My Life on a Hillside Allotment by Terry Walton

Only £12.99

Synopsis

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.

What the critics say
Every time he appears on the programme we feel that life is worth living. He has that power to lift your spirits.
- Jeremy Vine

Heart-warming memoir from an allotment keeper of 50 years.
- Amateur Gardening

His passion for the earth and for all things bright and beautiful that grow from it is so contagious that you can't help thinking that planting some rocket and a few carrots is the key to greater happiness.
- Kerry Fisher, Candis

this is a memoir, recipe book and history lesson rolled into one.
- Kerry Fisher, candis

Romping through this great little read, thoroughly enjoying the story, I was unaware I was also learning a great deal about the foibles of growing produce on an allotment
- Allotment and Leisure Gardener