My plot has a fair-sized tree growing on it. Not a fruit tree - what a shame! - but just a tree that's been allowed to grow. It was the only plot available apart from one completely covered in brambles, and tree or no tree, to me this piece of land seemed like heaven. True, vegetables generally don't like shade. But there's enough plot left where they can get as much sun as they want.This time last year it was bitter cold. We'd had little rain all winter and the ground was hard and dry. I planted things wherever I had dug a bit of new ground. I had always intended to use a bed system, and ideally a raised bed system, and now, with some experience behind me, I can thoroughly recommend it. As well as the 'text book advantages' the great thing for me has been the feeling of achievement and progress. Making a small bed at a time was manageable and I could be happy about what I'd created without feeling guilty about the rest.
I have spent a few rainy days recently reading up on herbs and companion plants rather than digging the plot. I have decided to create a flower-and-herb bed around the tree with some perennial plants that will be able to cope with being under a tree Suggestions for anything that will happily grow under a tree and is useful on an allotment will be gladly received.
