Mick
Blackpit Lane Allotments, Ward End
At 14 years old, Mick was taught the value of hard graft and remembers how his dad would reward him for digging a patch with a pint of beer.
Balbir
Victoria Jubilee Allotments, Handsworth
Balbir’s grandparents were farmers back in India; perhaps this has inspired her.
Ester, Alex & Grant
Lime Tree Road Allotments, Ward End
Ester recollects learning to grow corn and yam in Nevis, where her dad grew cotton and his own food.
Jeevan
Victoria Jubilee Allotments, Handsworth
Jeevan’s dad had his allotment for 35 years; he had five plots because he loved to grow his own food. She had a happy childhood with plenty of fond memories of the allotment.
Ish
Lime Tree Road Allotments, Ward End
Ish was inspired to start growing by his dad from a young age; he reviews the things he likes to eat at home, like dill and fenugreek.
Dave
Thornbridge Road Allotments, Great Barr
Dave recounts the excitement he felt getting his first plot at just 14 years old and how the allotment community rallied round to help him.
Dorothy, Ronaldo and George
Uplands Allotments, Handsworth
Ronaldo reflects on his connections to the Caribbean; his grandparents were farmers.
Teresinha
Walsall Road Allotments, Perry Barr
The Birmingham allotments remind Teresinha of shanty towns in Brazil. She reminisces about her grandmother.
Mr. Bansal & Jeevan
Clay Lane Allotments, Acocks Green & Victoria Jubilee Allotments, Handsworth
Daughter versus dad: Jeevan and Mr Bansal debate their different approaches to gardening, their attitudes to fertiliser, and dig or no-dig.
Jeevan
Victoria Jubilee Allotments, Handsworth
Jeevan recalls growing up in India as a child, where she would plant mango seeds and eat sugar cane.
Dorothy, Ronaldo and George
Uplands Allotments, Handsworth
Dorothy illustrates her connections to the Caribbean; she describes people having smallholdings where everyone helps one other.