Down by the river near where we live there is a large patchwork of flat, windswept land which is covered with intricate patterns of rows and strips and squares and rectangles. The blocks are all different colours – reds, purples, whites, yellows, oranges – and the borders and background are many shades of green. There are deep brown lines which criss-cross and intersect the whole and, occasionally, a person moving around the neat layout like a needle, drawing it all together.
I go to look at the local allotments in the spring and summer, but find they are at their most glorious in late August and September when there are wonderful shows of beans and sunflowers, tomatoes and dahlias, all beautifully laid out to form a magnificent quilt of fruit, vegetables and flowers. As I wander around, I fantasise about the perfect potager and dream of colourful, witty and delicious combinations and patterns. But, for the time being, I am content to look and dream until I have the time to do it properly.
