Scarcroft & District Allotment Association

Conference - Future Growing, Composts for Gardeners

2012-01-19T19:55:00.000Z

Here are some details of a conference in February that may be of interest to allotment gardeners and others

FutureGrowing Composts for Gardeners

KeynoteSpeaker: Christine Walkden

Plantswoman,Horticulturist, Writer and Broadcaster

ChairmanMr David Allison - National Vegetable Society

Gardenersare having mixed success with seedling and growing composts.

GardeningGurus disagree on which is the best compost to use, being quitevociferous in their criticisms of each other in the press.

Theissues have arisen mainly because of reduction in the use of peat andits replacement with other materials such as wood, coir and municipalgreen composts.

Thesecomposts have very different watering and nutrient managementrequirements but there is very little information given to gardeners.

Theselection of a product in a garden centre is confusing and as oftenthe compost areas are dominated by special offer posters rather thanadvice. There are no accreditation labels for guidance.

Manygardening publications are continuously reporting erratic andconfusing test results, quite often for the same product. Productnames change more often than some men change their socks!!

Weare having a conference at STC, where you can discuss these issueswith our scientists, who have been doing trials over many years. They will show you their latest trials and discuss best managementpractice with you.

Wealso have some manufacturers to tell you how they are developing newproducts and details of how you may be able to identify accreditedproducts in the future.

ChristineWalkden will be on the trials tour to comment and answer yourindividual questions.

DateFebruary 16^th

9.15am-4.30 pm

StockbridgeTechnology Centre

Cawood

YO83TZ

FREEadmission, lunch and refreshments.

Bookyour place with Ann Black 01757268275 or Ann Black(annblack@stc-nyorks.co.uk)

Furtherdetails on www.stockbridgeonline.co.uk

2012 Seed Orders

2011-12-21T21:40:00.000Z

Dear All

Yes, that time of year is nearly upon us and it's time to start curling up with the seed catalogue for next year.

As in previous years, we can offer members a 35% discount on many seeds from the Mr Fothergills seed catalogue.

Catalogues are available to borrow from the allotment shop (open Sunday 10am - 12noon on Dec 18th, then from 8th Jan 2012) or can be found online at:

http://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/

The list of seeds which attract the 35% discount and the allotment association seed order form are available on request from the association (scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk) or at the Allotment Shop on Scarcroft.

Please use the association form to place your seed order; either drop it off at the shop or email a copy of it back to scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk.

Don't send any money in yet; we'll let you know the total when the seeds have arrived.

Any questions just drop us a line to the above address, otherwise happy browsing, planning and ordering!

Late night Christmas shopping at Brunswick

2011-11-26T20:48:00.001Z

Brunswick Christmas Fair

2011-11-25T22:13:00.001Z

Autumn Social in full swing...

2011-11-18T21:13:00.001Z

Scarcroft and District Allotments Association 2012 Calendar

2011-11-15T19:29:00.001Z

The Scarcroft & District Allotments Association 2012 Calendar is now on sale!

The calendars are only £5 each.

Stock up now to ensure you have enough to give away as Christmas presents!

They are now available from the Allotment Shop, Pextons Hardware and Frankie & Johnny's Cookshop (newly opened on Bishopthorpe Road).

The calendars will also be available at the Allotment Association Social Gathering the Golden Ball on Friday 18th July: http://bit.ly/rv74IP

Community Arts & Crafts

2011-11-15T19:05:00.001Z

Featuring:

Heather Dawe - Christmas Decorations from Natural Materials ... Rosedale Sue - Country Crafts ... Karen Free - Contemporary Ceramics ... Ian Cameron - Artist ... Herald Armer - Handmade Glass ... Joanna Oak - Handmade bags & Gifts ... Jo ‘The Olive Heron’ ... Susie Thomson - ‘Inside Out’ using recycled materials ... Jane McWeeny - Fancy Hats ... Renni Prelle - Reflexology & Indian Head Massage ... Di’s Material World ... Marianne von Tucka - Ceramics ... David Cook - Sculptor ... Holly Hennell - Hand-Made Cards ... Kate Harper Jewellery ... Eleanor Jones - In Pieces ... Sadim Habib - Little Giant ... Carrie - Happypig Design ... Gaynor’s Glorious Tea Parties

Potato Availability & Prices 2012‏

2011-11-08T21:13:00.000Z

Seed Potato Orders Deadline - 30th November 2011

Below is the full list of seed potatoes which will be available for the coming season.

Unfortunately, once again last year, we had some wastage on seed potatoes. This year we shall only have a small level of surplus stock over and above that pre-ordered by members and the range of stock varieties has been reduced.

To ensure your requirements are met you are strongly urged to place your seed potato order, either by e-mail to scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk or directly at the allotment shop, before 30th November.
Once again it is the intention to purchase the varieties marked in red in bulk which will enable us to retail these at what we believe is still a very competitive price of £1-20 per kg ( Pink Fir Apple £1-40 per kg ).

All other varieties are available to order in 2.5 kg nets priced around £3-75, however, if there is sufficient demand for a particular variety then these could also be purchased in bulk with a subsequent price reduction.

We regret that we are unable to split 2.5kg bags but you may be able to arrange to share a bag with a fellow plot holder.

First Earlies:

Arran Pilot
Home Guard
Pentland Javelin
Ulster Prince
Ulster Sceptre
Sharpes Express
Duke of York
Maris Bard
Foremost
Vanessa
Epicure
Dunluce
Rocket
Premier
Winston
Red Duke of York
Swift
International Kidney
Lady Christl
Casablanca
Witchill

Second Earlies:

Maris Peer
Catriona
Wilja
Estima
Nadine
Stroma
Marfona
Balmoral
Kestrel
Charlotte
Saxon
Nicola
Carlingford
Bonnie
Pixie
British Queen
Anya
Edgecote Purple
Gladstone
Heather
Ospray
Ulster Sovereign
Vivaldi

Main Crop:

Pentland Crown
Pentland Dell
Pentland Squire
Majestic
Maris Piper
Desiree
King Edward
Romano
Cara
Golden Wonder
Stemster
Kerrs Pink
Pink Fir Apple
Record
Sante
Valor
Maxine
Blue Belle
Picasso
Harmony
Markies
Edzell Blue
Setanta
Argos
Orla
Harlequin
Rooster
Sarpo Mira

Scarcroft & District Allotment Association Autumn Social

2011-10-26T21:24:00.000+01:00

Scarcroft & District Allotment Association Autumn Social

At the Golden Ball, 2 Cromwell Road, York

http://www.goldenball-york.co.uk/

Come along to catch up and to discuss what we hope has been another eventful and productive year of gardening for everyone, plot-holders and home gardeners alike

There will be a buffet and a fine selection of drinks available from the bar - as well as good company, of course!

Allotment Shop Opening Hours

2011-10-20T19:18:00.001+01:00

A reminder regarding seasonal changes to the opening hours of the Allotment Shop on Scarcroft Allotments.

At present the Shop opening hours are as follows:

Saturdays 13.30 - 15.30

Sundays 10.00 - 12.00

Throughout the winter months - November, December and January - the Allotment Shop will be open on SUNDAYS ONLY, but we will be returning to Saturday and Sunday opening from February 2012.

Please make a note of these changes and times, so you are not caught short when shopping for your winter supplies!

Full details about the shop can be found on its Blog Page:

http://scarcroftanddistrictallotments.blogspot.com/p/allotment-shop.html

Apple Day Celebration - A message from Laura Potts

2011-10-12T22:29:00.000+01:00

Dear friends,

Let's celebrate Apple Day on Saturday October 15th at our very own orchard - in the middle of the Green on Scarcroft Allotments.

Although there won't be much by way of a harvest from this year, there will be a varied selection of apples and pears for us to sample and enjoy.

Do bring along any you have too, with names if you know them.

Contributions of fruit-based delights to share for an afternoon tea would be very welcome too. Bring a flask if you want a hot drink - or juices. Plastic cups will be provided.

There will be bit of work to do to build up your appetite: We need to weed around the bases of the trees, and then to plant up the area with some traditional orchard meadow flowers - now I have finally succeeded in preventing the council mowing it to within a millimetre of its life!

Do bring any donations of plants you may have, trowels and watering cans.

The schedule for the afternoon is as follows:

3-4pm - planting watering weeding

4-5pm - tasting and feasting

hope to see you there

Helping Yorkshire's Hedgehogs

2011-09-27T21:23:00.000+01:00

Britain’s hedgehogs are in serious decline and the hedgehog has been placed on the Red List of threatened species in need of conservation

A course, consisting of an illustrated talk and workshop, will be held by Toni Bunnell from 13.30 to 16:00 on Sunday 6th November

The workshop will be held at the Black Swan Inn, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR [01904 679 131]

http://www.blackswanyork.com/

To secure a place on the course, please send a cheque for £10 (made out to ‘T. Bunnell’) to 5 Beech Avenue, Holgate, York, YO24 4JJ

Course content:

Reasons for the decline of hedgehogs in Britain
First aid treatment for new arrivals
Further treatment of sick or injured hedgehogs
Caring for baby hedgehogs
Attracting hedgehogs to your garden
Monitoring hedgehogs in the wild

Proceeds to go to York Hedgehog Rescue Centre
with 10% to go to Hull Hedgehog Rescue Centre (Lorraine Jackson)

For information contact: Toni Bunnell (01904 791124) T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk

or see: http://www.hedgehoghelp.co.uk/index.php?topic=5060.0

Spare Plants Wanted for South Bank

2011-09-22T22:00:00.000+01:00

Planet South Bank & Edible York have a plot at St Clements and are currently very keen to source Some strawberry plants, as they plan to underplant some of their old rose bushes with them.

They are also on the look out for perennial herbs (rosemary, lavender etc), for their plot.

If any allotment holders or home growers have any suitable plants going ‘spare’ following a seasonal plot tidy, donations can be left at the Planet South Bank & Edible York plot at St Clements.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated I am sure.

Planet South Bank promote Climate change awareness and local action in South Bank, York.

