Very sad news - advice please

[jaykay]

Hello,
I hope this doesn't offend anyone but I would like advice re what to do for the best.

I've just learned today that my allotment neighbour has unexpectedly died. This was a complete shock because I was talking to her on Sunday afternoon. I would like to look after the plot until her husband is ready to do so but do not want to seem insensitive. I intend to send a message in a card to say I'll keep an eye on things but am not sure what to do about fruit and veg that is ready/will be ready soon (raspberries, courgettes etc) - should I pick it or let it rot? The plotholder was extremely proud of her plot and it is is pristine condition. I also thought of ringing the council to let them know I'd look after the plot for the next few weeks or so.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Julie.

[rustylady]

Send your card, and include your phone number so her husband can contact you if he wishes.

[jaykay]

Thanks, Rustylady, I'll do that.
Julie.

[seasprout]

Send your card, and include your phone number so her husband can contact you if he wishes.

But dont be offended if you dont hear from him, as the allotment will be the last thing on his mind.

[lettucegrow!]

I think it's a lovely idea to offer to care for things, especially as she was so proud of her plot. I'm sure her husband is worried about it not being looked after. He will have so much to do,apart from coping with his grief. I think the worst thing people do when someone dies is not say anything. We tend to run away from these situations but a card offering help and a phone number for him or someone to ring you is a lovely idea.

[Lemon]

'Tis very nice of you to do that and maybe he will visit the allotment as she liked it so much, perhaps it'll give him solitude, perhaps it'd be too raw.

What if you sold the produce from her allotment and put the pennies in a piggy bank for him. That way the produce will be enjoyed by others and not left to waste?

[jaykay]

Thanks everyone. I would really just like to keep the weeds at bay and not let things run to seed so that her husband doesn't come to visit an overgrown garden.
Julie.

[elsie-scot]

Thanks everyone. I would really just like to keep the weeds at bay and not let things run to seed so that her husband doesn't come to visit an overgrown garden.
Julie.

I am sure nobody will be offended if you that anyway, but def drop him a card.

[FionaH]

Thanks everyone. I would really just like to keep the weeds at bay and not let things run to seed so that her husband doesn't come to visit an overgrown garden.
Julie.

I think thats a lovely idea. Maybe leave the produce by his door with a note so not to intrude?

[zazen999]

I'd agree with leaving the produce outside his door, obviously not for a few weeks but what a nice thought.

[Hazel at the Hill]

When my allotment neighbour died suddenly, we all kept on top of the weeds and picked produce to take to his widow.

Although she said quite early on (this was in July) that she wouldn't be keeping the plot, we kept weeding and cropping for her until October, which is our change over time.

[Paulottie]

What if you sold the produce from her allotment and put the pennies in a piggy bank for him. That way the produce will be enjoyed by others and not left to waste?

I not sure selling it is a good idea.

Certainly send a condolence card, tend the plot and drop off any produce with him. A very lovely thought.

[Hans Mum]

or turn the fruit into jams,etc., so he doesnt have to do anything with them staight away and just leave them on his doorstep or in the shed, i agree with the card & contact number too

[Flummery]

One old chap on our site died a few weeks back. His next door plot holder has been keeping the plot up to snuff and takes produce round to the widow. In a small community you get to know one another so this is easier. It might be harder if you don't know where people live etc.

[Alison]

As others have said, it's a lovely thing to do but I wouldn't contact the council, you never know what their reaction would be.