We agreed it would be nice to have a quieter “chill” day today. We gratefully slept in until 8:30 and then had a delicious breakfast. It was a dark and rainy morning and we all settled into check on some things on the computer, work on some photos and watch some rain fall.
Around noon it cleared off, and so we went on a wonderful walk over to John’s "garden allotment". This is kind of similar to the community gardens that happen in places around the US. But it was community gardens on steroids. This particular garden went on for a really long ways, and had been started perhaps as early as the late 1890s. It was divided to different areas, but John’s area was perhaps 10 yards x 20 yards, and he didn’t even have one of the larger ones. Because they have been around for so long, they included things like apple and plum trees, as well as lots of raspberries, blackberries and many many other fruits, vegetables and flowers. We were amazed as we walked around paths that were lined with hedges of holly and really enjoyed being able to go inside and see these amazing garden plots. John told us it was common to have allotments around the UK, but these ones were particularly large and long standing.
We had a chance to poke around a little bit and see what John was growing. Because he spends much of his time in Manchester rather than locally, he currently doesn’t grow too much here. Patti was able to pick some raspberries, and then the three of us all did some serious weeding. There was an invasive plant that was a vine that had taken over some trees and raspberry canes. And there were weeds and thistles in the raised bed strawberry patch. A little bit of working together made some visible difference in tending to the garden. We walked out another gate and saw even more plants and garden plots. Clearly, this was really a wonderful sanctuary for birds and wildlife really nearly in the middle of this small city.
We had a delicious lunch of potato leek soup and bread and cheese. A perfect lunch for a now again rainy afternoon. We chatted for a while then rested and were on our phones and computers for a bit. Then we walked a little ways and went out for delightful meal at a nearby Chinese restaurant.
We were so pleased just to be able to take a little time “off “now at day 20 we’re a tiny bit over halfway with our time. There’s only so much one can take in and then it’s good to have some time just to let it settle out and feel good catching your breath. Patti finished this time with some renewed commitment to doing some more gardening. When we get back home, we’re gonna check if we can grow potatoes as well as put in an herb garden. Fun to be inspired.
Some homemade apple crumble from John's own apple trees, and then off to bed. We have enjoyed Coventry.
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