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.
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!
I am sorry to say we have suffered quite a bit of wind damage on site. Plotters would be well advised to come down and see what needs to be secured as more gales are likely to follow the initial surge of Storm Babet.
Kay Plot 23 suggested this post in an email. Here is her email
Quite a while ago you put a message onto the Allotment website telling people I had spare Sutherland Kale seed for anyone who wanted some. Well, it went a bit vital and I have been inundated with requests for seed from all over the UK and Sweden. I don’t have any left but I have been redirecting people to ‘The Real Seed Company’ which is where I got my original seed from.
Anyway, I have now had an email followed by a phone call today from a freelance journalist writing a piece on Sutherland Kale for the Sunday Post. She wanted to know more but most of all she would like a photograph of the plant with a grower alongside. I have no photos of me with Kale but wondered if there might be anything in the Garthdee Allotment photo archive or if you would be willing to put out a call to allotmenteers for any photos they may have?
Here name is Dawn Thompson
Many thanks
Val (23)
Please contact Val or leave a comment below if you can help.
There is a link to our original posting below and this page from Flora Scotia is also interesting.
