We’re nearly at the end of June…how did that come round so quickly?
The harvesting has begun and plot holders are beginning to go home laden with produce.
Well, lots of lettuce at least!
The atmosphere on the whole site is lovely, busy and friendly which is fantastic.
Plant Sale ~ the two plant sales went well and we raised over £400 towards finishing the communal shed. Many thanks to everyone who came and donated plants and those who bought them too. We hope that they are all growing well in their new homes.
Membership Update ~ we are currently full. There are 8 full plots, 5 three quarter plots, 39 half plots and 23 quarter plots; meaning that there are 75 tenants all together.
All the vacant plots have been let and we have lots of new tenants to welcome to the site. They have really been getting cracking and turning some of the more neglected plots round, which is so nice to see. There is a small waiting list and if anyone wants to put their name down then please direct them to the link on the main page which allows them to enter their details and they will be added the list. Plots are allocated in strict order of application date to make it fair and transparent.
Sadly, there are a small number of plots that are not being cared for up to the standard requested in the Tenancy Agreement. These plot holders have all been contacted with an initial request to let the committee know whether there are any extenuating circumstances, such as illness. If the plot holders concerned do not respond within a set time then there is a timetabled procedure, as set out in the Constitution, to progress matters further and remove them as tenants. The committee hope that it doesn’t need to go as far as that and that the plot holders concerned will consider giving up or reducing the size of their plots voluntarily.
Summer BBQ ~ we are having a BBQ on Saturday the 18th of July.
It is a lovely opportunity to meet your fellow gardeners socially instead of whilst brandishing a trowel and fork!
Tickets are a very reasonable £7.50 for adults and £5 for children. The top quality burgers and sausages are coming from The Harrogate Butcher on Kings Road and adults will get both and children, one or the other. We will provide breadbuns and some salads but donations on the day of extra salads and desserts would be most welcome.
If you would like tickets please let me know by email at treasurer@northoutfallharrogate.co.uk so that I can order in plenty of time. Last date for tickets is the 10th of July.
Communal Shed Progress
We are currently finalising the plans of what is need to complete the shed and make it weathertight and usable before next winter. We potentially will be having a work party day to get some of the work done. If you are handy with a hammer then we’d appreciate your help. Watch this space!
Site Judging and The HDAF Allotment Show
The judges will be coming round to visit the site on the morning of Friday 26th of June. They will be judging the site as a whole and selecting the best plot on the site from a list of nominations put forward by the committee. Please do your best to have your plot looking spick and span and perhaps we might regain the trophy for the best site in Harrogate. Fingers crossed!
The Allotment Show is in the Sun Pavilion in the Valley Gardens on Sunday the 16th of August. David and Michelle have already emailed out the Schedule of classes and it is also available on the HDAF website. Please do have a look and consider entering. There are lots of Novice classes if you haven’t entered before. There are also classes for children. It’s all good fun!
Gardens to visit
A few recommendations of lovely gardens to visit if you fancy a day out…
Wynyard Hall Rose Garden, just off the A19 near Hartlepool. Breathtaking rose collection in an old walled garden. Nice cafe!
Thornton Hall Garden near Darlington is open on Wednesdays. It is a stunning Plantswomans garden. Always very busy on Open days
Stillington Lodge near York has a lovely little nursery full of unusual plants and a nice cafe.
Parceval Hall, Skyreholme, near Appletreewick. Very peaceful and beautiful.
Happy gardening!