Greenfingers

Green-fingered female allotment holders are growing it for themselves in the traditionally male-dominated world of allotments. The top four places in the Saltburn category of the Joe Abraham Memorial Allotments Competition 2006 were scooped by women. The competition is organised by Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council. Saltburn winner was Dolly Clayton, 56, who has a plot at Hazelgrove. She said: "I moved to Saltburn five years ago and got the allotment as I live in a flat and don't have a garden. It took a lot of work to get it looking nice, but I really enjoy it as the allotment gives me something to do every day. My brother, Ian, helps with the veg and I look after the flowers."
Second place in Saltburn went to Hilary Jackson, who tends two plots at Zetland Terrace. Third was Sue Birley with two plots at Hazelgrove and fourth was Barbara Boffey, who also has a plot at Hazelgrove. Barbara got her allotment 18 months ago, when it was knee-deep in weeds and wanted to try growing organic produce without pesticides. Developing her plot has been trial and error, taking advice from other allotment holders as well as reading. Vegetables and fruits grown include cabbages, broccoli, potatoes, blackcurrants, rhubarb, tomatoes and peppers. She has even encouraged husband Tim to get involved. She said: "He wasn't that interested at first, but he put up a fence, then a shed and a greenhouse. He's become really involved in it all now."