Reasons to be cheerful - Shed Chic

Oh, a bit of sunshine again - must get up to the allotment. So much to do! It's a disgrace! I don't get up there nearly as much as I should and while I'm away Mother Nature takes advantage and attacks, urging weeds to advance along the paths and among the veg at a phenomenal rate and encouraging slugs to gorge on the plants growing into the hugest specimens that make me squeal when my hand brushes against one by accident. She tells the pigeons that I won't be there for a while so its ok to savage the brassicas. She tells the rabbits that Wend has planted more lettuces and that they are at the perfect stage for a bunny picnic in the sunshine. Meanwhile the birds pop in for a fruity pick and mix amongst the burgeoning fruit bushes. The veg in turn become veg behaving badly and sprawl about like lethargic teenagers or bolt as if they realise how lazy they've been and decide they must make up for lost time. The lettuces turn into beautiful inedible border plants two feet high, cougettes that I looked at (only a few days ago surely?) turn into marrows big enough to become offensive weapons.



So, faced with all this natural naughtiness what do I do? I pick up my camera and wander off to look at some of the other allotments and remind myself why I go up there. With waiting lists of up to forty years now I feel very lucky to have an allotment and know that others would make beter use than I have done so far but I keep learning! I feel inspired by the make do and mend way of the true allotmenteer (not sure if that's in the dictionary)- spotted this lovely little makeshift bench...



I love sheds - some people take great pride in painting them and making them
smart...(Mental note - must learn how to do links so I can show you the latest Country Living book - "Shed Chic" - take a look on Amazon)



others show us how to do it properly with window boxes potted tubs and a wood store...



others quirky like this camoflaged one...



and others just allowed to become old and shabby over time ...



but I love best the chippy paint



on this one



covered in its various layers of blue, yellow, green , blue again



probably repainted every time there was a change of owner each one wanting to add their own stamp of individualty. I love that this owner has just allowed it to become weathered and worn (like many of us!). I'm afraid I had to pick up and keep the bit of paint that fell off as I brushed past...



Doesn't she look wonderful in her coat of many colours?

Its good to take the time to stand and stare sometimes...