l love allotments. I’m now lucky enough to have space in two of them while we are back in Cork, Ireland. Immersion in a beautiful space with other people who love to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers contributes enormously to my sense of achievement and inner calm. Despite the abundance of growth and produce, the allotment is a peaceful and tranquil place with usually no more than two or three people there at any one time. People come and go at different times of the day everyday between 9a.m and 9p.m. Often I have the whole place to myself.
After weeding and watering my plants I sometimes like to walk around and browse the wonderful crops the other allotmenteers have managed to grow.
Above photos are just a hint at the wonderful produce. No chemicals are used. There are raised bed with potatoes, onions, carrots, courgettes, squash, herbs and even fruit trees in a central bed.
The polytunnel is my favourite place! It’s always warm and bright and at this time of the year, August, it’s brimming with tomatoes, peppers and basil. The taste and flavour has to be sampled to understand why we all yearn for organic fruit and vegetables the year round. If only it were possible! But at least for the summer and autumn we will indulge in our delicious harvest.
Last Wednesday started off well. A glint of bright sunlight gleamed through a split in the bedroom curtain beckoning me to get up. As I lay there I planned my day ahead. Soon I was up enjoying a bowl of porridge while gazing at the blue sky and listening to the early morning birds. Not long after, I loaded a bag of compost on to my bicycle and headed off to the allotment.
There was no one there when I arrived. The sun was already warm and it was hot in the polytunnel as I watered the plants. I added compost to the tomatoes and when I’d finished I stepped outside for some cool air.
There were three plastic compost bins not far from the tunnel which I noticed but hadn’t looked at before. Up to now, I’d been too busy planting. I wondered if they were in use or possibly full?
I lifted the second lid. It was similar. All the weeds were dry but had not broken down as yet. Some more material such as grass, hedge cuttings and more importantly water and the composting process would continue. The third lid sat upturned on its bin. It was full of water from rain on the previous night. I proceeded to lift the lid and carefully spill the water into the dried compost below. Then it happened.....! Sharp stings! They penetrated my hand, ankle and a second later, my shoulder ! As I frantically focused my attention I immediately saw and heard the buzz of what I thought were bees. O my God! I had disturbed a hive.............
I visualized myself falling to the ground and the whole hive clinging to my flesh! I would have to move far away from their location as quickly as I could.
I felt more stings! I foolishly ran into the polytunnel only to see the bees were following me, flying round me......
When I run it’s not a real run, more of a quick limp and a run. As I limped from the tunnel I flicked three from my clothes. I was wearing shorts and a tea-shirt. I ran as quickly as I could. I hadn’t run like this for years and I could feel the stings penetrating my body through my clothes and legs.
As I looked frantically towards the entrance I saw two people had just come in to the allotment.
A man whom I later learned was Dave was showing a friend around. He saw me heading in their direction and called out “Are you OK?”
I replied in an almost breathless voice. “I’ve been stung by bees, Some are following me.”
Are they still on me?” I uttered as I reached the now concerned couple. “Stand still” said Dave. He then flicked the remaining offenders from my back.
At last they were gone.
As I sat at the wooden bench outside the allotment tea-room. I realized my hands were shaking. Dave and his friend advised me to wash the stings and apply antiseptic as soon as I got home. I pointed out the compost bin location to Dave and he told me the up side is bee stings are good for arthritis.
I don't think I will want any more injections of this type, arthritis or not.
When I arrived home I counted eleven stings in all. It took about 7 days for the swelling to finally clear. I later learned that it was actually a wasp nest and had I known this I would have gone to the pharmacy sooner.
The allotment managers has since disposed of the nest and I shall be able to return to the quite and tranquility I so love.
