Who would have thought there were so many weeds on our Allotments?!!
Some of us were lucky enough to accompany Roy Vickery, Associate Scientific Officer to the Natural History Museum, on a walk along a path on plot 2. Roy worked as a botanist at the Natural History Museum for over 40 years and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of plant folklore. His eagle eyes swooped down and plucked specimens from the path and borders and he held his audience with tales of yesteryear. Knowledge he has collected by word of mouth, spanning back to the beginning of the last century. Some tales of country superstition, others of medical uses of common plants, but all fascinating and delivered with an obvious love of subject and dry sense of humour. We felt privileged to have learnt so much from an hour in the company of a very knowledgeable and interesting man. Thank you, Roy.
In spite of the double challenge of Covid and the coldest April this century, the RGS will hold a Summer Show by the store on Site 2 on Sunday 13th June. Many allotmenteers may not have entered the show previously, so the ‘preparing exhibits’ section below may help. Find the forms you need on this page. Even if you don’t enter we hope to see you there from 3pm. The auction of produce will start at 4pm.
There will be a Plants and Produce stall and Tea and Cakes to enjoy. If you have some spare plants/seedlings or produce, or could make a few cakes (in paper cases, like muffins, please) please bring them to the store between 10am and 1pm on the day. Please do wear a mask, and bring cash for the tea and cakes stall.
Entries and Staging 11.30-13.30 – Judging 14.00- 15:00 – Open to All 15:00
Summer Show Classes and Entry Form
FInd a printable copy of the classes and entry form here
How to Enter
Entries for the Summer Show 2021 are to be made
At the store on site 2 between 11.30 and 13.00 on the morning of the Show (13th June)
Staging
All exhibits are to be staged between 11.30 and 13.30 on the day of the Show.
Wherever possible give the name of the variety with each exhibit
All exhibits should be removed at 16.15 on the day of the Show (not earlier) or it will be assumed they are for donating to the auction.
A sticker will be available to put on entry card to say the item is not for the auction.
Be careful!
Please study the rules governing entry to the Society’s shows.
Failure to follow the rules and regulations will result in disqualification.
Thanks to a generous bequest from Sonia Sawyer, a new tea cabin and social space, “The Potting Shed”, is now open for all on site 3. A very welcoming place to take a much needed break. Many thanks to all the volunteers that worked so hard to create this lovely spot.
Adam of Surrey Sharpeners will be working next to the Store on Site 2. Please bring your tools, kitchen knives and scissors to be sharpened from 9.30 am. You may have to come back to collect them later. There may be time for some mowers, but this can’t be guaranteed. Full Price List here
Join the panel of gardening experts as they discuss the benefits of growing, cooking and eating food as a community as well as giving their top tips on creating and maintaining a productive patch.
Our plant sale will have two sessions to avoid queuing. Similar plants will be on sale at 2 pm and again at 2.30 pm outside the store on site 2. Bring your own bags. Masks must be worn. Please pay by contactless card or cash into a bucket – but we are not able to give change. All proceeds go to the Wandsworth Food Bank.
We much appreciate your plant donations. Please leave them, clearly labelled, on the tables outside the store on Saturday morning between 11am and 12 noon.
Starts again for 2021 on Saturday 24th April at Carshalton Community Allotment
The course and runs over 6 consecutive Saturdays. From beginners to the more knowledgeable gardener, you’ll have the chance to learn eco-friendly gardening methods, including crop rotation, no-dig methods and organic planting techniques. Teaching is a mixture of theory and practice, allowing students to try out the skills they learn, understanding how to plan, so they can make the most of their veg patch at home or their allotment. Our course is Covid-safe, with theory taught live via Zoom and students learning the practical elements outdoors, with social distancing observed on the Community Allotment.
The course is organised by EcoLocal, a Carshalton based charity. For further information and to book visit: www.ecolocal.org.uk/highlight/organic-food-growing-course/ or facebook.com/ecolocal Enquiries email: food@ecolocal.org.ukor telephone 020 8404 1522 Cost £80 per person
While the store is closed – why not click and collect?
Order composts, fertilisers and a full range of Kings seeds using our web order form. The link to use is sent out by email each Monday.
You will be sent a time to come to the store to pay by contactless card and collect your order. Pickup is always on a Sunday morning. Please do bring a bag with you.
If you are on site 2 please use and wipe down a trolley, if necessary, for heavy items.
If you are on site 3, your composts will be delivered to your plot on Sunday morning.
