Drama at the Allotment! Our First Warning?! | Gardening Vlog 🌼 Ep. 17 🌼

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

☘ Thanks for watching, and don't forget to become a channel member to gain access to regular behind the scenes content. It costs less than a packet of seeds each month! kzbin.info/door/woRkb9JVMt-89-kOAmKsAAjoin ☘

[@keithomelvena2354]

Loved your letter. Really bought a smirk while drinking morning coffee.😃 I'm sure UK councils are much like NZ councils, filled with pedantic jobs for life box tickers.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

I expect they certainly are! Tysm for watching and glad you enjoyed our letter! ☺️

[@ameliagfawkes512]

They are.

[@JerryTheSaint]

You have absolutely owned the council with that response letter! 💪 Laughed until it hurt! Well played guys. Brilliant vlog. Nice builds and plantings.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

It was rather fun writing that reply. We certainly had a giggle. Ty for watching as always 😊

[@andrewwilliams8655]

we never see the council at ours. the only contact we have is the bill which usually turns up 2 weeks after the due date

[@HollyMaysGoodLife]

Can’t believe that saw is so good it looks like a cake paddle!!! Hmm I’m not convinced 😂

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

It’s a great bit of kit! Ty for watching ☺️

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Thanks for watching this week's episode. Don't forget to leave a comment about any experiences you've had with your council or committee regarding your allotment plot, and tell us about any interesting plants you are growing this year!

[@marking-time-gardens]

Love the new squash bed! Great idea lining the inside! We don't have allotment plots like yours but we get the same "type" of harassment here. We keep the rules but our "management doesn't". Great video! Blessings on everyone and on your growing season Kiddos! 🌻🐛Carolyn in Ohio 🌿💚🙏💕

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

It certainly is frustrating when us tenants try to keep to the rules and the authorities don’t. Glad you like the new bed. Tysm for watching, Carolyn 😊

[@siggiroberts7432]

Brilliant vlog again. The council inspector should have gone to Specsavers 😂 Absolutely brilliant come back from your side, tho😂😂.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Definitely agree with that one! Ty for watching ☺️

[@JenniMBE]

My garlic hasn't been great this year either. I got hit by rust so they were small too. You didn't do anything wrong, it was the cold wet winter. Brilliant reply to the council too.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Sorry to hear that. The weather is very strange this year isn’t it! Tysm for watching 😊

[@DanSmithing]

new subscriber here love the video now to binge the rest : )

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Tysm for watching. Welcome to the channel ☺️

[@julieg1270]

Well done for getting back at the council. That's a bit of laziness on their part 😮 Was a fun video, guys, and always enjoy what you get up to at the allotments 😊 I have a small orchard, and I am always adding to it . This year, I put in white currants to go along with the red,black,yellow, and blue currants I have in the orchard 😊😊 Looking forward to your next video xxxx

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Tysm for watching. Love currants, they’re super delicious. Happy gardening to you 😊

[@michelleslow5603]

You have made me want to grow cape gooseberries now 😊I love a good rant too❤️🇦🇺

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

That’s fantastic! Give ‘em a grow and let us know how they do! Ty for watching 😊

[@DermotOriordan-lc3cs]

Love your channel guys. Struggling with growing with the weather here in the south of Ireland also. Ye are doing a great job keep up the good work.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

It’s a hard season all around, that’s for sure. Hope your growing improves! Tysm for watching ☺️

[@PensionersinPortugal]

New subscriber here, Elaine, 😆😆😆, you definitely drew me in with your clickbait title....love your calm and steady manner, oh! and of course your good old British humour...thank you 👍

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

I see you’re not adverse to a bit of clickbait yourself lol. Tysm for watching and subscribing ☺️

[@FoodThymeAndGarden]

A fun rant is always good for the soul and I've enjoyed both of you so much that I've subscribed to your channel from Canada. I'm Laura growing in zone 4a in Ontario, Canada. Today it is going to be 40 c by afternoon time and even hotter tomorrow. We are in a dangerous heat wave for the week and had a thunderstorm last night with lightening shows . Take care, Hugs from Laura

