My Life on a Hillside Allotment

by TerryWalton (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2007

  $11.96

  Terry Walton has kept an allotment for over 50 years - man and boy - in the Rhondda valley in South Wales. He started when he was 4, helping on his dad's plot on the side of the mountain, when he was sent to cut bracken and collect sheep manure by the bucketful to feed the rows of vegetables. By the time he was 11 he had his own plot - the youngest ever to do so - and while still in his teens established an allotment empire to grow the vegetables and flowers he sold to local customers. The proceeds paid for his first car, a canary yellow Ford Popular, when he was just 17. Set against the changing social scene in Wales - as the traditional culture of coal mining, heavy engineering and poverty gave way to a greener landscape and more affluent community - this is the story of a man with a great passion in life. His allotment has been the centre of his universe. From the first time he opened his eyes in a nursing home the other side of the allotment fence to his current role as media personality on radio, tv and in the press, Terry's tale unfolds in fascinating detail. He lovingly documents the changes over the years, the characters he meets and his own hearfelt conversion to organic gardening methods. This fascinating memoir also includes anecdotes, topical tips and family recipes plus delightful line drawings, which will make it the perfect gift for gardeners and allotmenteers.

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $4.13

  Terry Walton has kept an allotment in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales for over fifty years. He started when he was four, helping on his father's plot on the side of the mountain, cutting bracken and collecting sheep manure to feed the vegetables. He was farming his own plot at eleven and he went on to build an allotment empire, selling his vegetables and flowers to local customers. The proceeds paid for his first car, a canary yellow Ford Popular, when he was just seventeen.Then, in 2006, after half a decade of happy gardening, Terry's allotment was adopted by the Jeremy Vine Show and he became an unlikely media star. In this absorbing and entertaining memoir, Terry documents how the valley has changed over the years, his own conversion to organic gardening, and the colourful characters he meets; insterspersing his anecdotes with topical tips, family recipes and quirky line drawings. My Life on a Hillside Allotment is the perfect read for gardeners, allotmenteers and anyone who loves the great outdoors.