The gates to a 20-year-old secret garden in Bramley will be thrown open to the public later this month, writes Rebecca Whittington.
Hayley’s Fields Allotments, at Prospect View, is a hidden paradise which was developed and brought to life on a run-down Leeds City Council site two decades ago.
The allotment founder, Ron Short, also devised a means of sustaining and developing Hayley’s Fields – by holding an annual one-day event which he named Plantasia, in which the private site would be opened up to the public for locals to buy plants and take part in games and activities.
Since then the event and grants from organisations like LCC have raised enough money to buy tools, storage containers, security fencing, a communal meeting hut and a special raised plot which can be used by people with mobility problems.
Diane Watson, 72, Hayley’s Field Allotment secretary, said:
“We are looking forward to throwing open the gates to the allotments and inviting the public in to see our beautiful plots and to buy some of the plants lovingly grown by our members.
“We hope the public will join us for a cuppa and some cake and to help support this site in the heart of Bramley.”
This year’s Plantasia will be held on May 29 from 11am, when the gates to Hayley’s Fields will be opened and the public will be invited to take a look around the lovingly-tended allotments.
The family-friendly fun day will include a plant stall, a tombola and refreshments.
Pictured, from L-R: Hayley’s Field Allotments committee members Diane Watson, Christine Mason, Mick and Wendy Hrintchuck and Colin Mason.
