And the Cherry on the Cow-Pat Is.........

[Hilary B]

Some weeds are illegal, but brambles and stinging nettles don't come in that category do they?
Just scatter some blackberries before you leave, or dandelions perhaps (SUCH useful plants with nearly all parts edible, but a right pain to get rid of).
The 'purchaser' should be offering YOU money as well as the owner!

[maytreefrannie]

Sorry to hear about your allotment, Creemteez - I always thought there was something about working on ground that gives you some rights. I'm not sure whether you'd have the inclination or energy to go through another wringer in what might amount to a long fight, but I just thought I'd mention it - I know I've heard of that before (rights etc.) but am not sure how accurate it is, if at all.

[Nicos]

Some weeds are illegal, but brambles and stinging nettles don't come in that category do they?

Thistles and docks...yup- go with that too!!
Ground elder and couch grass-( and urmmmmm that spaghetti stuff I always seem to forget the name of )


Oh yes...JA's...all over the place!!! ..ooo..wicked!!!

( not that I'm a vengeful sort of person you understand!)

[Bigmallly]

Sorry to hear your news CT, I take it you do not have garden space. If not, you may be best making the most of this year on the plot while you look for somewhere else. It's carp whichever way you look at it.....I feel for you

[Creemteez]

I too have heard of some old by-law regarding "Right of Ownership Through Usage", but in order for that to apply I believe you have to have been using or maintaining the land for a squillion years. Sadly, I don't think that avenue is one I'll be trotting up.
Besides, my Landlord is squirming with awkwardness over the situation and he's really a good bloke. I defy anyone put in his position not to want to accept the offer.
However, the "New Kid on the Block" is likely to get very short shrift from me when I run into him!

[Rhona]

I think you have a very admirable attitude towards your bad luck. Rotten that your patch is being taken, but you're generous enough to recognise that your landlord had an offer he couldn't refuse, and you say he's a nice bloke. I don't think it sounds like your style to 'sabotage' the land (I think some of you are joking...), and certainly not something I would do. Plus, you never know what's around the corner... A mean-spirited person something similar to us once, as the innocent incomers to a new plot (he'd been chucked off for lots of reasons), and it was really horrible.

I really hope you find something soon, or at least ready for the following season. You truly do deserve some good luck. x

[Creemteez]

Thanks, Rhona. - You're right, sabotage is not something I'd consider. I couldn't bring myself to destroy something that I've nurtured for a year and a bit. I'd feel I'd betrayed my little garden.

[binley100]

Maybe you can find somewhere on the land share scheme which is within reach and can then gradually move your stuff over.

[Nicos]

Moles- introduce moles...they'll destroy it for you!!!

[Creemteez]

Moles- introduce moles...they'll destroy it for you!!!

Nicos! I'm going to have to put you on the norty chair if you keep coming up with all these ideas for vengeance! I really appreciate your support, though

[Nicos]

OK- final suggestion..salt! ( who said that???)...there'd be no slugs for sure!!!!

[binley100]

...and there was me thinking I could send all mine there on holiday

[Hilary B]

I'd still be tempted to plant something that is hard to get rid of, but perhaps something that COULD be useful (hence blackberries or dandelions, but JA might be a better option). That wouldn't exactly be sabotage, just a form of 'helpfulness' that has drawbacks for the recipient. If I had cleared an overgrown plot, and then someone wanted to take it from me, I'd be asking for compensation for my effort (your work made the patch into something this buyer wants; I bet he wouldn't have tried to buy it when it was still overgrown). You might mention this to the person selling, because morally he owes you a small share of the cash because you made the sale possible. Estate agents usually get about 2%, in this case that would be £200, which isn't much out of his profit, and cash can't really compensate for your lost opportunity, but it always comes in handy!

[Creemteez]

I'd be asking for compensation for my effort (your work made the patch into something this buyer wants; I bet he wouldn't have tried to buy it when it was still overgrown). You might mention this to the person selling, because morally he owes you a small share of the cash because you made the sale possible. Estate agents usually get about 2%, in this case that would be £200, which isn't much out of his profit, and cash can't really compensate for your lost opportunity, but it always comes in handy!

Interesting point, Hilary. Will see what happens when I get to speak to my landlord. He is keeping a very low profile at the moment. His wife is my hairdresser and I'm due a trim so maybe I'll broach the subject then. Thanks for the input

[Nicos]

You never know- they may give you more than a fair price if you offer to leave all the stuff on it????