Edible York are a small group of dedicated individuals who are committed to nurturing existing food growing spaces in the City and bringing new food growing spaces to life.

For more information about the work of these great local organisations, or for details as to how you can join, see the below links:

http://planetsouthbank.org.uk/

http://www.edibleyork.org.uk/

Chutney Making event at Scarcroft Learning Centre

2011-09-22T21:23:00.003+01:00

The Planet South Bank & Edible York plot at St Clements grew a bucket-full of green tomatoes, so they are going to make chutney from them.

All are welcome to come along for chutney tips to help with any Green Tomato Glut you might be facing from your own harvests.

The Chutney Making Event is this Saturday 24th September, at the Scarcroft Learning Centre, starting at 10am.

The Scarcroft Learning Centre is located at Scarcroft School at the corner of the school playground and can be accessed from Nunthorpe Road.

This is a FREE event and all are welcome. Planet South Bank & Edible York would love to have any volunteers to help – and to take away some chutney at the end!

The Urban Horticulture Programme

2011-09-18T12:21:00.003+01:00

The Urban Horticulture Programme at the Centre for Lifelong Learning

This year’s modules focus on the health, educational, social, economic, practical, environmental, and policy dimensions of local food. Combining guest speakers, visits, practical work and theoretical learning, the course will help you develop your understanding of the potential of urban horticulture in the twenty-first century.

You may be:

already involved in a community food project….

a keen gardener who would like to be….

a social worker or therapist wondering how to help your clients get out more…

a teacher trying to develop the school garden…

Or…

You may simply believe that food production is at the centre of society’s problems and their solutions, and want to find out more.

This FREE Saturday School introduces the year’s programme and we get straight down to some practical activities to explore society’s relationship with food. Come along and see which module(s) might be for you! (Existing UH students also very welcome)

SATURDAY SCHOOL: 1st October 2011, 10am-12noon

AUTUMN TERM Oct-Dec 2011: Society, food security and health

SPRING TERM Jan-Apr 2012: Scaling up to the community, national and global level

SUMMER TERM Apr-Jun 2012: Policy and the future

For more information or to enrol: www.york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning or call 01904 328473

Over-Wintering Onions & Garlic

2011-09-02T21:56:00.002+01:00

Over-Wintering Onions & Garlic

now on sale in the Allotment Shop

Onions

Senshyu £3.50 per kg
Electric £4.00 per kg

Garlic

£16.50 per kg

£1.65 per average bulb

(there are approximately 15 cloves per bulb)

Anti-social behaviour and worse - Making a difference.

2011-09-02T13:09:00.000+01:00

There have been several incidents of theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour recently on our sites. So maybe now is a good time to re-visit advice we posted here at the beginning of this year.

If you see someone threatening or attacking another person or damaging property, such as breaking glass on a greenhouse or breaking into a shed, call 999.
If the incident is less serious, including, say, a group of people on a plot who obviously shouldn't be there, call 0845 60 60 24 7.
Please always report any damage you find on your own plot to the police and encourage your neighbours to do the same.
In cases where damage has been done or tools or produce stolen, it can be helpful to let the Allotments Officer know about it, and please do report it at the Shop on the Scarcroft site, where you can pick up a card with the relevant contact numbers and e-mail addresses. The Association keeps a record of incidents reported to them and this is passed on to our local PCSO, but all incidents should first be reported to the police directly.

The police may not be able to do anything about non immediate crimes, unless there are witnesses, but telling them about what crime is happening on the plots with as much detail as possible about what, when and where, helps them build up a picture of the key times and areas and allows them to adjust their patrolling patterns accordingly. You can make a difference to the level of crime on our plots by doing the following:

don't leave any valuables in your sheds or hidden on your plots
mark any tools you do leave on your plot so that they are less easy to sell on
don't leave petrol on your plot as it can be used to set fire to sheds
don't leave weedkiller on your plots as it can be used to vandalise other plots
either leave your sheds and greenhouses unlocked or lock them with a very sturdy lock
get to know your neighbours and challenge people you don't recognise (if you feel safe to do so). Remember most paths on the sites are not public rights or way so people are trespassing if they are not going to visit a plot.
always take your phone with you when you go to your plot so you can call the police if you see vandalism in action or call a friend to come and join you if you feel threatened
make friends with your local dog walkers as they can be our eyes and ears early in the morning and later in the evening when fewer plot holders are around
display the 'there are no valuables in this shed' sign on your shed - these are available free from the allotment shop
visit your plot regularly so, if you are the victim of a crime you are able to give more accurate information as to when it happened

It's very upsetting when these things happen. We won't ever stop it completely. but we can help the police to reduce the number of incidents and follow them up.

Patrick Cairns

2011-08-27T23:12:00.000+01:00

It is with great sadness that we share the news that long term plot holder, allotment shop volunteer, allotment association committee member, Leeds United fan and friend, Patrick Cairns, died suddenly on August 16th 2011. He was only 47. We wish his mother, Pat, who gardened his plot with him, and the rest of his family, strength and comfort at this difficult time.

2009

For many years, Patrick was a familiar face on Sunday mornings in the Scarcroft and District allotment association shop, which he ran with Tom Walters. He will be sadly missed.

Patrick's Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 2nd at English Martyrs RC Church, Dalton Terrace at 11am, followed by a Burial in Fulford Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations in memory of Patrick will be gratefully received to support St Leonard’s Hospice. A plate will be available at the Church.

Harlow Carr

2011-08-24T16:57:00.001+01:00

Thanks to everyone involved in the visit to Harlow Carr, especially to Katy, who did so much of the organisation. It was a great day out with near perfect weather!

Expect to see adventurous features on our allotment plots soon...?

End of Summer Feast

2011-08-22T20:16:00.001+01:00

Potato Blight Information

2011-08-16T18:58:00.001+01:00

Recent rain and mild weather have produced ideal conditions for potato blight.

The link below takes you to some useful information on recognising the symptoms of blight, dealing with infected foliage and choosing blight resistant varieties for next year’s crops.

http://www.potato.org.uk/department/knowledge_transfer/fight_against_blight/index.html?menu_pos=knowledge_transfer

The following link leads to The Blightwatch service, a management tool which is available to farmers and other users free of charge.

http://www.blightwatch.co.uk/content/bw-Home.asp

Harlow Carr Visit - 2011

2011-08-14T23:31:00.003+01:00

Hello all,

We are organising a trip to Harlow Carr on Wednesday 24th August.

Attendance will be via "car share", so let us know if you will be a driver of if you will need a lift.

If you would like to attend please contact Katy Brierley: katy@hookhouse.fsnet.co.uk, by Wednesday 17th August, specifying if you require transport or can offer space in your car.

More details about Harlow Carr can be found via the following link: http://bit.ly/re0hxR

If you wish to attend, we will be setting off from the shop on Scarcroft Allotments at 09:30 on the 24th and will be meeting at Harlow Carr at 10:30.

You may wish to bring a picnic, otherwise refreshments can be purchased on site.

Best Plot Competition 2011

2011-08-14T17:41:00.000+01:00

The winners of this year's Best Plot Competition were presented with their certificates and prizes at The Guildhall on Wednesday 10th August.

The winner on the Hob Moor site was Valerie Warren,

and the Scarcroft site winners were Katy and John Brierley.

Congratulations to all the winners! And thanks to everyone who took part - the standard of entries this year was very high. Particular thanks to Judith Ward and Sue Harvey at City of York Council for organising and running the event, and to Site Secretaries who judged the plots.

End of Summer Feast 2012

2011-08-11T22:01:00.003+01:00

Come along to the Scarcroft and District Allotment Association End of Summer Feast

Scarcroft Allotments - Sunday 4th September

12:30 till 15:00

Everybody is welcome, and we hope you all enjoy sharing the benefits of a healthy 2012 harvest.

Bring your own food and drink, made from your own produce, to share on what we hope will be a fun day for all.

You may also want to bring some folding chairs (if you don't have far to carry them!), or even some instruments if you want to provide a home-made soundtrack to go with the home-made food on offer.

The feast will be at the Alotment Shop on Scarcroft Allotments, so there will be some shelter available if the weather is a little less that bright.

Attractions and Distractions will include:

Plot on a Plate, show off the variety of your own personal harvest

Vegetable Monsters, creative fun for kids (and grown ups)

Apple Bobbing

Jam and Chutney swap

And more...

Most of all, this will be a chance for Plot Holders and Home Growers to get together to discuss the ups and downs of another year of gardening, to swap tips as well as treats and to catch up with one another.

Please come along to join the fun and to share in what promises to be a lovely afternoon of food and drink and harvest festivities.

The Allotment Shop - Opening Hours

2011-08-11T21:01:00.003+01:00

There will be a few changes to the opening hours at the Allotment Shop on Scarcroft over the coming months.

At present the Shop opening hours are as follows:

Saturdays 13.30 - 15.30

Sundays 10.00 - 13.00

From 1st September 2011, the Sunday opening hours will be 10:00 - 12:00

Saturday opening will remain 13:30 - 15:30

Throughout the winter months - November, December and January - the Allotment Shop will be open on SUNDAYS ONLY, but we will be returning to Saturday and Sunday opening from February 2012.

Please make a note of these changes and times, so you are not caught short of your winter supplies!

Full details about the shop can be found on its Blog Page:

http://scarcroftanddistrictallotments.blogspot.com/p/allotment-shop.html

Hedgehog News

2011-06-28T21:59:00.000+01:00

Thank you to Sara for this lovely photo of a Hedgehog which she spotted out on the Scarcroft allotments.

As Sara pointed out, this photo shows why it's not always a good idea to have a fence that goes right down to the ground, as although you might deter the rabbits the hedgehogs can't get in or out to eat your slugs!

The Scarcroft and District Allotment Association 2012 Calendar

2011-06-23T21:53:00.001+01:00

Calendar Submissions - last chance

A reminder that you might all wish to take photos of your plots for next year's Scarcroft Calendar.

