So that’s it, I’ve finally made the decision to not keep chickens and I’m going to stick to it! I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and come to the conclusion that I just don’t have the right amount of space, or time to keep chickens. This new business venture has really kicked off and left me with very little time to spend up the allotment let alone spending everyday up there to let the chickens in and out. What with the online shop and the garden shows that we’ve been doing, some of which have even kept me away from home for the weekend, I am really struggling to find any time in the day at all and it’s getting a little stressful.
I had the chicken area all planned out and let it go to waste over the past months, the weeds do look rather pretty but they are everywhere! I was going to let the chickens demolish them but now I have new plans and I’m afraid the weeds will have to go. The chicken area will now be known instead as the flower meadow and as you can guess, it’s going to be full with flowers.
I’m going to draw a few plans up later tonight and I’ll no doubt share them with you all, but for now this is what I’m planning in my head. There will be a low growing wild flower meadow in the centre of the patch with a little entrance near the front by the tulip trough. I’m planning on putting a small table and chairs in this area so I can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. Around the outside edge of the little meadow will be lots of wild and cut flowers, including some asparagus, a globe artichoke and some rhubarb amongst them. There will be a small compost bin shaped like a bee hive, a bird bath, a handmade bug hotel and a little hedgehog house too. I really want this area to be not only for me, but for the wildlife as well. I want to sit in the centre of the bed surrounded by pretty flowers, with the butterflies and bees buzzing around.
That’s how it looks in my head anyway!
I’m off to the Gardener’s World Live show this Saturday and I can’t wait, hopefully it will be involve lots of inspiration and ideas and I might even come home with some new plants.
I’m not going to entirely forget about my chicken keeping dream though, I’m hoping that one day in the future the time will be right to get my little flock of hens. You never know, my dream of owning a small holding might come true and there would be not only chickens, but goats, ducks and pigs too! But for now I think I’m going to create a space in my allotment where I can go to relax, de stress and simply unwind from work.
13 thoughts on “The Final Decision”
Sometimes you just know when the time is right or not and you have made the right decision. Your plans for a wildlife meadow sound fabulous. I’m really looking forward to see how it goes.
Lovely post as always Katie x I’m glad you have come to a decision that makes sense for you. Your new ideas for the area sound gorgeous! And all the continuing best of luck with all your new adventures! Helen x
It sounds like a sound decision. You are young, and no doubt someday you will have your small holding with chickens and more! Presently, you are keeping with the goal of creating a productive plot, via food, flowers and habitats, while still keeping in mind it is your sanctuary. Good for you! Keep it simple as they say. Sending you lots of happy, loving thoughts from Colorado!
Chickens are hard work, my father keeps them and it’s like he is a slave to them. Has to do so much, well at least he does and has all set times for feeding them and cleaning them out everyday. With so much going on in your life, sounds like you have made a good decision. Love the sounds of all the flowers, I have tried to do this on my plot this year but it’s well behind schedule.
I think you have made the right choice. It is a lovely dream and one I share with you. I too dream of mini goats and hens and and and and……but in reality, it’s no good for the animals as I work during the day and in winter I would never be there during daylight to care for them as I I would like to. I keep my dreams alive and maybe one day it will happen..but until then I volunteer and work with other people’s animals so I get all the fun and none of the downsides. I also have a very old rescue rabbit and adorable smelly old labradour who I love with all my heart :-). And of course I have my garden and your allotment!
Being so busy really made the decision for you. I agree it’s the right choice for now, who knows what will happen further down the line.
Wise decision. Why spread yourself too thin? When things become stressful the joy sometimes disappears. Take it slowly and enjoy!
Maybe you can borrow some chickens for a day or two to clean out your spot
The chickens could have been interesting and fun for you, but you have other things to do now. Your plan makes sense.
I really just wanted to say that whils I hope everything goes well with the business side of things for you, ………….. PLEASE don’t forget the reason I watched you in the first place….. ( I can’t speak for everyone else) Take care
It’s one thing to keep livestock such as chickens at home where you can tend to them quickly but having to travel to your allotment, even it is just a few minutes, would tend to put a real damper into your days. Good call! If your motive for having them was primarily for “free” eggs, I’m sure there are many local producers where you can purchase them.
Really good post as always Katie. You have done the right thing if you are so busy, I keep chickens and they are a real commitment. When you start to think about them again in the future give me a shout as there are loads of toys available now that mean you don’t have to visit everyday.
Good luck with the flowers, your pond area looks fab with them.
Happy gardening!
I love your idea of the flower meadow. You have a very pretty (and productive) allotment. Happy gardening!