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Sharing a garden instead of an allotment
john whinnom
Posts: 2
Hi , I have a large garden of just under half an acre, which raises the question of when is a garden a burden vs. when is gardening a pleasurable pastime. So anyone interested in sharing my garden, growing whatever you wish, as long as its legal. Poly tunnel, and two greenhouses, plus established fruit trees and bushes to share. As much tea or coffee as you wish. Ipswich, Colchester . Has anyone else shared a garden? Some parts of the country are supposed to have a shortage of allotments, garden sharing may be part of the solution. Just a thought. John Whinnom
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Posts
I think this is a great idea. It's help people who can't look after them keep enjoying their gardens, while giving those who don't have them, somewhere secure to enjoy the outdoors.
I think it is a brilliant idea. It may be worth advertising in your local area, or contacting your local paper.
Fantastic idea John, good luck.
I used to share the veg part of my garden with my neighbour. At one point he decided he had too large a veg plot so turfed part of it and spread slate chippings on another part. He then regretted it as he didn't have enough area. I didn't use all of the bottom of the garden so he took over one half of it.
He even put a gate in to make access easier.
I was happy with that setup because I knew him so well. I would be a bit more cautious about strangers unless there was easy access which wasn't too close to the house.
Great idea, but probably needs to be formal with some kind of written agreement for use and, perhaps, an annual payment.
The garden ( and house) owner's insurers might need to be informed of the 'tenant' and his or her activities. If a risk to say, a thatched roof is perceived they may suggest that the 'tenant' has third party liability cover.
Great idea John, and something I'd like to see on every street. Hope you find someone local and compatible.
The Next Door website (formerly StreetLife) might be a good place to ask a similar question. There literally might be somebody on your street or nearby who might be happy to make an arrangement with you.
https://nextdoor.co.uk
There were a few articles on Beechgrove last year about someone doing this, I think? I can't recall any of the names to do a search
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
I know two people who have done this. In both cases it started off with a burst of enthusiasm from the borrowers, who seemed very nice people, but after 6 months the owners realised it wasn't working and had to give them the sack. The plots were not getting looked after - weeds, etc, the borrowers never said when they were coming to work and it was all a bit unsatisfactory.