The deadline for submissions is this Sunday, 16th October

The suggested theme for the 2012 Calendar is Vegetables, Fruit & Flower from Seed & Blossom, through Growth to Harvest.

We hope that each page in the 2012 Calendar might be devoted to a particular vegetable, fruit or flower - showing all stages of growth from seed to harvest.

The calendar is open to submissions from plot holders and home gardeners. There is still time to get out in your plots and gardens to get photos of your own produce, or if you have any photos saved which you feel might be worthy of submission, please dig them out and send them in!

It's nearly time to begin the selection process for the calendar, so start collecting your photos together and send them to:

sk.austin@btopenworld.com

The closing date for submissions is Sunday 16th October.

Happy Snapping!

Allotment Plot Competition 2011

2011-06-21T21:32:00.000+01:00

Posted on behalf of Judith Ward, York Allotments Officer

Dear Allotment Gardeners

Thank you to those people who have sent in nominations for this year's Allotment Competition. If you've not done so yet, there's still time to nominate plots or to enter your own plot for judging. Entries and nominations will be accepted up to Friday June 24th.

You can send your nominations by e-mail to allotments@york.gov.uk

The competition celebrates the skill, hard work and imagination of York’s allotment gardeners. Is there a plot near yours that cheers up passers by with its flowers, or keeps several families in fruit and veg? Have you overcome brambles, docks and thistles on your plot to establish a garden you can be proud of?

Plots will be judged in June and July by a team of allotment site secretaries. The judges will score each plot on variety and health of the crops, the layout and maintenance of the plot and any special features. If you’d like a copy of the score sheet please contact Sue Harvey on (01904 553433).

This year the judges have also been invited to recommend plots that deserve special recognition; maybe a new tenant who has transformed a derelict plot in a single season, an older gardener who has kept up high standards over many years or an outstanding community garden. If you’d like to nominate a plot for special recognition, please give the reasons why this allotment garden is out of the ordinary.

Once again we are very grateful to the competition sponsors. Brunswick Organic Nursery, Deans Garden Centre and Vertigrow Plant Nursery have all donated vouchers and Nick Milner will be supplying a set of traditional bean poles for each of four area winners.

Prizes will be presented at a special event at the Guildhall, during National Allotments Week in August.

Working Party July 3rd

2011-06-12T09:39:00.001+01:00

Help to improve the Shop and the area around it and have a party at the same time (well, just after...)

On Sunday 3rd July from 2 p.m. we'll be working to lay on a water supply to the Shop and to improve the appearance and the amenity of the area around the shop and car park. the work will be followed by a share of food and drink at 4.30 to reward ourselves for the hard work. Come along and join in if you can - the more people, the better the party and the lighter the work!

.

Hedgehog Preservation

2011-06-06T19:30:00.000+01:00

Local gardener and Hedgehog Rescuer Toni Bunnell will be featured in a report about how to make a hedgehog-friendly garden on the new Alan Titchmarsh programme, Love Your Garden, on ITV later this month.

It will be screened on Friday June 17 at 8pm and will show her hedgehog rescue centre in York, as well as her wildlife garden and two of her hedgehogs being released at York Minster Gardens.

This is a fantastic local interest feature, and I hope you can all tune in.

If, like Toni, you have a soft spot for hedgehogs you can find out more about how you can help the preservation effort at: http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/

Toni's own website can be found at: http://www.tonibunnell.co.uk/hedgehog_menu.html

Butterfly Conservation, Yorkshire Branch, upcoming events.

2011-05-30T19:57:00.004+01:00

There will be a series of events in and around York over the coming weeks and months organised by Butterfly Conservation.

The events will involve guided walks through local areas of environmental interest, with a view to spotting all forms of wildlife and interesting plants, as well as butterflies of course.

The locations and dates of the upcoming events are as follows:

West Bank Park, York

Saturday, 4th June 2011 from 11:00

"Dalbyology" Forestry Commission Event - Dalby Forest Visitor Centre

Sunday, 5th June 2011 from 10:30 - 16:00

Clifton Backies, York

Sunday, 5th June 2011 from 11:00

Shipley Station Butterfly Meadow

Saturday, 18th June 2011 from 13:00

Spurn

Saturday 18th June 2011 from 10:30

Bastow Wood

Sunday, 26th June 2011 from 10:00

Upper Newtondale

Rapers Farm Picnic Area

Saturday, 9th July 2011 from 10:00

St Nicholas Fields, York

Saturday, 30th July 2011 from 10:00

Hob Moor, York

Saturday, 30th July 2011 from 14:00-16:00

The Whins and Bridle Butterfly Walk

Shelley Whins and Bridle and Thunderbridge Meadows

Saturday, 6th August 2011 from 10:30

(or Sunday 7th August 13:00 if weather is poor)

Gunnerside and Low Row

Rowleth Great Wood, Swaledale

Saturday, 13th August 2011 from 10:30

And of course...

Insect Festival 2011 - Yorkshire Museum Gardens, York

Sunday, 3rd July 2011 from 10:00 to 16:00

As well as BC Yorkshire There will be a wide range of exhibits and activities, including:

Live insect displays (bees, hoverflies, aquatic insects and more)

CSI: Crime Scene Insects

Minibeast hunts around the Museum Gardens with experienced entomologists

National and regional natural history societies

The National Insect Week award-winning photographic display

Entomology book and equipment sellers

A Chance to build your own insect home for your garden

Face painting, creepy-crawly cupcakes, insect art and much much more...

The public are encouraged to bring their insect specimens or photos to be identified with the help of our team of IDENTomologists.

Come along for a day of insect fun in the beautiful Yorkshire Museum Gardens. Entry is free for under 16's and only £1 for adults.

Full details of all of these events, as well as contact details for the organisers, can be found at: http://www.yorkshirebutterflies.org.uk/events.html

Please note - dogs are not allowed on field trips. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Most walks follow rough tracks and require strong footwear. Be prepared for all weathers. Sun protection is advised.

The above field trips are open to all, you don't have to be a member of Butterfly Conservation, but if you are interested in joining the required information can be found here: http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/text/20/join_butterfly_conservation.html

Tree Warden Training Day - Saturday 14th May

2011-05-13T18:38:00.000+01:00

A Tree Warden training day with Derek Austin takes place at York Cemetery on Saturday 14th May and with bright weather forecast it should be a splendid day.

Derek promises a packed agenda including sessions dealing with the latest on tree law, pest and diseases, arborcultural tools and instruments, tree ID plus plenty of tree TLC. Something for everybody!

Bring a packed lunch, outdoor gear for the day and small hand tools including handsaws, secateurs and loppers.

You may invite members of other environmental/conservation groups - its for free!

The day begins at 9.30 am and will end around 4.30 pm. See you there.

Government Review of Statutory Duties - Links & Tips

2011-04-23T20:22:00.000+01:00

Further to the previous post regarding the upcoming government review, which could threaten the provision of allotments, here are some more links and guidance with regards to the online forms and what we can all do to help.

The Government has announced a "Review of statutory duties", aimed at identifying and removing duties from local authorities which are a "burden". One of the duties they are considering removing is the duty to provide sufficient number of allotments for people in the area who want one. This means ALL allotments, including existing ones, not just new ones.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Look at the Government's web page on "Review of statutory duties placed on local government" at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/

Then fill in the "Statutory duties webform" which is in the top right-hand corner, or go to:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GP7BKKT

Time is short. We have only until 25 April.

The form is a bit confusing, so please find below some model answers which you can use, or you could of course write your own. But do fill in the form!

Statutory duties webform questions, with some suggested answers:

1. Please quote the reference number for the duty or duties you are commenting on.
DCLG_136

2. What does this duty help local authorities to achieve?
Provide sufficient number of allotments for those in their area that want one.

3. Does undertaking this duty present local authorities with a burden?
NO

4. In your opinion, could this duty be removed?
NO

5. What are the particular benefits of this duty being removed and who would benefit?
...

6. What do you consider are the adverse effects of removing this duty and who would this affect?
We could lose many allotments just at a time they have become hugely popular in
many sections of the community, and when were are increasingly concerned about
the need for more exercise and a healthy diet for individuals, and about food security
for the nation...

7. Are you aware of any guidance - statutory or non-statutory - associated regulations or powers that are associated with this duty? If so please list them here.
Non statutory guidance: "Allotments: A plot holders' guide" at
http://www.farmgarden.org.uk/ari/resources/allotments-a-plotholders-guide-new-edition-mainmenu-151

8. In your opinion are powers and/or guidance helpful or do they create a burden?
The guidance is helpful.

9. Would you like to add any general comments about this particular duty?
Local government allotment provision has functioned well and at very little expense for many years.
The benefits to the public are difficult to measure, but must be substantial, and reach beyond allotment
holders and their families to the community at large...

Your chance to have your say - local council allotment provision

2011-04-19T21:01:00.002+01:00

Our local council allotments officer has drawn our attention to the following, which should be of interest to all.

The duty of local councils to provide allotments is included in an ongoing government review of 'burdens' on local authorities.

Please follow the below link to see details of this "review of statutory duties placed on local government":

http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/

Allotments are only mentioned at line 137 of the first spreadsheet, so this item takes some finding.

The review is under consultation until next Monday, April 25th and responses are invited from the general public as well as from councillors and council staff.

If you'd like to register your views, follow the link on the right of the web page to the 'Statutory duties webform'. It's quite quick and simple to complete.

Bean Poles, Fence Posts & Bamboo Canes

2011-04-17T14:18:00.001+01:00

Various structural support solutions are now available at the Allotment Association's shop on Scarcroft http://bit.ly/eDlEZv.

Come on down to take a look.

Silver Birch Bean Poles: £9 for 15 poles

These 8' Silver Birch poles (pictured above and below right) are cut from sustainably managed woods in the Vale of York.
The uneven texture of the poles gives the plants a better grip than imported bamboo cane.
A bundle of fifteen poles will make a sturdy frame with seven uprights each side and one crosspiece.
Properly stored they will give you several years' service.

