Popular allotments are really growing places

Formed around 1918, the 11-acre site originally belonged to the Workman’s Garden Association and due to its close proximity to the railway, many workers had plots.

In 1945 it was purchased by Springburn Gardens Association. Despite suffering years of decline, the allotments have bounced back and there’s a healthy waiting list of people eager to get involved.

A five-year development plan is underway to improve the site, which has around 70 plots under cultivation.

This includes improving the security to tackle vandalism by erecting a fence round the allotments and eradicating Japanese Knotweed.

It’s a varied allotment community with people of all ages, nationalities and groups enjoying growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. Several local groups use them for therapy and life skills, including the Brain Injury Trust, Scottish Africa United and All Saints Secondary.

A lot of creative ideas go into the varied crops.

Margaret Scott, secretary of Springburn Gardens Association, joined the allotments six years ago after being inspired by photos she saw.

She grows a range of vegetables – from broad beans and peas, to kale, turnip and potatoes, as well as herbs and fruit such as plums and raspberries.

Margaret said: “I come regularly and get an enormous amount of enjoyment out of it. I’m out in the fresh air and being productive at the same time.

“It’s a real joy to be able to eat your own veg. It’s exciting planting peas and watching them grow.

“It’s an oasis of peace and calm.

“It’s a huge commitment of time and effort, and hard physical work. You get out what you put in.”

Anyone interested in finding our more about the allotments in Springburn can e-mail offtheplot@
btinternet.com

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