Allotment in the Sky

This week we were given permission to return to tend our Society allotment plot at the new Queen Elizabeth Crossrail rooftop garden at Canary Wharf. Since lock-down we have not been allowed to work the allotment and today we have to observe some new clothing requirements and don our high visibility jackets and thick gardening gloves. Everyone who works on the allotment must be licenced to do so by the Canary Wharf Group.

The original idea of an allotment in these precious roof top gardens was conceived by our ex Chair and now National Society Mentor, Paula Owen. What made her think of it remains a mystery, but it was clearly a stroke of genius and a tribute to her gardening passion. Last year our allotments were given the space by our sponsors Canary Wharf Group and we set about transforming the plot into a diverse and all year-round plot. The gardens themselves won an award in 2019 under the Blooming Britain contest and our plot, be it small, is now firmly part of the gardens.

Our Vice Chair Tatiana drove Paula’s vision into reality and established the gardens with the help of a team of volunteers, some members and some from our waiting list, and created a plot to be proud of. 

The initial planting was attended by Jeff Barber, our London Chair and National Regional Representative, and the volunteers have included the children from our school plot.

The plot is maintained on a regular basis and under Tatiana’s supervision and aims to demonstrate to all the many garden visitors and Canary Wharf workers who take their breaks and relax there what can be grown in a small space and the work of the local allotments on the Island.

Tatiana has a new community greenhouse back at the allotments which is always overflowing with plants which are primarily for the roof top allotment but also given to members via the plant swaps and giveaways she organises.

Canary Wharf Group has been a great supporter of the allotments and we also benefit from deliveries of used coffee granules from the many cafes within the malls and bamboo canes cut from the exotic part of the gardens.

Today we turned up, tidied up removing the leggy spinach and overgrown herbs and then set about planting out beans, chillies, tomatoes, a cola plant and squash and admired the Cape gooseberries already setting their fruit. All the produce we harvest from the allotment is given to a local kitchen run for the community by the Mudchute Farm.

When I look at the plot, I am drawn not by the diversity of what we are growning, the high-rise skyscraper location which is somewhat amazing, but by the opportunity and example it sets. If every developer, not only of enormous commercial and residential areas such as Canary Wharf but of smaller and focused retail developments and residential estates, followed just a fraction of the initiative we have established in Canary Wharf then we could really start to transform gardens, parks, open space from look-but-don’t-touch heavily managed often low maintenance environments into community engaging growing areas which could make a huge difference to the quality of life for many and help educate everyone about fresh produce and healthy eating.

My thanks to Canary Wharf Group and to our team for making it happen.   

Reflections on the Environmental Changes of Lockdown

Sitting on the allotment bench looking over the plot you realise how things have changed over the last few weeks. I am not talking about the virus and lockdown but the often unseen and unreported impact it has had and continues to have on our environment, living and time.

When Lottie and I walk along the bank of the Thames to the allotments the river looks still and peaceful and has a clarity which we never see normally. No, you can’t see to the bottom - the strong tides see to that and stir up the sediment on the river bed. However, it is clearer and obviously does not have the heavy and constant river traffic churning up the silt, nor the river pleasure boats throbbing out the latest dance as they rock up and down the river each evening.

The wooded path across to the allotment is laden with overgrown wildflowers, brambles and feisty nettles. The squirrels are everywhere and teasing Lottie on her walk. The trees create a canopy of shade and the path floor has carpet of fallen seeds. You could be in any woods in the deepest countryside not cheek to jowl with Canary Wharf.

On the allotment bench Lottie shifts her position, stretches, and gently places one of her front paws on my lap. That is to make sure I remain, and she can continue to nap knowing where I am.

It’s so peaceful today you can even hear the pine cones cracking open overhead in the sun, the chorus of birds singing, and yet we are less than a mile away from Canary Wharf and the new heart of the East End of London and densest residential housing in Western Europe. The Mudchute is a haven, a respite, an oasis in the bustling rejuvenated Docklands of London. Yet today the constant hum of cars is gone or is subdued, the sky is almost free from vapour trails and the sounds of City airport have temporary ceased. Even the farm in its lockdown is now deserted of children and visitors.

Earlier this week the gentle breeze brought us a sky full of seeds floating over the allotments from their parent plants and in search of a safe landing place. It almost looked like snow as the fluffy seed parachutes were carried in the wind and I found myself sneezing with the high pollen count. I wanted to shout out, ‘Don’t worry it’s hay fever not the virus!’ But who would have heard me? A day later the seeds were gone and no doubt the next time I’ll see them they will be young weed seedlings sprouting up and begging to be weeded out of the plot.

Yesterday was strange. In the morning there was real heat in the early morning sun. You realised it was going to be hot and the plot needed an early drink to help it through the day. The greenhouse already resembled a sauna and the door was wedged open much to the relief of all inside. I merely moved out the Sweet Corn and found sweat pouring across my face and trickling down my back. It was clearly time to go home and Lottie panting, agreed.

Late in the afternoon we returned to rehydrate the plot and bring the Sweet Corn back in.

Sitting on the bench contemplating life as Lottie and I do, I sensed a change, something different. At first I could not put my finger on it but then I realised what it was. The air was clean and with the bright sunshine you had that light intensity you don’t normally have, or ever see in London. As a painter you appreciate the light intensity you get in places like the Mediterranean but to see that sharpness of contrast and clarity in London, we must have lost a lot of air pollution! Perhaps I should put the jigsaw and books to one side and do some painting in London while it lasts.

Today I planted out the Sweet Corn and as I put my hands into the soil it was warm, or should I say a lot warmer than normal. Perhaps I don’t normally notice it, perhaps it is no different, but I sensed that the plants would enjoy their nice new warm surroundings and a cool drink. It makes you realise that the science of ground heat source probably has more to it than a few Grand Design buildings.

How long will this new environment last? China has returned to smog and it would appear inevitable that we will return to our noise, air and general pollution levels, but today at least we can enjoy what we have.