Fence posts: £2 each, 5' 6" x 2"

Sturdy fence posts are also available at the bargain price of only £2 each, pictured to the right resting amongst the bean poles, and modelled below by the glamourous hut assistant, George.

Bamboo Canes: Various lengths available

See attached photo, always available in the Association Shop.

Seed Potatoes: Now only 50 pence per Kilo!

2011-04-17T14:01:00.001+01:00

Seed Potatoes at just 50 pence per kilo, now available at the Allotment Association's shop on Scarcroft http://bit.ly/eDlEZv. Assorted varieties available, come down to the shop to take advantage of this special offer before they are all snapped up.

Meet our new PCSO

2011-04-14T16:15:00.002+01:00

Keith Hall PCSO 5457

Meet Keith Hall, one of our new police and community support officers. His colleague is John Iemboli, not pictured here. Scarcroft and Hospital Field allotment sites are part of their new patch, they are members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Do say hello when you see them around, they are often to be seen on foot or on their bikes.

Remember, if you have any problems on the allotments - vandalism, criminal damage, trespass or rough sleeping (if rough sleepers present a problem for you) please let the police and the allotment association know. If you witness a crime in progress ring 999, if you want to report a crime that is not happening at that moment please ring 0845 60 60 24 7. The police may not be able to do anything about these non immediate crimes, unless there are witnesses, but telling them about what crime is happening on the plots with as much detail as possible about what, when and where, helps them build up a picture of the key times and areas and allows them to adjust their patrolling patterns accordingly. And sometimes they will be able to act, as rumour has it that they were able to lift finger prints off one Scarcroft Allotment plot holder's smashed up greenhouse last year and were able to link the prints to an individual who was subsequently arrested.

Additionally, if you want to report crimes to the association, either do so by coming into the allotment shop or by emailing us on our usual email address scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk. If the committee knows how extensive crime is on the plots, they are able to put pressure on various groups to make reducing crime on the plots a priority.

You can make a difference to the level of crime on our plots by doing the following:

don't leave any valuables in your sheds or hidden on your plots
mark any tools you do leave on your plot so that they are less easy to sell on
don't leave petrol on your plot as it can be used to set fire to sheds
don't leave weedkiller on your plots as it can be used to vandalise other plots
either leave your sheds and greenhouses unlocked or lock them with a very sturdy lock
get to know your neighbours and challenge people you don't recognise (if you feel safe to do so). Remember most paths on the sites are not public rights or way so people are trespassing if they are not going to visit a plot.
always take your phone with you when you go to your plot so you can call the police if you see vandalism in action or call a friend to come an join you if you feel threatened
make friends with your local dog walkers as they can be our eyes and ears early in the morning and later in the evening when fewer plot holders are around
display the 'there are no valuables in this shed' sign on your shed - these are available free from the allotment shop
visit your plot regularly so, if you are the victim of a crime you are able to give more accurate information as to when it happened

Here's hoping for a crime free season.

York University - Approaches to Growing

2011-04-11T19:39:00.000+01:00

York University's Catherine Heinemeyer (BSc MSc) is running an urban horticulture course starting Monday 18 April. Their website describes the course content as follows.

Cities may appear to be unlikely and sometimes hostile environments for food growing, yet traditional societies have overcome equally adverse conditions (water scarcity, soil erosion, extremes of temperature). We will look for inspiration and strategies from a variety of sources: creative ‘closed-loop’ solutions from traditional agriculture; modern technological approaches; gardening philosophies and movements from conventional, to organic, to permaculture. Students will learn basic gardening principles to assess the constraints and potential of sites for growing, and use these as the basis of sustainable ‘closed-loop’ garden design. We apply these lessons also to cities in general – how the urban food cycle could become more productive by tapping the resources available. The module will make use of visits and guest speakers, and end with a project in which students investigate the potential of currently underused compostable resources in York.

Term: Summer
Day: Monday
Start Date: 18 April 2011
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 11
Full fee: £107.00

More information and Enrolment details can be found at: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/cce/accredited/socialsoc.htm#grow
Or you can contact the Courses Administrator, Helen Briggs, using the following details:
Centre for Lifelong Learning
University of York
Tel: 01904 328473
E-Mail: helen.briggs@york.ac.uk

National Trust Gardeners' Question Time Event‏

2011-04-03T02:00:00.001+01:00

The National Trust are holding an event at Treasurer's House which I am sure will be of interest to our members.

Gardeners' Question Time and Tea will be held at at Treasurer's House, Minster Yard, York (YO1 7JL), on 4th May from 12pm - 2pm.

It will feature an afternoon with a National Trust Gardener who will be able to answer your questions and give you hints and tips, whether you have a window box or an allotment plot.

Beginners are welcome too!

After question time enjoy a delicious gardener’s tea in the tearoom.

Cost: £12

Booking: Booking essential, call 01904 624247 or e-mail treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

NGS Gardens Open For Charity - 8th May

2011-04-03T01:25:00.002+01:00

As part of the National Gardens Scheme's Gardens Open for Charity programme of events, John Plant's garden in Skewsby will be open to the public on Sunday 8th May 2011.

Admission will be £3.50 (children free) and there will be plants for sale.

All monies raised are for the National Gardens Scheme charities.

If you cannot make it along on this occasion, it will also be open on Sunday 24th July 2011.

Spring Social 15th April 2011

2011-03-24T11:16:00.000Z

A chance to meet fellow gardeners over a drink in this traditional, local pub. New members of the Association warmly welcomed as well as all the more familiar faces!

Allotment Plotholders Exhibit Their Work at York Open Studios 2011

2011-03-22T22:50:00.001Z

York Open Studios is one of the highlights of York’s visual arts calendar. This year will be its 10th Anniversary! It will be held over two weekends, 1, 2 and 3 April and 8, 9 and 10 April 2011

Don’t miss this free opportunity to visit a grand total of 119 of York’s best professional artists and makers in their homes, studios or exhibition spaces. There will be an even wider variety of work on view and for sale - paintings, prints, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, furniture, wood-carving, photography, sculpture and more…

This year several local allotment holders past and present will be taking part including....

Andrew Burningham - Sculpture and Furniture

Residences for discerning birds constructed from hardwoods and metal.
Mirror frames in contrasting hardwoods with patinated metal inserts.

Susan Denis - Painting

Figurative oil paintings. Subjects include landscape, still life and memory.

Fiona Fitzgerald - Ceramics

Richly patterned and textured vessels and wall shields using rolled, torn and reassembled clay

Marianne Von Tucka - Ceramics

Contemporary ceramic vessels, wall pieces and sculptural objects with glazes applied in layers to create vibrant and contrasting surface.

To find out more information about the other artists and all the venues visit http://www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk/index.html

2011 AGM

2011-03-22T22:29:00.000Z

A full house at Southlands Methodist Church Hall

Around 45 members attended this year's AGM. There was praise all round from the chair, Graham Sanderson and an impressive and sound financial picture from the treasurer, Mike Oldfield (although Mike was unable to attend Graham presented his figures). 5 new committee members were elected, 7 people stood again and 4 people stepped down. There were no changes to the constitution.

The AGM business was followed by an informative and entertaining talk by Scarcroft bee keeper, Hugh MacPherson. Hugh's had had various trials and tribulations with his bees since starting a few years ago and the main aim of his talk seemed to be to discourage anyone else from keeping bees, but he presented this argument in such an engaging and interesting way that I am not sure he will have achieved his goal.

Hugh's Hives in the snow

Planet Southbank's Community Garden

2011-03-22T22:11:00.000Z

Planet South Bank are pleased to announce thier first community gardening venture. They're working with Edible York to transform land at St Clements Church, Scarcroft Road, from grass and (elderly) rose bushes, to fruit, veg, herbs and edible flowers. They need help to make this happen, starting with a work party on March 26th, 11am to 3pm, when we’ll be creating some beds ready to take the seeds, seedlings and plants that Edible York are providing for us. Come and join in – even if only for a little while. We’ll have spades and forks, but do bring your own gardening gloves if you have them. We’ll have a stall there, so you can find out more about Planet South Bank and pick up some information on reducing your carbon footprint (and saving money) at the same time.

All welcome - this community garden is for everyone who is interested in growing (and eating) beautiful edible plants, especially all the local people who are deprived of growing space. Local people are welcome to come and do a little weeding, pruning or planting - or pick some of the produce, when it’s ready – or get more involved by becoming part of the ’stewarding group’ who will plan what will be planted. For more information on this, please contact info@planetsouthbank.org.uk

http://planetsouthbank.org.uk/community-gardening/

http://www.edibleyork.org.uk/

Meet the 2011 Committee

2011-03-22T20:42:00.001Z

Here is the 2011 Scarcroft and District Allotment and Amateur Gardeners' Association Committee.
This year we welcome five new members - Luke Bevan, Katy Brierley, Gill Wignall, Adrian Clayton & Sarah Austin.

That makes 8 from Scarcroft, 4 from Hob Moor and 2 from Hospital Fields.

2011 Scarecrow Festival Entries Wanted

2011-03-22T20:05:00.005Z

2nd Annual Southbank Scarecrow Festival

Saturday 30th April - Monday 2nd May

Kings, Queens and WeddingsAfter the success of last year's scarecrow festival, Planet Southbank have decided to do it all again, with a new theme - Kings, Queens and Weddings. As they are a climate change action group, they would urge scarecrow to be made using recycled/eco-friendly resources. Prizes will be awarded for: Most Imaginative, Most Eco-friendly and Most Regal scarecrows.

To make this a success they need your scarecrows! If you would like to take part please visit their website http://planetsouthbank.org.uk/scarecrow-form/ and print out and submit the application form. They will put together a trail leaflet that will go on sale in local shops. Closing date for entries is Friday 8th April.

Orchid Demonstration

2011-03-14T16:49:00.001Z

Members are invited to an Orchid Demonstration at Dean's Garden Centre, York with award-winning orchid grower and RHS gold medalist Chris Channon on Sunday 10th April 10.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. No need to book, just turn up on the day - entry is free.
Chris Channon will be there to talk about all things orchid related - growing, propagating, re-potting and general care. You're also invited to bring along orchids of your own that you're having problems with to one of the 'Orchid MOT Clinics for free, expert advice.

