Illness on the allotment

[Catherine]

One of the ladies who has an allotment below us is in hospital having had a minor operation which has now gone major. I was going to visit today but her husband rang me to say that she was too poorly.

I told him I would look after her plot, (he doesnt really do much it is really her plot) till she was well enough to start doing something.

All her peas are coming ready so tonight I have picked as many as I could and have brought them home and blanched them and frozen them. I am worried that I have done the right thing, I am also going to try and keep on top of her weeding because I think it might be a long term (as in several weeks) illness and the plot will be too much to handle when she comes back. She has worked so hard to do what she has done and I would hate for it to just become overgrown because it would then be too much to get back and she might give up.

I hope that she doesnt think I am interfering. I know that she manages the plot on her own. I will give her the peas when she comes home.

There are also runner beans, sweet peas and cabbages etc. I will just have to try my best. She is so nice that I dont want her to give up. She looked after my plot when we were away for a week in June.

[Beryl]

Catherine I am sure you neighbour will appreciate very much you looking after her plot. Keeping it weeded and tidy will prevent it from becoming overgrown and unmanageable.
Harvesting and storing her crops will be difficult and I am sure she won't expect you to. Water only what you really need to to keep them ticking over. I can only suggest that if you have more peas to pick there is no need to blanche them. They will keep just as well shelled and put into poly bags.

I do hope she will soon be well enough to be back with you on her plot.

Best Wishes
Beryl.

[Tigger]

Aren't you the most wonderful gardening angel?

If any of us are within 20 miles do let us know and we'll be more than helpful.

[The Grock in the Frock]

oooh u r so sweet,i am sure u will b appreciated. I tryed to start a type of ground force gang on our plot to help people like your friend,most people had the attitude....why should i help,when no one helped me when i first started anyone in the l.pool area...i am gonna b ill around sep_oct

[Primrose]

Catherine - what you have done is probably the best "Get Well" present you could possibly have given your allotment friend. Only another gardener can appreciate just how much work goes into growing things and keeping a plot weeded and watered, so she will bless you a thousand times for this, especially as if it sounds she might be out of action for a while. It's bad enough going on a fortnight's holiday and returning to see the jungle that has grown in one's absence, so your help really will be appreciated. I'm sure she will be only too pleased that you've harvested and frozen her peas for her. She would probably have been devastated if they'd all gone to waste.

[Stephen]

Catherine
You are unquestionably being a good neighbour. Well done.

[Catherine]

Thanks for your offer Tigger but I think we should be able to manage. I am just glad that I can help her. Its frightening when a small operation develops into something so big. She is still in hospital but is hoping to come out tomorrow all being well, but wont be allowed, or feel like, working her garden for a while I would think.