UK: Michael Murphy, aged 74, has been growing fruit and vegetables for 55 years in the same plot.
Michael has managed to maintain a green space that is both environmentally and aesthetically beneficial to the local community.
Local London
Nov 29, 2021
Excerpt:
Ever since his family moved to Harrow in 1966, Michael and his brothers used to help around the plot. His father loved gardening and no doubt spent lots of time up at their allotment with the rest of the family. Now Michael lives alone, and after retiring took it upon himself to continue the family legacy. Compared to 50 years ago, the activity in the surrounding area has largely decreased. He recounts that “there used to be loads of people in and about the allotments back then, but now it’s just me.”
Unfortunately, even the pandemic has not rejuvenated the people that once were his fellow gardeners, despite the National Allotment Society (NAS) reporting a 45% increase in online applications during lockdown. Nevertheless, Michael cherishes “the chance to go outside” during a time in which many suffered both physically and mentally while confined to their homes. Thus, following his retirement, the decision to continue gardening into the foreseeable future was largely due to the significant health benefits that accompanied a hobby that kept him active throughout his later years.