MOT clinic - 10.30 - 11.00 a.m.
Cultural Talk - 11.00 - 11.30 a.m.
MOT clinic - 11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Re-potting demonstration from 2.00 p.m. followed by another MOT clinic.

And don't forget that your 2011 Scarcroft Allotment Association Membership card entitles you to 10% discount on most garden items at Dean's!

Call for New Committee Members

2011-03-05T13:18:00.000Z

Do you fancy getting more involved in the Scarcroft and District Allotment Associaton by joining our committee?

We are looking for new active members. It is a lively, fun and active committee which is open to new ideas and input. Meetings are held between 5 and 6 times a year on a Wednesday evening 7 - 9pm at the Golden Ball Pub. There is a break in the middle of proceedings to refill your glass. It is our policy to share out the tasks, so new members would be expected to take on a role of their choosing (e.g. updating the membership list, promoting an event, volunteering to help at an event, taking the minutes, sending out the tweets, liaising with the police etc) . Ideally new committee members would also be able to comit to helping out in the allotment shop, either by doing a shift over the weekend once a month or by helping with the bagging up on the occasional weekday daytime.

Being a member of the committee is highly rewarding, whether you just do a stint of a couple of years, or become a long time member. You will get to know what is going on across all our different alloment sites from a number of different perspectives, be able to get your own opinion heard and have an opportunity to develop or change what happens on the sites. You will have the chance to get much more involved in your local community and have the pleasure of knowing that you are providing a service and events that help others enjoy and get involved with their local community too.

If you think you would like to get involved either put your name forward at the AGM or contact Graham on scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk

If you think the committee is not for you but you would like to help out in the allotment shop 1 to 2 times a month you would also be very welcome. You can put your name forward at the AGM or come into the shop or contact us on the email above.

The 2010 committee

Katie Brierley and Adrian Clayton who are joining the committee in 2011

A Golden Ball committee meeting with most of the members out of shot!

Get Growing, Get Going, Get Sowing!

2011-03-05T11:56:00.002Z

GET GROWING - GET GOING - GET SOWING

There will be a Children's Vegetable Growing event held on Scarcroft Allotments on Saturday March 19th 10.30 – 11.30 am

The event will take place by the allotment shop and will be run by Laura Potts and Bronwen Gray

Laura and Bronwen will be showing participants how to sow different seeds and look after them so they grow into healthy plants and how to make your own plant pots from newspaper.

You will need to bring any seeds you have, egg boxes, loo roll, tubes, pots, clear plastic bags, newspaper.

£1 to cover costs. Adults welcome too!

This will be our first event aimed specifically at children so we hope to get loads of participants. If you would like to see more of these types of events please come along and support it on the day.

Toilet rolls as pots for seeds.

Local plotholders children at last summer's feast.

A taste of what you could grow!

Salad crops coming along nicely.

More local plot holders

AGM 2011

2011-03-05T11:32:00.000Z

The Scarcroft and District Allotment Association Annual General Meeting will be held at 7:30pm on Wednesday 16th March 2011 in Room 2 (upstairs) at Southlands Methodist Church, Southlands Rd.

AGENDA

1. Welcome
2. Apologies for absence
3. Minutes of the AGM held on 17th March 2010
4. Chair’s report
5. Treasurer’s report
6. Proposals for changes to the constitution
7. Election of the committee
8. Andrenalin Gardening - Bees on Allotments - a talk by Hugh MacPherson

There will also be a seed swop, held before the meeting starts. Please bring any seeds that you would like to swop carefully labelled.

Please come along and put your name down if you want to join the committee and / or work in the allotment shop. New volunteers are very welcome.

See you there.

Hugh's beehives in the snow

Scarcroft Allotments Site Care Day 2011

2011-03-05T11:05:00.000Z

The Scarcroft Site Care Day took place on the 26th of February 2011.

Many thanks to the 20 or so folks that turned up to help and especially to Sally Hayes and Roger Lee who provide 2 delicious types of homemade cakes for the workers to have with their tea and coffee in the allotment shop afterwards. The team managed to clear the entire site of litter, clear mud from some of the concrete/stone paths and made another dint in the pile of chippings still covering the car park. (please note we still haven't managed to clear the whole car park so if you want chipings - FOR FREE - please take them from the center of the car park first.)

I am sorry that I didn' manage to catch everyone's names but a big thanks to all who helpe out, including:

Sara Robin
Iris Wells
Caroline Boreham
Charlie, Vince and Lizzie Mitchell
Mary Andrews
Jenny Hartland
Andrew Burningham
Caroline Bush
Hugh MacPherson
Angela and Nick Longman
Gill Wignall
Linda Terry
Debbie Pendle
Win Derbyshire
Plus several others...

Caroline Bush on the endless task of shifting the chippings

Folks having tea in the hut afterwards - From Left to Right - Caroline Boreham, Charlie Mitchell, Jenny Hartland, Mary Andrews,and Andrew Burningham, Vince Mitchell and Lizzie

Iris Wells and Sara Robin (Sara directing folks and shifting barrows of chippings).

Scarcroft Site Care Day

2011-02-13T16:50:00.000Z

Come and join us in giving Scarcroft Allotment site its annual spring clean on Saturday 26th February between 2 and 4 pm. There will be tea, coffee and biscuits in the hut afterwards.

Activities include litter picking, clearing concrete paths and some hedge pruning. Please bring gloves, secateurs and a spade, if you have them.

See you there!

Community Orchard Planting

2011-02-02T08:39:00.000Z

Dear Friends

We intend to plant the Scarcroft Green orchard on this Saturday, Feb 5th, from 10 till 3. Keep your fingers crossed for the promised milder westerlies! Hope to see you then with spades and energy, and that you will join us for tea and cake and plans for the orchard year afterwards at clements hall

bw

Laura

All chipping in to move the chippings

2011-01-16T22:43:00.005Z

Some of the many volunteers who shifted chippings on to the muddy paths

It was a rainy sunday but loads of volunteers showed up to shift the chippings that had been spread across the car park of the Scarcroft Site. They were mostly spread along the path behind Wentworth Road and around the main gates. Once this was done we ferry some up to any volunteers plots that wanted them and then moved what we could of the remainder into the newly built bay.

Many thanks to all who helped out.

If you want chippings please make sure you take them from outsie of the remaining pile in the middle of the the carpark and not the two orderly piles at either end. Despite 4 hours of labour from a large team we haven't managed to shift all the chippings, so if you want some it would be helpful if you took them from the spread out pile in the middle of the car park.

Before (Sunday 9th) - this may not look masses but believe us it took long enough to shift.

After (Sunday 16th) - the pile was reduced to at least a quarter of its original size

Arlo was extremely helpful and brought his own wheel barrow

Frank and Mike built a new bay for the chippings

Volunteers filled Mike's trailer twice and took chippings over to Hob Moor

Some of the chippings were piled up in the new bay

Did you miss this volunteer event? Don't worry the next one will be on Saturday 26th of February. Look out for details nearer the time.

Watch hedge laying in action on Scarcroft Allotments

2011-01-06T22:48:00.000Z

The folks who have plot 39 on Scarcroft will be laying a very large and overgrown hawthorn hedge this Saturday, Jan 8th (and maybe Sunday as well if it takes too long). If anyone wants to watch and learn from the tree surgeon who is doing it, Don Davies, the plot holders have said they you are most welcome to come along. Don will be using a chain saw as it is such a monster of a hedge.

If you are not sure where plot 39 is either look at the map on the 'Maps of Our 3 Sites' page on this website or look at the map on the front of the allotment shop notice board on Scarcroft Road.

It could be an interesting sight.

New Year Work Out on Scarcroft Allotments

2011-01-02T12:53:00.001Z

Volunteers wanted

It's time to move the chippings on Scarcroft.

Sunday 16th January 10.30 a.m. onwards

If you can, please bring a barrow, a shovel and gloves, but most importantly bring yourselves.

York City Council was kind enough to give us a huge pile of chippings when they trimmed the trees on Scarcroft Road recently. These chippings are currently spread quite widely across the car park. We need to move them soon so that the grass in the car park does not die and the whole area does not become a mud bath. To this end, we are looking for volunteers to help us move the chippings, we are intending to distribute them around the Scarcroft site to improve the paths. Please let us know if you think any particular paths need attention, our first thoughts are to work on the central path and the one along the back of Wentworth Road.

So if you are looking for a January work out in the fresh air please join us. There is no need for it to be back breaking, everyone is welcome to do as much or as little as you want. Many hands will make light work! Meet at the allotment shop. Tea and biscuits will be served in the shop from 12 onwards.

If you want chippings for your plot remember it's 50p a barrow load, pay in the shop.

New Hedgehog Course for March

2010-12-31T17:50:00.000Z

HELPING YORKSHIRE’S HEDGEHOGS (HYH)

Britain’s hedgehogs are in serious decline and the hedgehog has now been placed on the Red List of threatened species in need of conservation
A course, consisting of an illustrated talk and workshop, will be held by Toni Bunnell
Sunday March 6, 2011 1.30 – 4pm
Black Swan Inn
, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR 01904 679 131
Entry: £10
To secure a place on the course, please contact Toni Bunnell (details below).
Course content:
Reasons for the decline of hedgehogs in Britain
First aid treatment
How to treat sick or injured hedgehogs
Caring for baby hedgehogs
Encouraging hedgehogs into your garden
Proceeds to go to York Hedgehog Rescue Centre
with 10% to go to Hull Hedgehog Rescue Centre (Lorraine Jackson)

For information contact: Toni Bunnell (01904 791124) T.Bunnell@hull.ac.uk

Scarcroft Community Orchard Further Update

2010-12-15T13:25:00.000Z

Dear Friends,

After talking with Brian from Parks at CYC and with the tree supplier at Rogers nurseries this morning, we have, sad to say, decided that it is better not to plant this weekend. We risk too much harm to the trees, and further wintry conditions will mean we can't care for them properly to get good establishment. We will hope to plant towards the end of January/beginning of February, when we have an idea of how conditions are then.

