One of the best therapies

Our Grower of the Month this month is Lisa (@strawbs_allotment22). As Grower of the Month, Lisa spoke to us about her gardening journey, from starting off her allotment as a novice just a few years ago to being part of an allotment committee.

“My name is Lisa (nickname Strawbs), I’m 43 and I’ve had an allotment for nearly 3 years. I’ve been learning as I grow. From a complete novice I’m now part of the allotment committee and supporting others on their gardening journey,” she said.

Gardening gave her much needed time and space, she says, adding, “I got diagnosed with PTSD 5 years ago and gardening has been a huge part of my recovery. It gives me space and time to just be and gain pride in myself and what I’ve grown. It’s definitely one of the best therapies I’ve had!”

About her favourite time of day to garden, Lisa reflects, “my favourite day on the plot is a Sunday when I meet others on the site for tea and biscuits, then I spend a few hours to myself planting on, weeding and sometimes just sitting back, watching the wildlife or talking to my allotment friends. At the moment there are so many seedlings in my polytunnel and on my windowsills, some of which are growing in coir.”

Lisa is also manager of a nursery and has developed an allotment where the children grow their own veggies. “My biggest tip is to make it fun. The children love the  super potato story and we use this book to talk about potatoes, peas and other veggies and then they get stuck straight into planting… they water, take photos and then pick and eat their crops,” Lisa says, adding, “it’s amazing for them to see the full cycle from seed to vegetable.”