Shed@129

As every gardener knows, a good shed is both essential and a luxury. For over a year, I had cycled my large garden fork, plus all my other equipment, from our tiny, central-Oxford flat to the shedless plot each time I visited, becoming a local curiosity with the fork sticking out of the top of my rucksack as I cycled along. Despite Mr. Trial and Error's general patience with muddy gardening kit all over the flat, the situation was clearly untenable. A shed needed to be built...

I faced a daunting challenge. I had no transport (other than a bike, and even with the best will in the world, and a splendid Croozer bike trailer, a shed cannot be straightforwardly transported by bike), no address for delivery (the allotments don't have a postcode) and possibly most crucial of all, limited DIY skills. It was time, I thought, for a party!

Bribing my wonderful friends and family to build a shed with a vegan BBQ and as much beer as they could safely drink on an allotment site with no facilities was easier than I thought. Appointing my father as Project Manager ensured a win, as he not only brought the tools and the plan, his manly reputation rested on the successful outcome of the project...

In just one afternoon, the ground was cleared, a patio laid, and a shed erected. A toast to teamwork, friendship, and hard work! Thanks guys, I owe you some vegetables... :)

Proto patio...

First things first - the floor...

The chefs!

Getting the BBQ started...

A casual chat whilst building the roof :)

This level of sartorial elegance is not always required on Plot 129!

The shed today.

The door! Nearly there...