The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies. Gertrude Jekyll

Annie's Little Plot

Annie's Little Plot

Thursday 21 February 2013

The Good Life part 2

Following on from Flightys recent post. Like him I was saddened by the news last week that Richard Briers had passed away. I was born in the early 70s and do remember The Good Life when it was on or at least the repeats and I still always try and watch it if they show it again now. I know it's cheesy and all a bit twee but I think it definitely struck a chord with me and certainly lay dormant until I had my own place and then the gardening urge took over. 

Flighty posted a clip showing Margo's muddy moment and it really did make me chuckle, especially her harvesting the beans one by one.

I was trying to think which clip to show and as we are all starting to chit our spuds and getting ready to plant them out, I thought the one where Tom invents a contraption called the non-stoop goodoscope to help with the planting was appropriate. Trust Barbara to notice the flaw in the design! Here they are busy with all the Spring planting jobs.

So did it really inspire a generation of "Good Lifers" maybe not, but it certainly inspired me.
It led me to get an allotment and my first one looked like this that first winter.
But with a bit of trial and a lot of error I managed to get a reasonable harvest.
This was my first allotment in Disley, Cheshire looking out towards Kinder Scout. I only had it for a couple of years but I really learnt a lot on that plot.
Then my more recent plot here in Huddersfield.It was fairly blank when I first started as many allotments are at this time of year.
But again a bit of dedication and hard work and it can soon get transformed.
Its nice to look back at your pictures as it just shows how things change, its encouraging especially at this time of year when everything at the plot looks so bare and bleak.
I'm certainly not self-sufficient but my plot provides me with plenty of seasonal crops, it gets me outdoors and it keeps me sane. I really recommend anyone to give 'growing your own' a go. Live your own good life.



13 comments:

  1. I was saddened after hearing about Richard Briers death. Such a talent, and yes, I remember The Good Life too! I am raring to go outside and have the potatoes all in a row in the greenhouse waiting for the eyes to sprout and then there will be no stopping me. This will just be the start! Take care. Chel

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    1. Yes my potatoes are out sprouting now too, we will get going soon!

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  2. Thanks for the mention and link. The show may border on being twee but certainly has lots of bitter-sweet moments as well.
    You must be pleased at just how well you've done with both of your allotments.
    I agree wholeheartedly with your last paragraph. Flighty xx

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    1. Yes pleased with how they have turned out though it has been hard work. Can't wait to get going again this year.

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  3. The news about Richard Briers certainly was sad. I loved The Good Life, and I'm sure it inspired many budding gardeners. Lovely to see photos of your allotments and just what can be achieved with a bit of hard work.

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    1. I'm sure it inspired many people you are right.
      It certainly was hard work but really fulfilling.

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  4. A fitting tribute Annie - I loved the programme too

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    1. Thanks Elaine, I wonder if they'll show some again soon.

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  5. Hi Annie, me again. I hope you don't mind but I have nominated you for a Liebster Blog Award. More details are over on my blog. Take care. Chel

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    1. Thanks very much Chel, thats very kind. Loved your answers to those questions I'll have to get my thoughts together for mine!

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  6. I'm over from Flighty's blog....I too am a huge fan of The Good Life. It was lovely to have a look around your allotment.x

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    1. Thanks for passing my snowbird. Seems to have been very popular programme with garden bloggers though thats not too surprising!

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    2. Whoops that was supposed to say passing by!

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