In the poem "Essay on Man" Alexander Pope wrote that "Hope springs eternal in the human breast". Turning the padlock key to plot 106 at Lancing Manor Allotments certainly made me feel like an apostle to that thought. As with much of the current winter here down on the Sussex coast, it is raining, it is dark and it is windy. Gingerly picking my way along the sodden grass path so as to avoid the worst of the puddles and mud was a bit like a game of hopscotch. My plot is very close to the gate, good planning there and, although hardly need probably until about May, right next to a water trough and tap. Clever selection of what was available on my first look on taking out the plot now three and a half years ago
I do include in my conversations, at work, on social media or at a community group I am a member of, what I regard as a very important boost to my wellbeing, having an allotment. I am quite certain of that and I bless the day I became the new tenant of 106. It certainly ticks all the important boxes. Exercise, fresh air, a connection with nature, friendships, tranquility and the bonus of food Whenever I take that walk down there, it takes about three minutes my mind is already clearing of what I have left and anticipating what is to come. On arrival I feel the lift, perhaps a movement into my persona? So much to take in and so much to see. Whether it is two minute or a two hundred minute visit I always end it in the same way, by sitting on the bench. Be is snow falling, blazing sun, heavy rain or fog. In thatmoment I am part of nature, part of the bigger picture, part of a deeper World I think that the poet Pope frequently went into those places. He was a gardener. On the grand scale, famously designing a Roman garden near The Thames Surely he would too with all that, recognise as I did today the hope coming from the emergence of Rhubarb leaves, of leaves on the Autumn Raspberries and the wonderful offshoots on the Globe Artichokes ... here to edit.
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AuthorI launched this website on 16th August 2020 to bring together my thoughts on gardening,, its importance for health and wellbeing and two projects running concurrently, a renovation of my own garden on the West Sussex coast at Lancing and a nearby allotment. But also to learn from other gardeners about the inspirations for their plots, about their gardening projects and enjoyment of beautiful plants and gardens Archives
February 2024
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