Many thanks for all your enthusiasm for this project - it will happen!

'Til then, keep warm, and enjoy happy festive times.

Best Wishes

Laura Potts

Scarcroft Community Orchard Update

2010-12-02T11:54:00.003Z

Please note that the Scacroft Community Orchard planting has been postponed until Saturday 18th December 10 - 3pm.

Scarcroft and District Allotment Association 2010 Calendar is selling fast

2010-11-28T17:12:00.000Z

This is proving to be very popular, so if you don't want to miss out get your copy soon. You can get them from:

The Association Shop on the Scarcroft Site
Pextons - the hardware shop on Bishopthorpe Road
The Good Food Shop - on Bishopthorpe Road
or by emailing the association on scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk

At only £5 they make an excellent Christmas present.

Autumn Social

2010-11-21T19:57:00.001Z

It's that time of year again. Join us this Friday at the Golden Ball Pub from 7.30pm onwards for the Scarcroft and District Allotment Association Autumn Social. It's a great opportunity to discuss the successes and failures of the season. This event was very popular when we held the first one last Autumn, so much so that not everyone could fit in the pub so get there early this time to ensure you get in.

The Golden Ball is a great little CAMRA pub, which sells a good selection of real ales along with all the usual stuff. It's the place where we hold all the committee meetings. If you walk through Victoria Bar from Nunnery Lane it is straight ahead and on the right. http://www.goldenball-york.co.uk/

The committee will be providing nibbles.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Community Orchard Planting

2010-11-18T18:14:00.000Z

Come help plant the community orchard on Scarcroft Green. Allotment holders with their own tools and experience of tree planting are particularly welcome.

Deadline for ordering seed potatoes is November 21st 2010

2010-11-15T21:52:00.001Z

Double click on the table if you want to make it bigger.

2011 Allotment Association Calendar is on sale now

2010-11-13T22:52:00.004Z

Did you know that our beautiful 2011 Scarcroft and District Allotment Association Calendar is on sale now, at £5 each? This lovely calendar is made up of 60 different photographs taken by plotholders (from Hob Moor, Hospital Field and Scarcroft) and private gardeners. It was expertly compiled by Sarah Austin, a Hob Moor plotholder and talented graphic designer. Please note that we only printed 300 copies and we have 254 members, so please get yours soon to avoid missing out.

Front cover

A month view

If you want to pick up a copy, you can get one from Pexton's or the Good Food Shop on Bishopthorpe Road or at the Allotment Association shop on the Scarcroft site, or by asking any of the site secretaries (on Scarcroft Claire Pickard and Graham Sanderson, on Hob Moor Malcolm Hainsworth, on Hospital Field Chris Adams). Johnny and Frankie from Pextons and Caroline from the Good Food Shop have very kindly offered to help us sell our calendars, without any benefit to themselves, except the warm glow of knowing that they are supporting a local community group. We think this is particularly generous when you consider how precious display space is at this time of year. So thank you very much.

By the way did you know that the Good Food Shop has a weekly newletter? It highlights new and interesting products they are selling, gives recipes and is often really quite entertaining. If you are not yet a subscriber, email info@thegoodfoodshopyork.co.uk and Caroline Lewis will add you to the mailing list. Let her know that you heard about her email from our website.

http://www.thegoodfoodshopyork.co.uk/
http://www.bishyroad.net/shop/pextons/

Please remember that the Scarcroft and District Allotment Association shop is only open at weekends Saturday 1.30 - 3.30 and Sunday 10 - 1pm (and only 11 - 1pm in December).

Vote for Holgate Windmill

2010-11-13T12:57:00.003Z

On Monday 22nd of November, you, colleagues and friends will be able to vote for York's Holgate Windmill Society and help us win £50,000 from the National Lottery People's Millions, arrranged in conjunction with ITV. Two worthy causes are being featured each evening on ITV Calendar news, for four nights. Our Windmill is appearing on Monday November 22nd, along with a Rotherham-based Arts project. Viewers and other supporters can ring a special phone no to vote for their favourite. So either York or Rotherham will be the winner. The voting phone number for Holgate Windmill will only be advertised from 9am to midnight on November 22nd on our website at http://www.holgatewindmill.org/ at http://www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/ and in the Daily Mirror. You can ring between these times to register your vote.

We invite you to support the only Peoples Millions project in North Yorkshire, by voting Nov 22nd. Please put the date in your diary. Your vote that day will really count, and should we win, then the £50,000 award will be a significant contribution to replacing the Mill's five main sails next year.

Grateful thanks

Paul Hepworth

Press Officer

Holgate Windmill Preservation Society

Autumn Leaves

2010-11-12T10:34:00.003Z

The heaps of fallen leaves everywhere will make great leaf-mould to spread on your soil in a year or so's time. Just gather them up in a black plastic bag, put a few air holes in the bag with a fork and leave them in a corner until they've rotted down... free compost to enrich and protect the soil over winter next year!

Friends of Rowntree Park - Conservation sessions

2010-11-08T23:14:00.000Z

Edible York: The Launch Event

2010-11-07T21:28:00.000Z

Friday 19 November 2010, 6.30-9.00pm, Friends Meeting House, Friargate,York
YO1 9RL

Do you want to be part of a more resilient, self-sufficient York? Come along
to our free, lively launch event and help shape an Edible York.

More information:
www.edibleyork.org.uk
info@edibleyork.org.uk
0777 908 6713

Scarcroft Surgery

2010-11-02T15:13:00.006Z

Not a health check for tenants but for trees. As part of York City Council's programme of care for allotment sites, Judith Ward organised a day of tree surgery today on the Scarcroft site. And we - the Association - provided teams of volunteers through the day to move the results to be chipped on site. More time for the experts from Arborwise to do the skilled work while we do the dragging... Many thanks to everone involved in a good day's work!

Carved pumpkins

2010-11-01T21:25:00.003Z

Have you got any to add? If so please send them to scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk.

Mike gets help to find the water pipes

2010-11-01T17:11:00.004Z

Right down the rat hole!

Volunteer Rosta for 2nd Nov

2010-10-28T00:28:00.004+01:00

Thank you to all those who have volunteered to drag branches cut down by the tree surgeon, working on Scarcroft on the 2nd of November, to the shredder. Judith Ward, the allotment officer, asked us to have 2/3 volunteers to be available across the day, so it looks like we now have our full team.

Please bring thick gloves and a warm coat. You may also want to bring your own secateurs and loppers.

Thank you all for helping. Let's hope it doeesn't rain.

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-27T23:21:00.002+01:00

Please send in any photos of pumpkins you have carved to scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk. We would like to display them on the website.

Calendar 2011 - the contributors

2010-10-27T18:11:00.003+01:00

The 2011 Scarcroft and District Allotment Association calendar has gone to the printers. It should be available in the shop from the 6th of November for £5. Below is a list of all the contributors that were selected. Well done to you all!

A special thanks should go to Sarah Austin of Sarah Austin Creative and a Hob Moor Plotholder for her HOURS of dedication to this project.

Green Waste Skip at Scarcroft

2010-10-27T09:59:00.002+01:00

This weekend, 29th to 31st October, there will be a green waste skip near the Hut at the Scarcroft Road end of the Scarcroft site. Green waste only, please.

Greenhouse for sale on Scarcroft

2010-10-23T13:26:00.003+01:00

Good sized greenhouse for sale - £50
Currently situated in the middle of the Scarcroft site.
Part glass, part plastic. Includes staging.
Whoever buys it will need to be responsible for taking it down to move it.
Contact the asscociation for more details scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk and to find out exactly what plot it is on.

Scarcroft Tree Day - Volunteers needed - 2nd November

2010-10-23T13:22:00.002+01:00

We need volunteers to help drag branches to a shredder on Tuesday 2nd November for 1 - 2 hour time slots from 9am - 4pm .

Judith Ward, the council allotment officer, has arranged for a tree surgeon to carry out some urgent tree removal work on the Scarcroft site. This work will principally focus on removal of ash and sycamores. The council only has budget for one day's worth of work at the moment, so the Scarcroft and District Allotment association committee thought that in order to maximise the tree surgeon's time we would form a volunteer working party to do things like pulling branches to the shredder and thereby maximise the amount of skilled work the tree surgeon could do in a day. Any help you are able to offer would be greatly appreciated. We are looking for people to sign up for slots during the day, the aim being to have 2 - 3 people available to help the tree surgeon all day. If you are able to help please contact the association on scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk and say when you would like to help.

Please note that which trees are a priority has already been decided. The association has conducted a thorough tree survey of the site and made recommendations to Judith. Our recommendation have endeavoured to identify which trees grow the fastest, produce seeds which quickly shoot on neighbouring plots, impact plots by shading, are a problem to local houses and are least beneficial to wildlife. Judith has the final decision and she has tried her utmost to take a balanced and fair approach. There are many 'problem' trees on Scarcroft and this tree surgeon day will not be able to deal with all of them. However, this is a start. Both Judith and the committee also acknowledge there are also many trees on the site which are beneficial to wildlife and are appreciated by plot holder and local residents alike. These trees are not the subject of this tree surgeon day.

If you would like a copy of the final tree survey please contact the association.

Pumpkin Pilfering Alert

2010-10-22T18:07:00.001+01:00

This time of year pumpkin pilfering is rife so please, if you want to enjoy your own pumpkins or at least not come down to your plot to find they have done a runner or been smashed to pieces, make sure you take them home.

These lovely photos are of George Foster's pumpkins, taken by Luke Bevan.