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Do take care in the heat and the storms, Laura. Tysm for watching and subscribing 😊

[@myrustygarden]

I’m so glad you’ve reached your first 1k 🥳🥳. It’s really cold here and been raining for days 😮. My garlic was crap this year no idea why but we’ll try again next year. 😂 your onions look,bigger than mind Tilly. Oh Tilly naughty girl 😂😂. Have a great week guys hope it’s warmer, Ali 🌧️🌧️🇨🇦

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Thnx, Ali! We’re all really pleased 😁 Hope you have a fantastic week too, and thnx for watching 😊

[@Orchardfieldsgarden]

I tried the crushed chilli on my plot after seeing it in your other video and it really works! Epic response to the council have they replied to you yet? Lovely vid once again

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Tysm! I’m happy the tip worked for you. 100% success rate so far for us ☺️

[@freckles2437]

New subscriber, love your channel, all the best. Jo Devon 🙂

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Hello and welcome! Tysm for subscribing ☺️

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Love that saw! Nice to find you here - subbed!

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Tysm ☺️

[@johnjanedoe1676]

You wrote a GREAT letter!! Well done. Can't wait to hear their reply.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Hello and ty for watching! Glad you enjoyed our reply to the council. Check out episode 19 which includes an update on the saga ☺️

[@juliasoulliven2958]

Just found your channel and have loved watching it. Your letter to the council is brilliant. Well done. I will be back to watch more. I live in New Zealand and have my own large garden. I’m busy at present covering all my vegetables as we are expecting snow next week. Brrrrr and yuck. 😂

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Wow snow in the summer?! Good luck with that and I hope your crops survive the chill! Tysm for watching ☺️

[@Kellyfamilyadventures]

Hi were new to your channel and recently taken on an allotment so we are looking forward to hearing your tips were also vlogging our process looks forward to seeing more :)

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Tysm for watching. Hope you can find some thing to help on your journey with us ☺️

[@BethCali]

This video popped up so I watched and subscribed immediately. I have no personal allotment stories except for my sisters’ who rent a double plot together in Ontario, Canada from a Jesuit church. They don’t seem to have as many rules to deal with as you although everything must be grown organically. It’s a lovely spot and I love going there.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

That sounds amazing, less rules less fuss also yummy organic produce! Tysm for subscribing and watching ☺️

[@Shespins]

lol had a blast with your council letter love the videos

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Thnx for watching ☺️

[@erikacooper8348]

Hi first time I've seen your vlog, love your plots! I haven't got an allotment now, used to have one but have to make do with a very tiny garden and tiny plastic grow house. Worst year I've had for slugs, totally obliterated all my plants and seedlings so was thrilled to see your crushed chilli advice, will be out with my tub of crushed chilli's directly! Best wishes and hope you have a good harvest.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Hi and welcome to our channel! The chilli tip has worked wonders for us so far. Ty for watching ☺️

[@janiceskimmel959]

This just popped up on my feed, and I love everything about it. I live in a 4b zone in Montana and haven't been able to have a garden in the last couple years. I'm not sure why but all my subscriptions are in the UK, which is great because I'm learning a ton. For one thing, apparently small town councils are the same the world over. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of your allotments and reading your amazing commentary. Cat content is a plus.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Thankyou so much, hope you continue to enjoy the blogs ❤ Tilly

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

I'm sorry that you got that pointless email... you are 100-% right about poeple getting plots for metal health!

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

It’s all good. I think we dealt with it ‘accordingly’ lol. Allotments are a fantastic way to assist with mental health. Ty for watching ☺️

[@mitchelrobs]

such a good response from you both. great vlog as usual

[@debbiewilson5739]

i love it get after them guys lol i'm laughing at your leter . here in canada i wish we got have of what you get were not alot structures no animals ,no toilets i wish we had plots like yours and we pay almost 50.00 dollars per season

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

We are quite lucky to have the facilities we have at our site, although we do wish they were maintained better. Ty for watching and happy gardening 😊

[@TheVeganicGardener]

