February Monthly Update
POTATO DAY
What a great day - It was spudtacular!
The queue was building by 9.30 am, with seasoned potato growers and first timers chatting and sharing ideas while waiting for the 10.am start. We had 35 varieties on sale along with red and white onion sets and shallots and ooh the scrumptious cakes donated by members for the cafe.
A big thank you to all our stallholders selling honey, Artisan seasonal foraged foods, mushrooms, gardening book donations, Thomas Etty Seeds and Canopy 2050 who were distributing tree seeds as part of the greener Nottingham Initiative. Pulp Friction joined us and Sherwood Open Gardens also had a stand and talked to people about the forthcoming event planned for June 2024
Additionally we had well-attended talks on growing potatoes in containers and on hints and tips for successful growing.
Demand was high and the queue hardly slowed for the first two hours to the extent that our supplies began running low by 1.00pm and had effectively run out by 2.00pm – a full hour before planned closing! Late comers were disappointed inevitably but at least did have a chance to catch up with friends over coffee or tea and cakes.
This was unprecedented - we usually have tubers left over to distribute to community groups. We will be looking at numbers and orders and making some careful changes for next year. It really was the busiest potato day ever.
We received a lot of media attention for the event, we had a great radio interview with BBC Radio Nottingham live from the event and Left Lion came and took photographs.
What's New at the Allotment?
Saturday 17th February
Nottingham Seed SWAP
Join us for a fun-filled day of swapping seeds at our demo garden on Whitemoor Allotments!
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for all plant enthusiasts.
Don't worry if you don't have any seeds to swap, us gardeners as a generous bunch, we have plenty to go round!
Why participate in a seed swap?
Expand Your Garden Variety: Access a wide range of seeds, from heirloom vegetables to unique flowers, allowing you to cultivate a garden that reflects your preferences and interests.
Community Building: Connect with fellow gardeners, share knowledge, and foster a sense of community around a shared passion for gardening and sustainable practices.
Preserve Biodiversity: Contribute to the preservation of plant varieties and promote biodiversity in your local area.
Our seed swap sessions, led by experienced gardeners, will include:
11 am: Start Swapping Seeds: Bring your seeds to exchange with others. It's an opportunity to discover new and exciting varieties for your garden.
12 pm: Talk about Seed Saving: Gain insights into the art of seed saving from our expert, Bethan. Learn how to properly save and store seeds for future plantings.
1 pm: Light Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch and continue your discussions with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Feel free to attend one or more sessions to maximize your seed swapping experience. As this event is expected to be popular, please ensure you book your spot using the provided link. Admission is free for NOGs members (membership link https://nottinghamorganicgardeners.com/shop/membership-1-year-2022-wszr6-zze7f), and a £5 donation is recommended for non-members (pay on the day please). This donation goes towards event materials and our allotment upkeep.
(please message us for any dietary requirements).
Event Location:
Whitemoor Allotments, Wilkinson Street, Nottingham, NG8 5FJ.
Next Meeting
Wednesday March 13th
7.30 - 9.30 pm
St John's Church, Carrington.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust
Join us for a wonderful talk about creating habitats and saving species- find out what ARC Trust does and what you can do in your own garden
“Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) is a UK-based wildlife charity dedicated to the conservation of two important groups of animals. We do this through our staff and our volunteers, by working with partners and by influencing others through advocacy, education and increasing awareness.
Reptiles and amphibians are an important part of our natural history and are deeply rooted in our culture, yet they are under threat both nationally and globally. Frogs, toads, newts, lizards and snakes all continue to decline. The habitats they use are degrading or disappearing altogether, putting these species at risk. In the coming years, many of these threats are set to increase. However, we are also seeing a rise in environmental awareness across society and a greater focus on the many benefits of nature to communities”
See more on their website www.arc-trust.org
FREE for members / £2 non-members on the door
Memberships for 2024 will be available to purchase on the door for this event by card or cash.