The last few weeks at the new plot have been about structures: sheds, posts and paving.

It’s these things appearing that really start to make the plot look organised and ordered. There are many more days ahead of hard labour but dare I say the end seems in sight. At the same time, it feels like the clock is already spinning out of control and the window to transplant the roses, peonies and pears is getting smaller.

There’s a story about the pear trees – stay with me here… I used to drive an old but very reliable jeep type car (just what you need on the mean streets of west London) but really good for the allotment and what I couldn’t fit inside could be strapped to the roof rack. I loved Mabel but the mayor declared her dirty and she had to go but on the fringes of Surrey it seems Mabel was still desirable; strange men would stop at traffic lights or knock on my front door to ask if she was for sale (really!). I resisted explaining I needed her to transport my pear trees but jeep buyer man was persistent and when he offered to use his van and help with the transporting I’d run out of objections and we agreed a price above market value. Everyone was happy including Mabel who is living out her retirement at a horse yard. Cynical me thought it highly unlikely I’d ever hear from jeep buyer man again but I texted to arrange for pear tree transportation and he replied. This was scheduled for this weekend but the forecast is for frost from Thursday so pear tree movements are suspended. Story to be continued.

Although the pear trees can’t be moved just yet, I’ve been busy organising their new accommodation. Already the planting plan has changed. Originally, the cordon trees were going to face south along the side of the plot but there are a couple of sycamore saplings in the next plot and the soil turns to yellow clay about 12″ down. Not the best spot, so a quick re-plot and hoiking out the metposts, there is a cordon avenue on the opposite side. The lesson there is to dig a test pit before committing to bashing in 3 x 60cm long metposts. Bolt through vine eyes don’t seem to be a thing anymore but they make tensioning the wire much easier, for me at least. An old-style ironmongers locally had them in stock and now they have one left! Just need to procure an extra long drill bit to go through the 100mm posts, add the vine eyes and wrangle the wire without falling in the pear-ready hole I decided to dig.

There has been more structuring. The son and van hire went to plan almost. Having emptied the tool shed I discovered the back corner is very rotten. For someone with skills, it can be repaired in situ but I don’t have the skill and I didn’t think it would survive the dismantling. Back to the internet…

I found Tiger Sheds who offered a 8×6 shiplap timber shed at a very good price – when compared to the last couple of years. It arrived in it’s full orange glory, the delivery guy helped to carry every panel to the plot then me and the boys assembled, which went very smoothly once we’d figured out how to remove the blocks added for transport. It looks very smart and very conspicuous in it’s orangeness. I think the grey helps it blend into its surroundings.

You can see in the orange shot, the pond-side decking has been laid and the water barrel set up. Just need to add guttering on the new tool shed and connect it to the IBC tank. The things I do for fresh blueberries!

At the front of the tea shed (so much work to do before I’ll want to make tea in there) I’ve started levelling(ish) the ground and adding slabs.

I’ve managed to fit in some planting as well. The very-early-to-be-delivered raspberries are now in their beds with colour-coordinated posts.

While the frost persists, I’ll concentrate on the shed interiors. I may even have to turn my attention to the house interior – still stairs and landing to paint…

Whatever you’re plotting, stay warm.