Deadline for entries to the 2011 calendar looms

2010-10-02T09:25:00.001+01:00

After the success of the 2009 calendar and a short lie down and breather, the Scarcroft and District Allotment Association is now producing one for 2011. The calendar will be made up of photos taken by plotholders and local residents - basically anyone who is a member of the association. If you would like the chance of your photos being included in the 2011 calendar please e-mail your images to scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk or bring them in on a disc/USB stick to the association shop. Please mark them with your name and which site your are from or where the photo was taken. Photos should be taken on Hob Moor, Hospital Fields or Scarcroft or other York allotment plots. If they are not taken on the plots they shouls show fruit/veg grown on the plots. Images can show people, produce, the plots or wildlife. Both landscape and portrait are fine. If you include pictures of children please make sure you have their and their parents permission. We will try to include a wide range of photographers in the calendar so everyone has a good chance.

Deadline for submitting photos – Saturday October 16th 2010.

We hope to have them on sale by the first week of November - £5 each.

Manure and Chippings Delivery on Scarcroft

2010-09-30T23:02:00.002+01:00

There has been a delivery of (cattle) manure and chippings to the Scarcroft site. The manure is £1.50 per barrow, the chippings are 50p a barrow. Please pay in the allotment shop. If you want to pay when the shop is not open please put the money in an envelope with your name (and plot number if you have one) on it and put it in the allotment shop letter box.

The manure is the same stuff that they use at Brunswick Organic Nurseries.

Tom's Retirement Party

2010-09-26T10:48:00.002+01:00

Thanks to all who came to Tom's retirement tea party in the shop yesterday and thank you to Laura Potts for organising it.

Blog plea

2010-09-24T22:45:00.000+01:00

Dear all
I'm looking for someone to write a monthly allotment blog for a new York publication (provisionally called Lumina). If you think monthly would be too much, you could do bi-monthly with someone else.

If you're interested, please send a sample September submission of around 400-500 words.
to: curlew_curlew@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks

Caroline Boreham (scarcroft)

ps if anyone wants to dig up some happy parsley plants, which will come up again next year, let me know - they are swamping my asparagus.

To get in touch with Caroline please email the association and we will put you in touch with her. scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk

Recipes from the summer party - Elderberry Syrup

2010-09-22T10:43:00.000+01:00

This is another delicious recipe which came from the Scarcroft & District Allotment Association summer feast.

Elderberry Syrup - makes about 1 pint
1lb elderberries
1lb sugar to every pint of juice
1 lemon
Strip fruit from the stems, cover with water in a stainless steel pan.
Add zest of the lemon. simmer for 30 minutes or until soft.
Strain through muslin or a jelly bag. Add the sugar and lemon juice.
Boil for 10 minutes, cool and store in a sterilised bottle.

Thanks to Jill Shepherd for this one.

Have you seen the padlock to Scarcroft main gates?

2010-09-22T10:29:00.003+01:00

Have you, by any chance, walked off with the padlock from the main gate at Scarcroft last Saturday? If you have absent mindedly put it in your pocket by accident please contact the association by emailing scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk or by putting in the post box on the front of the shop.

If we do not get it back we will be issuing new keys in the shop soon, although we'd much prefer to get it back as it will be very expensive to replace all the keys.

Thanks

The shop team

Tom's Retirement Tea Party in the Allotment Shop

2010-09-22T10:25:00.002+01:00

Tom Walters has volunteered in the allotment shop and been Shop Manager for many years. He has now decided to retire from the committee and as Shop Manager so that he is free to spend more time in his caravan with his wife Janice and with his grand and great grandchildren. The Association would like to thank him for his many years of service. To this end we will be holding a tea party in the shop in his honour this saturday the 25th of September at 3.30pm. The committee will be laying on tea and cakes. Please join us if you would like a chance to thank Tom for all his years of hard work and for standing in the cold in the Association hut.

Sara, Patrick and Tom in the hut

Mike, Tom and Caroline on a stock buying trip

Recipes from the Summer Party - Greek Courgette Pie

2010-09-22T10:19:00.000+01:00

I have been nagging Katy Brierley since the party to share this with us. It is the recipe for the dill and mint filo pastry dish she brought. It went down a storm. For the details see below

Greek courgette pie (can be made with spinach)

Ingredients - for 10-12 people

1 kg courgettes
1 large onion, chopped
4 spring onions, chopped
150ml olive oil
1 pack of filo pastry
300g feta cheese
3 eggs
120ml double cream
bunch of dill
bunch of parsley
mint leaves stripped from 2-3 stems
milk for glazing
sesame seeds for scattering

Grate courgettes and salt them-allow them to drain for 30 mins.
Fry both types of onions in olive oil 'till soft-add courgettes. Fry for 15 mins untill excess liquid evaporates.
Preheat oven to 200.
Place 3 sheets of oiled filo in base of 30x40 oven tray.
Pour in courgette mixture. Crumble over feta.
Beat eggs and cream and drizzle over the top, add herbs and salt and pepper.

Fold in the filo sheets enclosing the mixture or add more sheets on to, sealing them into the sides of the tin. Brush with oil and scatter sesame seeds on top.

Cook for about 1 hour. Cool for 15 mins before eating.

Thanks Katy

Sweet Chilli Jam

2010-09-22T10:18:00.000+01:00

Another good recipe to do with your produce at this time of year.

Thanks Eric Leadley for this one.

York Food and Drink Festival

2010-09-18T11:31:00.001+01:00

Our Allotments officer, Judith Ward, will be running a stall at this event. She'll be providing a stall on York allotments - photos, text, leaflets and a match-the-seed-to-the-crop quiz. If you are around, pop along to support her and say hello and, of course, to enjoy the event.

Eat the Landscape

2010-09-15T14:48:00.000+01:00

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) is hoping to get their hands on our glut (see below)....

YWT has been invited to co-host an evening entitled “Eat the Landscape” at the York Festival of Food and Drink, an event which takes place in September each year, providing a 10 day city-wide event to promote local and regional food and drink and generating up to 150,000 visitors over the 10days.

When – Saturday September 18th 5-9pm

Where - the Fountain Café on Parliament St. This will be a drop in event with Yorkshire food on offer and Yorkshire Real Ales (plus wine, soft drinks etc.) from the Beer Tent which together with the Fountain Café and Grazing Café forms one large licensed area at night.

YWT are planning to host 5 stalls each one showcasing different aspects of the Trust’s work and how this impacts on the food we eat. They need to be stands that tell stories and show diversity in food.

The stalls are:

Bee-keeping
Peatlands and grazing
Stewardship
Eating local
Membership

The local food stall will include information on the benefits of eating locally including a display about our vegetable garden in Hull and hopefully some produce. YWT are hoping local allotment owners will bring us some of their glut to give away in return for donations to the Trust. Glut can be dropped off between 4.30 and 7.30 on the night to Parliament Sq

What a feast!

2010-09-15T14:37:00.001+01:00

Thank you everyone who came to our Scarcroft and District Allotment Feast last Sunday. You all brought such lovely food, fabulous displays of your produce, unusual veg, delicious jams and mountains of glut. It was great to see so many people from Scarcroft, Hob Moor and Hospital Field and in particular so many children enjoying themselves.

Plot on a Plate Entries

Making Potato Beasts

Thanks to Rory for the music.

Thank you for your kind messages so many of you have sent to our email address or via facebook, you have made us all feel like it was really worthwhile.

Last week's moth and bat night

2010-09-10T20:53:00.002+01:00

On Friday 3rd of September we held another bat and moth night on Scarcroft Allotments. Around 20 people attended the bat walk on which many bats were detected and some were even seen. There were plenty of bat detectors to go round and once again Joanne Hodgson, from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, provided interesting and entertaining facts about these tiny Scarcroft residents.

The open moth trap

While Joanne was busy bat detecting, David Baker, from Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire and his colleague also called David, set up their moth traps. One trap was on all night and was emptied in the morning, the other was more open (see below) and was only on for an hour. The Davids captured and identified the moths in the temporary trap, so that by the time the bat folk returned they had loads of moths to look at. One thing I didn't know is that if you kneel on the floor by a moth trap at night moths will fly up your trouser legs unless you tuck your trousers in your socks.

The following morning David and David were back. They set up a display in the shade of the trees by the shop and between 9 and 10.30am a steady stream of interested parties came to look at the moths on display in plastic tubes. It was interesting how different the range of species was to those caught earlier in the year. There were 52 different species caught, all of which were common. We are certainly very popular with Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing, as he trapped 181 of them. The full list is below.

Thanks again to Joanne, David and David for an excellent, entertaining and educational evening.

Scarcroft Allotments Moth Traps 1 September 3rd 2010

Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals Status

0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 4 Common

1076 Celypha lacunana 5 Common

1707 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave 1 Common

1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata fluctuata Garden Carpet 1 Common

1835 Eupithecia tripunctaria White-spotted Pug (melanic) 1 Common

1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1 Common

1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3 Common

2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1 Common

2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2 Common

A large yellow underwing

2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 181 Common

2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Undewing 18 Common

2110 Noctua fimbriata Bd-bord/d Y. Underwing 3 Common

2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 1 Common

2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 14 Common

2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 11 Common

2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 2 Common

2297 Amphiptra pyramidea Copper Underwing 2 Common

2299 Amphipyra tragopognis Mouse Moth 2 Common

2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic 6 Common

2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1 Common

2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 2 Common

2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 1 Common

0424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 3 Common

0647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House Moth 1 Common

0937 Agapeta hamana 2 Common

0972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 2 Common

0993 Clepsis spectrana Cyclamen Tortrix 3 Common

0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 2 Common

1020 Cnephasia stephensiana Grey Tortrix 1 Common

1036 Acleris forsskaleana 1 Common

1063 Celypha striana 1 Common

1076 Celypha lacunana 6 Common

1175 Epiblema uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth 1 Common

1183 Epiblema foenella 1 Common

1288 Alucita hexadactyla Twenty-plume Moth 1 Common

1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 3 Common

1305 Agriphila tristella 7 Common

1376 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie 8 Common

Joanne Hodgson, from Yorkshire Wildllife Trust

1378 Phlyctaenia coronata 21 Common

1388 Udea lutealis 1 Common

1392 Udea olivalis 1 Common

1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 5 Common

1439 Trachycera advenella 1 Common

1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 2 Common

1669 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald 1 Common

1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 3 Common

1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 4 Common

1713 Idaea aversata ab. remutata Riband Wave [non-banded form 3 Common

1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1 Common

1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 2 Common

1754 Eulithis prunata Phoenix 7 Common

1817 Eupithecia pulchellata Foxglove Pug 4 Common

Please click on this link to see the full set of photos. http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ScarcroftAllotments/BatAndMothNight2?feat=directlink If you can help identify any of the moths in the photos please write it in the caption.

