Decorating in the rain

Today, if you were outside, you will have noticed it was very, very cold. We noticed because we were out in it this morning, working with volunteers from New College Nottingham who came to help us decorate the allotment for Christmas. They produced a wonderful array of art work for us. Some was aimed at helping birds - seed-decorated cards that we've hung in the hedges. Some was aimed at stopping pigeons eating the crops - painted CD's that will flash at them.

A great design - all made from bird seed set into vegetable lard

Another of the wonderful bird-feeder decorations

They also painted some totem poles for us which look amazing. We only managed to install 2 of those because of the weather, but they have given the place a great atmosphere.

Painting more poles in the polytunnel

Preparing a hole for a totem pole

Tamping in the pole

A finished pole with its creators.

The group had hoped to add some extra touches to the raised bed paintings that their predecessors had done earlier in the year, but the weather was against us, so, undeterred, they got down to work and helped us to finish weeding the last of the beds and to harvest the parsnip crop, now it's had a good frosting.

Some of the NCN volunteers help our regulars to finish clearing the growing beds.

Lifting parsnips

In return, we provided the willing workers with homemade Christmas biscuits and freshly made pancakes. Being us, we made the pancakes with pumpkin instead of milk, and lots of cinnamon, but sneaking in the veg didn't put anyone off, and each batch that Helen finished cooking was whisked away by eager hands.

Well done all. Thanks to the decorating team and also to the regular volunteers who were brilliant and helped clear up in the cold, heavy rain at the end of the session. We look forward to the New College team returning next year to finish painting the beds, when we hope to have the clay oven back in working order so we can thank them with pizza.