I over wintered my cape gooseberry indoors after cutting it back and it's getting very bushy this year... also garlic is a funny thing, on my experimental organic supermarket garlic I have had a few mono bulbs which indicated to me it wasn't cold enough for long enough? I have seed garlic to still harvest so that will be interesting... also I plait mine to hang in my pantry and it lasts most of the winter which is fab ...as for plastic lining your wooden beds, I don't as I don’t like the thought of plastic chemicals leeching into my soil and my veg....and sometimes allotment councils are so jobsworth!! Brilliant email reply by the way😂

[@helenstewart2085]

Garden New Zealand, last year before tunnel house was built, read up on how to grow melons, soil and air temperature have to be at the same temperature preferably around 18 degrees. Main reason uo build a hot bed.

[@DigwellGreenfingers]

There are 2 types of Cape Gooseberries. I guess you have the "Golden Berry" one if it grows so tall. I grow the bush type, aka Ground Cherry, very nice. They make a bush about 1x1m. New sub here - looking forward to following along 🙂

[@debbiebrooks6487]

Great reply. Typical council. The trouble is the people they employ are incompetent. It will have been too much effort to walk up everybody’s access path. Gone are the days when people did their job efficiently.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

We couldn’t agree more! Think they definitely skipped leg day on the inspection. Ty for watching ☺️

[@RichardTaylorgardening]

My council are ok 2 inspections a year no bother with me bit of a mess around removing a dead badger and refused to give me a report on it as always happy gardening Richardx

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Whoa! A badger on the plot?! I believe our plots are inspected once a month outside of winter. Tysm for watching, Richard 😊

[@nadinekuiper8795]

I live in South Africa and they come up in many of our gardens, uninvited. Here they don't grow more than about 1m and are bushy, so staking helps. They're delicious and grow so easily.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Miy leaves seem to be going a mottled blackish colour, ant ideas? Thankyou for your comment. Tilly x

[@DadsPassedDownPlot]

I had the same issue only differences I had 3 signs on my plot and I’ve had it shared with my dad for over 50 years so I don’t know who was checking it then but they didn’t check it very welllije yourself . I had high viz yellow stick on plot numbers the type that you put on wheelie bins And in order to access my plot they also missed the three plots that hadn’t been worked for over three years ( nothing done not even grass cut around their plot yet mine is very well maintained my Nabours however covered in weeds that go onto my Next plot 😡and fly tipping of broken glass 😩😡 laughably one of the worst plots is supposed to be worked by 4 and one of them is a landscape gardener and they haven’t even received a letter from the council, I take on so much I cut the hedging. I extend my grass cutting and like you guys I’m trying to prevent neighbours weeds and lack of maintenance come onto my plot. It’s really disheartening isn’t it? I work full-time so the time I have to spend on my plot is precious and yet, I don’t understand the council great videos guys I really enjoy watching

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

It’s very frustrating isn’t it. We do sometimes wonder if some people might be ‘protected’ from warnings, as like you have mentioned, they don’t get pulled up on it. Either that or it’s just a box ticking exercise for the council, and as we’ve seen they don’t actually do thorough site walks. I hope your situation improves. Happy gardening and ty for watching 😊

[@moirad6579]

They must have walked past... from the other direction LOL

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Hahaha! Love it! Ty for watching ☺️

[@ameliagfawkes512]

