Dust if you must, but I'd rather not. I'm putting down roots on my own little plot.............

Tina Lamb - Plot 45A

We retired to Wellesbourne in 2006. It was our 13th home and it took me a while to realise that we had actually retired and that hopefully we wouldn't have to move again – we were here to put down roots. Getting an allotment has all been part of the getting rooted here.

I love growing things and especially growing things we can eat. I like my home but I'm not that keen on housework. I like the poem:

Dust if you must but wouldn't it be better

to paint a picture, or write a letter,

Bake a cake, or plant a seed:

Ponder the difference between want and need.

Tina on Plot 45A - © Rob Lavers

I love being on my allotment. I like having my hands in the earth. I like planting seeds and the wonder of seeing things grow. I even like weeding. Some afternoons my husband Christopher arrives with a thermos of tea and cake and we sit on our neighbour's bench and think we 're some of the luckiest people alive. I like it when I cycle home with my bucket full of stuff for supper.

We inherited a really interesting bijou shed - which might interest the English Heritage Garden Shed Society (if there is one). It was once a really smart sun house on a turntable. Come and see it.

Tina and her ‘Heritage’ Shed © Rob Lavers

We are in the oldest age group of allotment holders now and increasingly grateful for the kindness of others. Thank you to Stephen England who mended the shed window when it blew out (or IN actually) in a gale.

Thank you to our neighbour, Ian, who mended the leaking roof and who calls to see if I'm alright when he notices the raspberries haven't been picked for a few days. Thank you to other muscular allotment friends who have sometimes barrowed muck or even cut the grass.

Dust if you must, but I'd rather not.

I'm putting down roots on my own little plot.............