended and accepted our Outstanding rating with a Certificate of Distinction award.
Our season has ended with success therefore, but the work goes on around the site. Thank go to Jordi and Danny, our most recent recruit to the volunteers, who have come in specially this week to help finish off an overdue planter build for a lone suffering and very patient plotter who placed an order some little time ago. (No name, no pack drill, but you know who you are!)
As Jordi often proves, working hard does not mean you can’t have a good laugh. Here we see him showing off his new skills with the Block Plane.
As the Season ends, we wish every plotter, volunteer and friend of Garthdee Allotments a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday and successful growing in 2024. Cheers!
It is a pleasure to report that Garthdee Field has retained its Outstanding rating following the recent visit by Steven Shaw, our current IYN Assessor.
Here’s how Steven’s report sums up our year in 2023.
Areas of achievement: Garthdee Allotments Association continues to develop and grow. They are an outstanding Its Your Neighbourhood group. This group should be congratulated on their Green Flag status. They are one of only two allotments in Scotland to achieve this award and they should be very proud of this achievement. The group are welcoming and very enthusiastic. It is obvious they love what they do and have real pride in what they have achieved to date. The idea to recycling and repurposing old, vintage tools is tremendous, and I look forward to hearing more about this. The new cabin is fantastic and an asset to the group. Garthdee Allotments Association is an absolute joy to visit and a very special place. It is an outstanding Its Your Neighbourhood group and deserves all the plaudits that come its way! Congratulations on such a fantastic site and well done to everyone involved.
Recommendations/suggestions from your assessor:
Continue to engage with young people of all ages. The work that is being done with Kaimhill Primary School is fantastic.
The community and volunteer days are great.
Continue to work with and communicate to all plotters. It is important that they feel involved and have a voice.
Continue to maintain a good rapport with Aberdeen City Council for the benefit of the allotments, and to follow up plot holders with problems.
Continue to involve yourselves in Keep Scotland Beautiful and Aberdeen City Council’s environmental campaigns such as Clean Up Aberdeen.
Promote the great work being done at every opportunity i.e., enter for awards, involve local media.
Steven’s recommendations and suggestions are especially helpful and will frame our efforts and activities in the coming year.
Thanks go to all our plotters, volunteers, friends and partners who helped us achieve this outstanding success in 2023.
Next year GFAA will celebrate its tenth year in the IYN competition. Let’s make it a year to remember!
A wee bit of background. ACC used to be able to provide us with free road planings for repairing our potholes. Unfortunately, a change in the Council’s contracts for road repairs meant they have not been able to supply any for a year or so now. Over which time, you will be aware our potholes became deeper and wider by the week.
So, it is especially pleasing to report that after some excellent sourcing and bargaining by Secretary Phil (Plot 57) we recently took delivery of 20 tonnes of very fine planings.
Tuesday and Sunday of this week, after an appeal to plotters for help (Thanks to the two Graemes, David (Plot 57) Sophie (Plot 25) for coming forward), the Volunteers and Committee members added their efforts to the task and we have been able to break the back of the work.
Photo Credit: Anna Fulop
Photo Credit: Anna Fulop
The only downside was some damage to the fence, and Gate on Plot 94B caused by the lorry trying to reach the top planings bin at the top of the site.
Apologies to those who missed out on the photo opportunities.
We apologise for the damage and the Volunteer Squad set to on Sunday to fix it. Obviously we cannot allow big lorries to try to reach the top of the site in future.
However, on another positive note the Council have agreed to find a contractor to undertake the more extensive work needed to deal with the problem of cars grounding as they reach the top of the main path leading to the North of the site. Discussions are ongoing between ACC and GFAA to find a satisfactory solution to this problem.