Many years ago I only had a brief conversation with a chap regarding allotment plots and mentioned I'd quite like one as our garden was quite small before I received an offer of a half-sized plot, which was extremely weedy - a bit of a mess actually, brambles and all of that - I think there was a falling down greenhouse in the shade. I turned up with my two genuinely delightful, polite and cheerful young children on our first visit and, whilst I had a look to see what was needed, my children ambled away only a few metres to say hello to someone on a close neighbouring plot within full view. Then someone else came to speak to me and I simply mentioned that there was a lot of glass in the soil, so I'd probably not be able to allow the children to actually plant anything, which was a bit of a disappointment. I did a bit of weeding and put in a few bits I'd brought with me, even though it was late in the season. My next visit was in the evening to the on-site building for a "Welcome" from the Committee, who, after giving me a key for the gate, proceeded to list my "transgressions" (allowing my children to run rampant - paraphrasing - and complaining about glass in the soil) - this was all done as if I was the "accused" at a table of mainly men and one woman taking Minutes, who couldn't look me in the eye for the duration whilst I was there. Whilst I had been given the impression that the plot was mine already, the "Chairman" asked if I would wait outside (in the cold and dark) whilst they "considered" (what? - if I was "suitable" - was this an interview? or was an Inquisition and was I going to be kicked out after only a day for not keeping my mouth shut and doffing my non-existent cap to all the old codgers?) Although I was angry, I didn't show it, but calmly left the gate key on the table, took my coat and bag, left and went home. I would love to have been there when, after their deliberations, they realised I wasn't outside, biting my fingernails, waiting to hear my "fate". I went back the next day when the gate was open anyway, and removed the plants I'd only put in a couple of days before. I figured out very quickly why the plot was available so quickly (the worst one on the whole site though), given the very clear misogyny and what I believed would be the start of ongoing bullying. We sold our large house with the small garden and bought a smaller house with a large garden where there is no glass in the soil and my now grown-up children (who would never dream of damaging other people's property) have always been "free to roam". I've found the same kind of attitudes in other organisations towards "newbies". It's no wonder that people have drifted away from these things, either from participating or helping to run them (which I've also done). A rot has been setting in for a long time, with those who have little power in real life grasping it with both hands and wielding it ill-advisedly. A tiny amount of authority goes entirely to their heads. I'm glad you're not taking this too seriously, but if I were you I'd insist this "count" against you be removed and you be issued with notice of such and a written apology, otherwise it's a bit like those appalling "Non Crime, Hate Incident" reports, where a black mark is against your name for nothing, but it looks bad to anyone who doesn't know what it was about.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

So sorry your experience of allotmenteering was so negative. What an awful committee. There are some very powerful hungry people in life who think they can humiliate people for no particular reason. Our committee consists of quite elderly folk set in their ways. Tom has now been asked to join together with another younger woman. They have new and inspiring ideas so I hope they will be welcomed and able to see both sides of any future issues or site problems. I’m glad things worked out for you in the end and hope you continue to enjoy your garden . Thanks for watching and commenting Tilly ❤️

[@joejames8797]

We are lucky that our council allotment officer has an obvious aversion to leaving his cosy office to check sites. On a positive note, our yearly rent has only been increased a couple of pounds to £64.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

You are very lucky! Thank goodness you haven’t had a huge rent hike. Happy gardening and ty for watching ☺️

[@TheUKMediaWatch]

Even if the numbers wasn’t there wth 😂😂😂😂, crime of the century , I own a plot in West Midlands , the council have really turned into jobsworth in the past ten years , generations have changed and the committees ( council ) have meetings every first Sunday of the year ,,,I miss the old folk ,,, we can’t have fires now ,,, oh but the surrounding public can ,,,, also 3 pigeons I have rescued this week because of netting 😏❤️👍🏼 SUBBED 💯 lovely pets ⭐️

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

There are a heck of a lot of rules at our site, but they choose to focus on the pointless ones rather than the ones that matter - Mostly ones that cost the council money to enforce and the ones that keep people safe. It’s madness really! Ty for watching and subscribing ☺️

[@bobwilliams5506]

With garlic, I have found that the soil should be amended so it drains freely. Mother nature can be our best friend and our worse enemy.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Ty, Bob. I will let Tilly know. Ty for watching ☺️

[@Sezicoolcat2]

New subscriber. It has been suggested to me today that I halve my current half plot and give up the fruit side (inherited established raspberry/blackberry/gooseberry/large rosemary) etc for someone else to have a try. I really just let that side of the plot do their own thing. I mean, they are established raspberry and blackberry bushes... I did have issues over winter with grasses growing in the raspberry beds (4' high grasses) but have spent many weekends hand pulling the grass/bindweed out and I thought was at a reasonably good place with it. I guess they thinking not. Thinking of giving it all up if thats what they want, because it will leave me a quarter plot of 17' x 25' which doesn't really seem enough at all. But maybe if I put in some raised beds 2.4m x 1.2m I could still grow some raspberry and blackberry and gooseberry along with my existing strawberry, brassica , potatoes and sweetcorn beds I have currently on the side I can keep? Really knocked my confidence now. I am a bit upset.

