Afeast for the eyes

It was a lovely surprise to see an allotment was the Judges’ Choice in the 2021 Gardens of the Year competition. It was even more of a surprise to see no fruit or veg. Flowers paint a very pretty picture, but enshrined in allotment law is the principle of growing produce, and it’s often stipulated in tenancy agreements. Allowing a move away from this in favour of ornamental gardening risks giving landowners a reason to end allotment site leases. To preserve the long-term security of sites, it’s important that those who manage them keep the focus on growing fruit and veg. Catherine Shortis, East Hendred Parish

Council Allotment Co-ordinator

We say: Happily, winner Nadine grows produce on her plot as well as flowers. See our story on ornamentals on allotments in Clippings, p21.