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Seed - Sustenance, Subsistence and Soil
We had a limit of 20 and everyone came. Our special guests were a six week old baby and Helen the accordionist, the music in the open air amongst the vegetables was wonderful,

Paddys introduction to his allotment was encyclopaedic, everyone was fascinated. The plot is laid out in strips with wood chip paths between, Each row contains various varieties of vegetables, he has flowers at the ends of many of the rows. Most vegertables need a lot of sun, because of the tall trees he can only grow fruit at the back of his plot.

We began at his beans, 4 varieties planted for drying they would produce up to 10kg. He would have some left over for Christmas presents?

Paddy, enjoys growing varieties he cannot buy in the shops, the taste is so much better straight from the ground. He was asked if he was organic and he very honestly said no, but that the only area he used glycophosphate was the path between his and another allotment..

The asparagus season is nearly over now and the potatoes just coming on, potatoes well grown can be dug so clean there is no soil on them. Squashes will be planted in the centre of the potato beds and grow over the potato foliage as it dies back

One area is fallow and Paddy will be planting there soon for winter, his skill and part of the pleasure is in the planning for the whole season.

The allotment is Paddys escape; to be out in the fresh air listening to the birdsong, with the satisfaction of growing his own food The Everyman Bistro is not supplied from the allotment, but from local growers. He sometimes asks them to grow vegetables that have worked well for him on the allotment

We ended looking at Paddys specialised seed catalogues and discussing our own plant choices and experiences over a glass of wine whilst Helen played us more music.

Our thanks to Paddy for all the time in sharing such an amazing productive space. Helen for playing and everyone for coming and adding their expertise and interest, Tomke for taking photographs and also the Sefton park allotment holders for a wonderful evening end in the allotment hut.

http://www.everyman.co.uk

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