[@Sezicoolcat2]

what I mean is, like, cane fruit has a structure it grows up. Not much I need to do to it?

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

So sorry to hear that. It is a shame that councils can be so picky. I’d recommend keeping the plot if you can handle it, just keep it tidy and they will see that you are working it. Raised beds are an excellent way to tidy up a plot. Also shows you’re investing money into the site so that leaves them less room to complain about tidiness. Hope it all works out for you - Tom 😊

[@nettie8376]

May be the inspectors were working from home😂

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Seriously wouldn’t be surprised! Ty for watching 😊

[@m0ther0ne]

New sub. Loved your vlog. I didn’t know you could grow cape gooseberries here in the UK, gone try this next year. I’m a garden allotmentier. Is there a name for my type of growing? Please don’t say gardener, as I do so much more. 😅😅

[@growingmyown]

I always wonder how the lot operates,if you own it or rent.. now i know.. New friend here from Growing My Own.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Hello, welcome and ty for watching. Glad this helped your understanding ☺️

[@joycehennequin8469]

We also have an allotment in Paignton Torbay Devon 😊 the gentleman next to us is on the committee and his plot is a metre high in weeds l kidd you not.Nice enough guy but gets away with it.He plants a few potatoes maybe 20 and thats it.But he was the one who told us to keep out plot tidy....what a joker eh.And the chap on the other side of us comes 2/3 times a year. He's had 3 letters every year for 4 years but still nothing is getting done.So we have wdeed seed blowing in from all directions 😒🥴🤨 We do so much weeding and have won best kept plot over the three site's.We are so frustrated over this problem.All the very best.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

I feel your pain. I do wonder if some people get on committees as a way to ‘escape’ inspections. It’s very frustrating having a neighbouring plot that is a jungle, we had that next door to us for a while, although I think the neighbour has had a letter and has recently cleaned up their act! Happy gardening and Tysm for watching ☺️

[@AnneHeyns]

They might have meant it to be fancy number boards and not just writing - who knows what they meant or what their real reason might be.♥

[@CraigsAllotment]

HOW DO 😂😂😂😂😂 I never knew you were Yorkshire!

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Devon boy but love the dialect lol. Tysm for watching, Craig 😊

[@jacquelinevanderkooij4301]

Refuse the raise, they should repare the road and the toilet first.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

It seems following our response, they are about to take action on the toilet and road situation…but we’ll keep everyone updated IF it actually gets sorted! Tysm watching ☺️

[@jmiddlemiss1968]

I had problems with one of the committee people on my site so I complained to the council

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Sorry to hear that. I hope the situation was resolved for you? ☺️

[@AnneHeyns]

They might mean it HAS TO be fancy number boards and not just in writing - who knows what the real reason might be.♥♥

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Yes - We did contemplate building a ten foot tall billboard with a huge sign on it at one point! Ty for watching 😊

[@AnneHeyns]

@@AllotmentFamilyDiary Lol - next complaint will be its TOO visible...lol

[@susiespearing6165]

Stupid jobsworth 😡 Love the reply ,you owned them Tilly 😂

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

She certainly did! Tysm for watching 😊

[@super_happy_alien509]

Glad my Allotment is not council Run.

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

@@super_happy_alien509 I bet you are! It can be a bloody nightmare! Ty for watching ☺️

[@super_happy_alien509]

@@AllotmentFamilyDiary Also helps that im the site manger lol.

[@peterpaliwoda1527]

If anyone from your council takes the trouble to respond by way of “their “ comment , please could you highlight it some way or other ? The council people are paid by us for our benefit? not to ship out the nonsense stress you have described ….

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

Couldn’t agree more. Their response didn’t include an apology, and it’s a shame they still haven’t fixed the path or toilet block to this day… Ty for watching anyway ☺️

[@christinepalmer935]

lidl are cheaper £.3;50 40lt

[@AllotmentFamilyDiary]

We've tried their compost and sadly it's really not great quality compared to the stuff we get at our shed. Ty for watching :)