Time to be tarped

I have neglected my shack this last year, much as I have neglected this blog.  The truth is, I found myself embroiled in an Allotment War last year, which caused me to become rather disenchanted with allotment gardening.  In fact, I would have given up completely, if it were not for a friendly allotmenteer, who refused to let me go.

The experience rather shocked me, as I am the gentlest and friendliest of Pixies, but found myself harshly judged publicly after standing up for my rights and my land in a manner I felt to be civilized and reasonable.   The whole situation reminded me very much of a cross between Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm.  

I now choose to avoid certain members of the allotment committee, as my life is more peaceful that way.  This means that I haven't been visiting my plots as much as I would like, and as much as they need.  Things are getting a little ragged at the edges, and it is hopefully something that I will remedy this year. 

I soldiered on last year, but as usual the vermin ate most things I planted.  They continued to do so throughout the winter.  I no longer have any garlic or onion tops, and I rather suspect that all my Maris Widgeon shoots have been nibbled away.  Really I need to secure the side fence, through which all the  badgers, muntjak and rabbits in the vicinity nimbly and happily skip, knowing that their bellies will be soon be filled. 

I cleared my shack of all my personal items when I thought I was leaving, and actually it felt good and wholesome to have a clear brown timbered space inside it again.  As it turns out, it was just as well I did empty it, as the storms have wreaked havoc inside and out.  The plastic has been torn off the roof, along with half of the ashfelt on one side.  The gap where the two halves of the roof no longer meet at the apex was exposed to the elements.  The rain has poured down through it, and through the unprotected part of the roof, so inside is totally sodden. 

Nevertheless, I rather like this raw elemental space inside my shed.  I go there to think, and it gives me a sense of being at one with the elements, protected, and at peace.  Things are always changing in my plots though, and this year I feel it is time once more to take hold of the land a little more strongly, and see what the outcome will be.