Roehampton Garden Society


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Corn on the Cob: a different way to cook it

This method of cooking preserves all the flavour and nutrients as it steams in its own natural covering leaves. Each cob is cooked on its own.

Method:

  1. Remove the very tough outer leaves from the cob leaving the cob totally covered with fresh looking leaves.
  1. Trim the beard and stem.
  1. Place in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes.
  1. Leave to stand for about 6 minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Remove the leaves and beard from the cob being careful not to be scalded by the steam.
  1. Enjoy! And there are NO PANS to WASH UP.

This method was recommended to me from Ana Cors, plot 127B. Thank you Ana – its brilliant.

with thanks to Helen Finch


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Harvesting and Cooking

It’s that time of year when some things we grow almost get out of hand. It’s not that a good crop isn’t welcome, but just keeping up with things can be a strain.

Here’s some help to use some of the fast growers on our allotments….

French beans: Many allotments have lovely crisp new green beans just now and they feature in so many good summer recipes from the classic Salad Niçoise, to Lokanta, an unusual Turkish vegetable stew, from Nigel Slater. Long may the season last… Recipe here:

Courgettes: Pick before they become marrow size! An easy light gratin from the Hairy Bikers – Recipe here or share with the neighbours…

All you need to know about Rhubarb… Most sources say don’t pick after July – but my rhubarb keeps going happily through August. Split and move after September. Freezing – store up to 8 months. Find out more here


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Plot Inspections – what you need to know

Twice a year all the allotment plots are inspected by the Site Secretaries.

The purpose of these inspections is to ensure plots are being cultivated to a reasonable standard. At this time of year the team would expect your plot to:

• have plenty of crops which are being harvested
• at least 60% of the plot under cultivation
• have weeds under control, especially bindweed
• have no excessive amount of rubbish
• have the grass cut on the paths between plots (please do not use weed killer on paths)

If there is a problem with your plot, you will be contacted after the inspection. With many people on our waiting list we must ensure that allotment plots are not being wasted, but we understand that there may be temporary circumstances which are preventing your being able to cultivate your plot.

if you are having difficulty please contact your site secretary or email rgs.sw15@gmail.com


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Time for the RGS Summer Show 2023

Once again our Summer Show will be held on Site 2. Please have a look at the schedule and make an effort to enter the show, everyone will have something to enter, be it flowers, fruits, vegetables or even cup-cakes.

DONATIONS OF PLANTS OR PRODUCE FOR OUR POPULAR STALL WOULD BE VERY WELCOME.

Schedule & entry form summer show 2023[3831]Download

From Carol Martinez, Show Chair:

🍎 Fingers crossed for good weather. This is an opportunity for everyone gather together, see the entries and have a great time catching up with our allotment neighbours. There will be savoury snacks and Buck’s Fizz available, as well as other refreshments.


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A workshop on Herbs and Edible Flowers – Saturday 20th May

Spice up your salads! This workshop will cover everything you need to know about growing your own tasty herbs and edible flowers to add flavour and vibrancy to meals. Filling our outdoor spaces with herbs and edible flowers adds welcome scent and colour for us and benefits our urban wildlife too.

Led by an RHS qualified horticultural tutor, the workshop provides lots of learning about how to grow herbs and edible flowers, plenty of information to take away and an opportunity to practice sowing seeds and taking cuttings.

Taking place in a lovely walled kitchen garden, this practical one-day workshop includes lots of planting ideas and some simple propagation techniques for you to try, so that you can take away a pot of your own herb cuttings. The cost is £38.

This course is at: Ecolocal, The Lodge, Honeywood walk, Carshalton SM5 3NX. Within the grounds of Carshalton Ecology Centre, by the ponds.

Find out more and book online HERE


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Volunteers needed for Medfield Street

Have you noticed how the memorial fountain in Roehampton village has been looking lovely of late? The original drinking troughs and basins have been put to new use.
A group of local people and businesses have made trough gardens out of the old water basins. Ongoing maintenance is done by volunteers Vicky Pigott and Val Jones (details below), with water provided by Hungerford Motors, the garage opposite – but they need more help to keep the plants thriving and would love Roehampton Garden Society members – close neighbours – to be involved.
About an hour a month is enough. Interested to join this go-ahead group?
Please contact: Vicky Pigott, chair SW15 Women’s Network at vicky.marie.pigott@gmail.com or Val Jones, Putney (and Roehampton) Society – jones.val@gmail.com if you can help.

They promise becoming a Fountain Friend will be a pleasure, not a chore! Read more about their project here.

Fountain Volunteers