Hedgehog course

2010-09-09T16:01:00.000+01:00

What more could you want? This course is brought to you by Toni Bunnell one of our Scarcroft plotholders. Who doesn't love hedgehogs, eh?

Free Compost and Grow Your Own Course

2010-09-09T15:52:00.000+01:00

It's free, it's useful and it's from our good friends at St Nicholas's Fields.

York South Bank Calendar 2011

2010-09-05T22:46:00.000+01:00

The Corner Gallery on Scarcroft Road, will be the launching their York "South Bank" 2011 calendar on Saturday 11th September from 10am.

There will be an exhibition of the original Pencil drawings, and also posters and greeting cards will be available to purchase.

We have all been invited by the owner, Andres Jaroslavsky, to attend.

York Green Drinks

2010-09-05T22:36:00.000+01:00

Glut Share Boxes

2010-09-05T16:54:00.002+01:00

Have you noticed that glut share boxes have been put on Scarcroft (by the shop and near the Albemarle Road entrance) and Hospital Fields Sites (by the Albemarle Road entrance)? Please use them. Put in anything you don't think your friends or family will get through and feel free to take away anything you find in there.

If, by any chance, you haven't been able to get down to your plot recently and you think you courgettes might be going mad or your plums will be ripe, let us know on the usual allotment association address scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk and we will send someone to pick your produce and put it in the glut share box so that it doesn't go to waste.

End of Summer Feast

2010-09-05T15:07:00.000+01:00

It’s time to FEAST!

Join us to celebrate the end of the summer season at our allotment association feast. This party will be held on the grass triangle in the middle of the Scarcroft Site on Sunday 12th September from 12—2.30pm. Bring food and drink to share and there will be produce to swap and fun activities for adults and children.

Please bring some food to share (it can be home grown but doesn’t have to be), something to drink, a plate, cutlery and something to sit on for yourself.

Bring food to share

We will provide shelter in case it rains. In addition to eating and chatting with your allotment neighbours, there will be a produce swap; you can swap any jams, chutneys, pickles or excess produce you have.

Plot on a plate competition 2009

We will also have the ‘Plot on a Plate Competition’, to enter just bring a dinner plate displaying items from your plot in a decorative or imaginative fashion.

Bring unusally shaped veg

We will also have an area to display comically shaped, exotic or out of the ordinary vegetables you have grown this year. Bring anything you think others will be interested to see.

There will also be a chance to make your own potato based allotment beast and create an huge allotment picture using things from the plots.

This event is open to all members of the association and their friends (both adults and children), we would love to have lots of ‘home’ gardeners and plot holders from Hospital Fields, Hob Moor, Scarcroft and other allotment sites too.

See you there!

Pre-ordered onion and garlic sets

2010-08-29T08:45:00.002+01:00

Pre-ordered onion and garlic sets are available in the allotment shop on Scarcroft for collection. A limited number of Thermidore garlic bulbs, Senshyu, Radar and Electric onion sets are on sale in the hut if you didn't manage to order in advance. We recommend that you purchase soon, because when this stock is gone we will not be reordering this year.

UPDATE: GARLIC AND ELECTRIC HAVE SOLD OUT.

Gardening Judge Wanted

2010-08-29T08:36:00.000+01:00

York Blind and Partially Sighted Society's gardening club, 'Green Shoots', need a judge for their gardening competition on Monday 20th September. You would be needed at about 11.15am in the cafe at Acomb Library. Any volunteers please ring Judy Shaw on York 339907 asap.
http://www.ybpss.org/

Hospital Field Best Plot Competition winner 2010

2010-08-24T15:57:00.002+01:00

Sally Ann Gatus and her daughter, Laura

Sally-Ann Gatus, the winner of the Best Plot Competition 2010 on Hospital Field, is a real allotment inspiration. When she first took on her plot in October 1996 it only had a few ancient gooseberry bushes on it. Now it is a haven of vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers and wildlife. When she came to the site, her style of gardening, such as introducing a pond and an herb garden, was viewed with suspicion by some. One of her neighbours, now no longer a plotholder, used to make comments such as ‘what on earth are you doing lass, what do you want with a herb garden?’ and ‘you are supposed to plant in rows.’ Times have changes now and her organic practices, recycling and encouragement of wildlife are far more common on the site.

Though Sally is certainly the principal gardener on her plot she is often joined by her husband Kevin, children Laura and Angus and various friends and their children from Dringhouses Primary School where Sally has been running the gardening club for the last 2 years. She loves her Hospital Field plot and this enthusiasm has definitely rubbed on her kids. Sally has been very creative in the way she has involved and interested them in the plot. She believes in putting the kids in their old clothes and just letting them get dirty, ‘they love to build dens and they love to pick. And I think it is really important for them to be aware of nature and of plants and where food comes from’. However, she doesn’t stop at just letting the kids help on the plot. Sally told me one of the ways she kept her kids entertained, ‘My kids are really into fossils and crystals so one day I came down and cleared an area of the plot, I buried a plastic dinosaur head and marked the area up with string in a grid. I then gave the kids brushes and trowels and told them it was an archaeological dig. They absolutely loved it.’

As a keen recycler, she brings her vegetable waste from home and uses torn up cardboard and leaves to mulch her plants. She has even created a cloche from the frame of swing her kids have grown out of. Her composting is really impressive too. She bags up all her tops and leaves them at one end of the plot for at least 6 months, then in April or May she digs trenches and digs it all back into the soil. The perennial weeds she drowns and makes into a weed tea to feed to the plants, the woody material she tends to chop up with secateurs and add to her path and once a year, around the 5th of November, she has a bonfire with the kids.

Sally often saves seeds from this year’s crops to sow in the next. Those seeds she doesn’t use or eat she uses to make homemade fat balls. She shared her recipe with me. The ingredients change according to what she has around but the basics are bacon rind, bread, old breakfast cereal, old seed, lard – you break up the lard into pieces and mix it into the other ingredients, you then press the mixture into pine cone and tie them to the trees.

Finally, her best piece advice, which she received when new to allotment gardening is ‘don’t water too early in the season because the plants will get used to it and when you have a dry spell they won’t have developed decent roots.’ That seems to me to be more useful advice than ‘you are supposed to plant in rows’.

N.B. I am still trying to get hold of the Hob Moor winner, Mrs Valerie Warren, for a similar article on her. If you know her please ask her to get in touch with me. Caroline Bush

Scarcroft & District Allotment Association

Conference - Future Growing, Composts for Gardeners

2012 Seed Orders

Late night Christmas shopping at Brunswick

Brunswick Christmas Fair

Autumn Social in full swing...

Scarcroft and District Allotments Associatio​n 2012 Calendar

Community Arts & Crafts

Potato Availability & Prices 2012‏

Scarcroft & District Allotment Association Autumn Social

Allotment Shop Opening Hours

Apple Day Celebration - A message from Laura Potts

Helping Yorkshire's Hedgehogs

Spare Plants Wanted for South Bank

Chutney Making event at Scarcroft Learning Centre

The Urban Horticulture Programme

Over-Wintering Onions & Garlic

Anti-social behaviour and worse - Making a difference.

Patrick Cairns

Harlow Carr

End of Summer Feast

Potato Blight Information

Harlow Carr Visit - 2011

Best Plot Competition 2011

End of Summer Feast 2012

The Allotment Shop - Opening Hours

Hedgehog News

The Scarcroft and District Allotment Association 2012 Calendar

Allotment Plot Competition 2011

Working Party July 3rd

Hedgehog Preservation

Butterfly Conservation, Yorkshire Branch, upcoming events.

Tree Warden Training Day - Saturday 14th May

Government Review of Statutory Duties - Links & Tips

Your chance to have your say - local council allotment provision

Bean Poles, Fence Posts & Bamboo Canes

Seed Potatoes: Now only 50 pence per Kilo!

Meet our new PCSO

York University - Approaches to Growing

National Trust Gardeners' Question Time Event‏

NGS Gardens Open For Charity - 8th May

Spring Social 15th April 2011

Allotment Plotholders Exhibit Their Work at York Open Studios 2011

2011 AGM

Planet Southbank's Community Garden

Meet the 2011 Committee

2011 Scarecrow Festival Entries Wanted

Orchid Demonstration

Call for New Committee Members

Get Growing, Get Going, Get Sowing!

AGM 2011

Scarcroft Allotments Site Care Day 2011

Scarcroft Site Care Day

Community Orchard Planting

All chipping in to move the chippings

Watch hedge laying in action on Scarcroft Allotments

New Year Work Out on Scarcroft Allotments

New Hedgehog Course for March

Scarcroft Community Orchard Further Update

Scarcroft Community Orchard Update

Scarcroft and District Allotment Association 2010 Calendar is selling fast

Autumn Social

Community Orchard Planting

Deadline for ordering seed potatoes is November 21st 2010

2011 Allotment Association Calendar is on sale now

Vote for Holgate Windmill

Autumn Leaves

Friends of Rowntree Park - Conservation sessions

Edible York: The Launch Event

Scarcroft Surgery

Carved pumpkins

Mike gets help to find the water pipes

Volunteer Rosta for 2nd Nov

Pumpkin Carving

Calendar 2011 - the contributors

Green Waste Skip at Scarcroft

Greenhouse for sale on Scarcroft

Scarcroft Tree Day - Volunteers needed - 2nd November

Pumpkin Pilfering Alert

Deadline for entries to the 2011 calendar looms

Scarcroft and District Allotments Association 2012 Calendar