The new polytunnel has arrived!

A huge thank you to Simon and Scott from First Tunnels, who travelled all the way from Lancashire to Dorset to assemble our fabulous new polytunnel. Anni thoroughly enjoyed their northern banter and sense of humour over the 2 days she worked with them. We were all so impressed by their hard work, attention to detail, and friendly, chatty approach.

Having the polytunnel means that our guests and volunteers will be able to grow everything on-site at the allotment going forward. Up until now, Anni has taken all the seeds we’ve sown at Step Outside home with her to her own polytunnel, cared for them and then transferred them back to the allotment as seedlings for us to plant. She also grows all the flowers at home, including cosmos, zinnias, dahlias and gypsophilia, which she uses to create pretty seasonal flower arrangements for the tables at our Jolly Days.

A while ago, Anni had a meeting with Hayley (National Trust’s Head Gardener and allotment organiser) where Anni proposed using the vacant plot next to ours to grow cut flowers until the new raised beds were made, and creating a small pond to attract wildlife and insects into our garden. She also proposed having a polytunnel for undercover work and planting preparation. We are so delighted that the National Trust very kindly agreed to all our requests and over the moon with our new polytunnel!