Green-fingered Green Gymers

Hello folks,

I hope this fine Spring day finds you well! It found the Green Gymers down at the BTCV Aberdeen allotment on Smithfield Lane, which we were delighted to find had survived the winter admirably.

Throwing off the tarpaulin, we found the soil had greatly benefitted from the fertiliser laid down in autumn and was in fine shape for some early planting. Having thoroughly researched and discussed the merits of companion planting and crop rotation (we played with a virtual garden online for several hours – really cool, by the way), we began planting our crops, hopeful of a bountiful harvest in the coming months.

I must admit to not being the most proficient in this department, having had an accident the night before; as some of my colleagues are aware, I am currently attempting to learn how to ski (you know, feel the fear and do it anyway). However, last night, in what can only be described as a YouTube moment, I hit the barrier at a velocity approaching Mac III, as a small child whizzed past me, casting a pitying glance in my direction; I will be a one-handed gardener for some time to come, so many thanks to Marje for helping me with the planting.

We planted several crops, including cabbage, brussel sprouts, onions and some wild flowers, with many more exotic crops to plant over the coming weeks. Unfortunately I was overruled (by Peter) from planting seeds spelling out rude words, but will be thankful just to see any of the plants come to fruition. Having tended our seeds with water and some TLC, we dusted off Yvonne (pictured above with Euan) to prevent our efforts from becoming dinner for the local birds.

A local resident (left) came to oversee the proceedings (or perhaps observe the birds that were circling overhead) and gave us the paws up! We did some general tidying up as well and will return soon to see the multitude of shoots pushing their way through the soil. Then, of course, we had tea and biscuits.

I would like to wish Marje and Isabel, two of our most dedicated Green Gymers, a very lovely birthday for next week – we really appreciate your efforts.

Finally I would like to wish you all a very happy St Patrick’s Day for tomorrow when Irish folk get together to celebrate all things Irish (Magners, Baileys, Guinness…).

N.B. Please note the views above are not representative of BTCV or Irish folk in general, just one lone, mad as a box of frogs individual who happens to be Irish and a BTCV VO ;-).

Have a great week everyone.