So much of our lives for the next year, and beyond, is held within this simple, unassuming cardboard box. It's name is Bertie. Bertie originally started its travels on the Isle of Arran, coming to London then spending some time in France, before returning to London. A quick visit to Wales then ensued, though for much of last year Bertie was just happy to sit at home... quiet... unpretentious... still. And we're delighted that this was the case, as Bertie holds so many of our growing hopes and dreams. It is within the packets... within the monthly sections... within Bertie that much of our growing year is held. The seeds in each packet, and each monthly section, will barely ever see the light of day. As they sit in the darkness of their packaging they're really just waiting for the dappled darkness of soil... or compost... and moisture... and sunlight. You see, it's these seeds that will germinate and grow and produce food for our table. Some will need to burst into flower before giving up their taste-filled offerings; others will just be resplendent in their luscious, leafy green goodness; the rest we'll know little about until they're pulled from the ground and their lengthy tap root or bulbous tubers are revealed to the sun or rain drenched world. Bertie is a spit of a thing and doesn't really weigh much, though this meek little box carries the full weight of bountiful growing seasons and harvests... harvests that we hope will sustain and nourish. We certainly have much to thank Bertie for, and can only hope that our growing hopes and dreams for this year are fulfilled... weather and pests permitting! A Guernsey Gardener in London, Day 24
13 Comments
Anna
28/1/2020 01:16:13 pm
Bertie is adorable small in stature large in capacity to hold lots of veg and flowers in weight..push it out Bertie😍🌱🌾
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Paul Savident
28/1/2020 01:24:09 pm
😊🤞😊 Push Bertie... push!! 😂
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Izzy
28/1/2020 02:20:10 pm
We were so taken by Bertie when you showed him on one of your YouTube videos that we created our own... Suzie the Seed Box! I am so excited to work my way through the months, sowing successionally so hopefully, like you said, weather and pests permitting, we will have enough food to take us through next year....
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Paul Savident
28/1/2020 02:35:16 pm
Izzy, I am so pleased that Bertie inspired Suzie!! Do send us photos to our email or post, if you are able, on to Planet Vegetaria or our Facebook page!! Maybe one day Bertie can meet Suzie and the seeds of something even greater may flourish!!
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Izzy
28/1/2020 02:53:52 pm
hahaha! That would be a prospect to behold!
Paul Savident
28/1/2020 02:55:54 pm
😂😂😂
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Philippa Ibbotson
28/1/2020 04:39:38 pm
I was also inspired to make my own Bertie when I saw you a couple of weeks ago. I caught the cat last night with paws in June and July and very annoyed because he couldn’t get his bum into August.
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Paul Savident
28/1/2020 05:44:32 pm
How fabulous... cats and boxes... always a joy!! Our three would often do the same. I shoe box was always particularly snug, though a men's boots' box was always perfect as all three could sit on top of each other in that! 😂
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jane kelly
28/1/2020 09:18:57 pm
We share the same fascination, as many do, about how such great things can develop from such seemingly insignificant beginnings. Imagine if every single one of those seeds were to be planted, germinated and grown to fruition - my goodness that would be something!! Another beautifully written piece Paul - thank you.
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Paul Savident
28/1/2020 11:23:38 pm
Ah, that fascination. 😊 I guess I have always had it, fostered by mum and dad. My brothers much less so though, and I wonder sometimes if the youthfulness of my parents with two young kids gave way to the more mundane and magical when I came along unexpectedly six years later. My dad once asked me if I minded that he did not play much with me as was so busy with the garden and home life, and I remember my response... "We had the garden, veggie garden and orchard. That was our time together, and I wouldn't change it for the world". ❤
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Anna Williams
28/1/2020 10:34:25 pm
Thank you Paul. That was absolutely beautiful .
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Paul Savident
28/1/2020 11:25:02 pm
Thank you Anna. A Bertie is easy to make. Very Blue Peter!! Fingers grossed for this year... 🤞
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Stephen Brammall
2/2/2020 05:39:54 pm
Bertie certainly is a seasoned world class traveller who holds the future in his very well organised sections....
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