The Radical Gardener by Michael Parsons

Glusburn Allotments

Our peaceful hobby of allotment gardening is the result of centuries-old struggles for land access."He who controls the land controls the life of the people": and our land in the past has been alienated by enclosure movements, and by the Victorian Highlands Clearances; until weak checks were built into the Victorian Enclosure Acts whereupon began today's allotment movement, though much remains to be done.

More land cannot be produced by landlords no matter how high its price goes, so charging more for it is no remedy for its scarcity, a fact ignored by those who argue for allotment rent increases. The better future lies in fairer access for the majority, not restricting it to the wealthy by excluding or patronising the poor, and fairer access is what allotments aim for.

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Finals of the RHS Britain in Bloom 2011

RHS Edible Garden

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Judges are embarking on the finalists judging tour, for RHS Britain in Bloom 2011, supported by Anglian Home Improvements, the largest horticultural campaign in Europe.

They will be visiting 76 finalist communities, chosen from 1,000 cities, towns, villages and urban communities throughout the UK, from August 1-13.

Green-fingered troops will be deadheading, pruning, watering and putting their final touches to Bloom projects all over the country, in order to wow the RHS judges, score top marks and be announced category winner come late September.

Roger Burnett, RHS Britain in Bloom UK Judges Chairman, said: ‘It’s an absolute privilege and joy to be an RHS judge involved in this hugely worthwhile campaign.

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Good Luck to all those taking part.