Allotment Diaries Podcast

• EP.68 | Harvests, Hosepipe Bans & Honest Moments.

  In this episode, Laura and Chay catch up on everything happening on their allotment plots during the busy month of July. They dive into what they've been harvesting recently, the various tasks they've been tackling, and how they're managing their plots during a particularly dry spell. With a potential hosepipe ban looming due to the lack of rain, they offer practical tips on water conservation and how to prepare for restrictions.At the point of this recording (July 2025), hosepipe bans are in effect across parts of Yorkshire, Kent, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Wales. Laura also takes a moment to speak candidly about her recent absence from social media, sharing a personal and heartfelt explanation. This episode blends practical gardening advice with real-life reflections, offering both inspiration and support to fellow growers.If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected]. You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about.

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• EP.67 | From Chelsea to Hampton: A Stroll Through the Flower Shows.

  In this episode, Laura and Chay reconnect at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, taking listeners along for a walk-and-talk through the event. As they explore the showgrounds, they share their impressions and offer a thoughtful comparison to their recent experience at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.Despite the challenging conditions — including high temperatures, crowds, and a makeshift recording setup — their conversation captures the vibrant energy of the day.The episode also features a light-hearted A to Z flower-naming game. While they successfully covered most of the alphabet, a few tricky letters like U, Q, and Z proved elusive. Listeners are encouraged to get in touch via direct message if they can help complete the list.In addition to the flower shows, Laura and Chay provide a seasonal update from their personal plots, discussing recent developments, challenges, and highlights from their growing journeys.If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected]. You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about.

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• EP.66 | The National Allotment Society with Guy Herzmark

  In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by Guy Herzmark, the Northern Regional Representative for the National Allotment Society (NAS). With over 25 years of experience as an allotmenteer in Newcastle Upon Tyne and many years of service as a site chair, Guy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for allotment gardening. He shares insights into the work of the NAS, the UK's leading organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting allotments. Representing over 125,000 members, the NAS works closely with governments, landlords, and developers to establish, manage, and preserve allotment spaces. Guy discusses how people can become members, the range of support NAS offers—including advice, legal resources, and insurance—and the key challenges currently facing the organisation. He also gives listeners a glimpse into life on his own plot, sharing some of the recent hurdles his site has encountered and highlighting his favourite things to grow. Meanwhile, Laura and Chay reflect on their own gardening experiences during the recent heatwave, admitting that watering has been their main task lately due to the unusually high temperatures.You can find out more from their website: https://thenas.org.uk/If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected]. You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about.

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• EP.65 | Designing Green Dreams with James Smith!

  In this episode, Laura and Chay are joined by the talented James Smith, an accomplished garden designer at Landscape Services. James is a former RHS medalist and was a finalist for the prestigious Young Designer of the Year award. With years of experience designing stunning gardens and landscapes across Hampshire and Dorset, James brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the conversation.James shares his journey into the world of landscape design—what first inspired him, how he developed his craft, and what drives his ambitions today. Prior to the interview, Laura and Chay sent James the designs of their own allotment plots, and during the episode, he offers honest and thoughtful feedback—highlighting what he loves, suggesting areas for improvement, and giving practical tips to consider.The chat also touches on James's own growing season, how his new greenhouse has transformed his gardening experience, and what exciting plans he has on the horizon.Whether you're a budding gardener or a design enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration and insight into the creative world of garden design.You can follow James journey on instagram HEREIf you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected]. You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about.

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• EP.64 | From Scrubs to Soil: Holly’s Allotment Journey!

  In this heartwarming episode, Laura and Chay sit down with Holly, a midwife and passionate allomenteer from St Albans, to talk about how she discovered solace and mental clarity through her allotment plot. Holly began her gardening journey in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, and shares how her small plot became a vital sanctuary amidst the pressures of frontline midwifery during unprecedented times. She opens up about expanding to a larger plot and managing the demands of her profession, and finding joy through choir singing, gym sessions, and digging in the dirt. To follow Hollys Journey, you can follow her on instagram here: @agardeningmidwife If you have any questions you would like to ask us or would like to collaborate with us, then please contact us on: [email protected]. You can also follow our social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Allotment Diaries Podcast is a podcast that examines what has worked well and what hasn't worked so well when it comes to having an allotment plot. It seeks to give an honest insight into what owning an allotment plot is actually about.

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