Kelvinside Allotments

Saturday 13th June: Allotments Open Day, West End Festival 2009 12 noon - 4 p.m.

The Kelvinside Allotments Association has sites in the West End at Kirklee Road and Julian Avenue. Our allotment is at Kirklee Road - one of Glasgow's 26 allotments and it's a fascinating place - I could not imagine being without our plot. We first discovered the allotments when a number of years ago we went along to the 'Allotment Open Day, which takes place each year as part of the West End Festival.

Although it can be very hard work - when the rain persists and the snails come out - mostly it's extremely pleasant and fulfilling. There is something very satisfying about seeing those seeds sprout, turning over the soil and munching on your own organic vegetables.

It's a very sociable place with lots of friendly and experienced gardeners happy to share their tips and sometimes even their crops. The different plots display not only the gardening flair of the owner but illustrate the time they commit to tasks such as weeding, feeding and watering their plants.

Some of the plots are magnificient, with an abundance of vegetables, fruits and flowers. Some are messy but interesting and some may be neglected and waiting to be assigned to new owners. So far we have achieved a messy abundance - of both crops and weeds. Our aim is to tackle some pro-active work to deal more effectively with the weeds. However, despite these little problems the allotment is very relaxing and I love to wander around and see all the changes that take place: new huts being built, ground being prepared, unusual flowers appearing and all sorts of work taking place.

Although just a hop and a skip away from the bustle of Byres Road it is a quiet, relaxing haven and a lot of fun.

Benefits fo Allotments

Glasgow City Council identify the benefits to be gained from renting an allotment.

Socialising - it's a great way of meeting like minded people
Relaxation - you can escape the hustle and bustle
Excercise - you work your plot as hard as it suits you
Economical Food Production - you can grow many vegetables and fruits from seed
Organic Food - you know how your food has been grown

Facilities at Kirklee Allotment include:

running water and stand pipes
toilet facilities
car parking is available in adjacent streets
storage facilities

The annual fee is £8, plus £31.50 rent to GCC. At present the waiting list is very long - at least 8 years.

Further Information:

Kelvinside Allotment Association
Secretary
15 Beaumont Gate
Glasgow G12 9ED - or
Allotments and Recycling Officer
Land Services
37 High Street
Glasgow G1 1LX
Phone: 0141 287 5729

Some information about Plan Bee

Kelvinside Allotsments Newsletter No 24, Spring 2009

Discussion on importance of planting wild flowers - in order to help prevent wild bee decline catastrophe

Photo: compost bin. Compost Bins are available to people in Scotland at a reduced price - further information