Urban Growing
Plots of Joy
By Tony Watkin
Hear from allotment-holder Tony Watkin about Perrett’s Park Allotment’s ‘Plots of Joy’ that celebrates the social value of allotments – with award categories for the plot providing the most joy, the most inventive upcycling and the most ecological diversity. You can find out how to apply for an allotment plot via the Bristol City Council website.
I’m Tony Watkin and I have been an allotment holder at the Perrett’s Park site in south Bristol for 25 years. I have worked my current plot for about 18 of those years and have slowly nurtured and fashioned it into a space that works for me. A mosaic of flowers, vegetables, fruits, wild space a shed and a pond – offering up a joyous bounty of goodies despite the best efforts of the wind, the rain, the slugs, the pigeons and the heavy clay. It is my plot of joy. A place where I restore myself, marvel at how a seed can turn into a cabbage, share stories and anecdotes with fellow plot-holders – a rich mosaic of people brought together in a common cause on this little patch of land just off the Wells Road.
It was during one such conversation, after an annual inspection, that some of us began to reflect on the true value of our allotments; their green value and the value they afford us as individuals. We felt that by its very nature the annual inspection, notwithstanding its importance, looks at value through a narrow lens. What of the more nuanced value – the wellbeing, the social interaction, relationships: and so, Plots of Joy was born. A celebration of diversity, ingenuity and the joy of having an allotment.
Three independent judges were recruited and together we spent an afternoon exploring the site to agree the winners of:
One of the judges, Pam Beddard (a local broadcaster) recounts:
“Picking the most joy-giving plots from the many dozens on the Perrett’s Park site was a challenge. There are so many which gladden the heart – with their displays of flowers; abundance of vegetables, fruits and herbs; their quirky solutions to storage, seating and plant supports; for the scents released and for the rich variety of wildlife in evidence. Even the weeds are interesting, and the sense of calm conveyed is a real mood-lifter. We are so lucky to have urban gardeners doing such good work to keep food miles low and lend a hand to nature and I’d have given almost every holder a prize if it was allowed”.
In October, we came together at the Redcatch Community Garden to celebrate our Plots of Joy venture and announce the winners with prizes of horse manure and beer provided by local businesses Bruhaha, Dee and Alan. Our other two judges, Cllr Ed Plowden and Bristol Food Network Director Joy Carey said a few words and we were treated to the laid-back sounds of Global Mosaic.
The National Allotment Society talks about, “a growing awareness of the role that gardening plays in improving mental health. Many allotment gardeners will tell you that a spell on the plot nurturing plants and contemplating nature makes them feel calmer and more hopeful.” Plots of Joy taps into that by helping us connect and grow a community of people that not only nurture their plots but themselves and others.
As for the future, Plots of Joy 2 is already waiting to be sown!
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Find details of all allotments in Bristol and apply for a plot on the Bristol City Council website.
So, what change do you want to see happen that will transform food in Bristol by 2030? Do you already have an idea for how Bristol can make this happen? Join the conversation now.
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