In our ‘From the Plot’ series, we chat to inspiring growers who share their passion and knowledge. This month, Lucy from @lucyintheplotwithflowers shares how the whim to get an allotment quickly developed into a highly organised family project shaped by planning, experimentation and a constant search for what to try next…
My gardening journey started with an allotment
Lucy’s allotment in full flow
Images courtesy of Lucy Sheliker
My gardening journey began eight years ago, when my husband decided to apply for an allotment. It turned out to be the best decision ever! Since then, the allotment has become our family project. My husband is the powerhouse – he works behind the scenes, tackling the heavy work, clearing beds, and preparing the soil for planting. I’m more of a planner and an organiser, always looking for new ideas and dreaming up what to grow next. Together, we make a great team, and we both love the full cycle of it all: from tiny seedlings to big harvests.
I let the seasons influence my gardening style
Baskets of pretty dahlias picked from Lucy’s allotment
Images courtesy of Lucy Sheliker
I’d describe my gardening style as simply following the natural rhythm of the allotment through the seasons. I love growing flowers and vegetables from early spring to late autumn. I also love experimenting with new flowers, unusual vegetables, and anything that sparks my curiosity. There’s always something happening, whether it be sprouting vegetables or blooming flowers.
Winter is my “active rest” period; I may not be sowing or digging, but the planning continues – ordering seeds (sometimes far too many), sketching maps of the plot, and creating long lists of which varieties to grow. I take great joy in planning ahead for the next season. I also love experimenting – new flowers, unusual vegetables, and anything that sparks my curiosity. It keeps the allotment exciting and makes every year different.
My love of organic food inspired me
Organic vegetables harvested by Lucy and her husband
Image courtesy of Lucy Sheliker
At the heart of it all is my love for good quality, organic food and the simple joy of being outdoors. Seeing how well the plot did in our first year inspired us to grow more – more vegetables, more flowers, more colour. Spending time in nature has always grounded me, and somewhere along the way, that love grew into a full-blown passion for flowers. Now, the allotment isn’t just productive – it’s colourful, buzzing, and alive. Vegetables and flowers happily coexist, and I get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Heirloom tomatoes are my favourite crop
Lucy’s favourite heirloom tomatoes harvested straight from her allotment
Images courtesy of Lucy Sheliker
If I had to pick a single favourite crop, it would be heirloom tomatoes. They’re fascinating, full of different shapes, colours, and flavours, and fun to grow. Nothing beats the taste of a sun-warmed tomato straight from the vine.
I also love growing a wide variety of vegetables, from pumpkins and courgettes to cucumbers, peppers, onions, and sweetcorn. Each one brings its own little moment of excitement when it’s ready to harvest. And of course, I love growing flowers too. From spring tulips and daffodils to summer dahlias and zinnias, I enjoy filling the allotment with colour and cutting big bunches to take home.
Have fun and enjoy the process
Lucy admiring her stunning dahlia blooms
Image courtesy of Lucy Sheliker
My top tip for beginners is to enjoy the process. Things won’t always go perfectly – and that’s completely normal. I certainly didn’t know what I was doing when I started, and that’s half the fun. You don’t need to be an expert to begin. Gardening is something you learn by doing, season after season. Grow what you love, try new things, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes along the way. They’re all part of the journey. Most importantly, have fun with it.
I’m proud of how far we’ve come
Lucy and her helper with their freshly picked produce
Images courtesy of Lucy Sheliker
I’m proud of how far we’ve come – from a wild, overgrown plot to now managing two allotments and keeping them thriving. Winning the tallest sunflower competition two years in a row still makes me smile, and growing over 100 tomato plants last year was a challenge, but well worth it!
Being featured by the Garden Museum was another huge honour, but the biggest joy has been connecting with so many wonderful, like-minded gardeners. As for the future, we’re excited to continue growing, experimenting, and filling our allotments with colour and home-grown vegetables.
Grow like Lucy
A striking variety, ideal for greenhouses or a sunny spot outdoors
Image: Tomato ‘Green Zebra’ (Heirloom Salad) from Suttons.
If you want to grow like Lucy, here are just a few of her favourites:
Follow Lucy at @lucyintheplotwithflowers for ideas and tips on growing colourful, edible crops. To discover more inspirational growers, explore our ‘From the Plot’ series.
