The “thing” is coming to an end and I’ve talked to a Hairy Biker about the power of community gardening. I will not apologise for any puns!

Welcome to part 8 of Man vs Allotment. Or should I say part ate? (“ate” – it’s a pun on eight, see?) For I have eaten some crops this week. And who knew that plot-fresh peas tasted so good? Lots of people probably, but for me it was a revelation.

Other things harvested this week include: courgettes, beetroot, chard, runner beans and lots of raspberries. Lush!

I’ve also sown some more seeds – all stuff that should grow over the Autumn and beyond, so cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, endive, pak choi, chard, rocket etc. and I’ll be planting some winter potatoes and onions over the next few days.

In other news (I can talk about this one, as opposed to the other “thing”), I’ve been asked to be part of a BBC television programme fronted by Dave Myers of Hairy Biker fame. The show is about the power of volunteering and the effects it can have on the community, as well as on individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. And this episode is all about Incredible Edible Bristol (IEB) and the joy of community gardens. It’s certainly affected me, and in a very, very positive way.

The show will predominantly focus on Sara Venn and her merry band at IEB, and it was great that Sara thought of me when asked for contributors to make the story a bit more “personal”. They filmed in my flat and Dave went pretty deep with his questioning – especially about mental health and the impact it’s had on my life. And tomorrow we’ll be filming a work party at Millenium Square, Bristol. It’s mostly cheery stuff, so don’t be put off. Again, if there’s even a hint that Coldplay/Snow Patrol will be played – I am suing!

What a great bloke though. We talked a bit about Si, and a bit about Meatloaf (the singer not the food). I was also given a tasty sounding beetroot recipe – which I then forgot to write down.

There’s still the “thing” of course and Project Shed is going according to plan (see previous posts to see what the “thing” is, or isn’t).

Bristol Wood Recycling Project gave me a very good deal on the timber I needed, and following a bit of email eye-fluttering, B&Q have promised me a door and materials for the roof and veranda. Lovely stuff from lovely people.

Now the shed no longer lists, is 70% waterproof and painted a rather fetching Boathouse blue (with paint donated by IEB – Sara calls it Titchmarsh blue, due to the presenters keenness for coating everything he sees in it).

Okay, nothing is straight and it’s all a bit bodged, but I think that adds to the charm. All that’s left to do now is put in the new door, build the veranda, finish the roof and install the bar.

I say that’s all that’s left to do but that’s just the shed we’re talking about. There is, of course, a shed-load of other stuff to do (pun intended).

There’s plenty of weeding, digging, sowing and planting to do. You know, the usual stuff. But there’s also paths to be laid and woodchipped, a bench to be built, and the pond and bug hotel to be finished. Club Trop-bee-Cana is in a right sorry state.

And there’s lots of tidying. My plums are dropping and starting to rot/stink (and ferment – there’s gonna be a lot of drunk animals running around the plot soon – they’ll be as pissed as newts – as will the newts if any gets into the pond) and the area behind the shed looks like a timber yard after an earthquake.

And, of course, the bunting needs to go up and the pubshed needs to be stocked ready for the “thing” party at the end of the month. Play your cards right and you might get an invite.

That’s about it for now. I’ll leave you with a picture of a frog.

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