But for the first time, some of Glasgow’s allotments will to open to the public.
A total of 11 of the city’s allotments are taking part in this years Doors Open Day in the Open Gates event.
These green sanctuaries are an important part of the life of communities.
The Evening Times reported last month how council bosses are offering vacant and derelict land in Glasgow as potential plots for landscaping.
A report from council regeneration chiefs said that temporary landscaping can be an “innovative” solution to deal with vacant sites.
Even though the amount of vacant land is growing, so is the number of people on the waiting list for allotments.
The city has 16 council-owned allotments with 676 plots and 10 privately owned sites with 647 plots.
Two years ago more than 660 people were on allotment waiting lists and that number is believed to have grown since then. The Open Gates event will offer people the chance to meet green-fingered plot-holders, ask questions about growing food and tour an allotment near them.
At Trinley Brae allotments in Knightswood, there is a diverse community with a shared passion for growing their own produce.
The allotments support wildlife and biodiversity is a key trend. There is a wildlife plot, ponds, bug habitats and wildlife-friendly plants.
Every plot has its own character, so visitors are being urged to go along and meet the people who created them. There will be a display of the site history, activities for children, plant sales, an allotment show and refreshments, including home baking.
The allotments secretary and plot holder Sarah Jones said it’s important for allotments to open to the public.
She said: “There is such long waiting lists for allotments in Glasgow, ours is near 90 at the moment so it’s important that people can come along and talk to the plot holders to get a feel for what it’s like to be at the allotments.
“I think you get quite a lot out of having your own plot of land. I come home from work and just lose myself when I’m tidying and planting things I lose track of time and forget about the worries of work.
“I get into the digging and just really enjoy it. It’s really sociable too, as we often share plants or seeds and have a good chat about anything.”
Queens Park Allotments are situated in Queens Park on the south side of the city. Secretary Robin Bower said: “People will be able to see how much work goes into the allotments and can ask about growing veg. You can grow veg anywhere, even in a window box.”
Judy Wilkinson, secretary of the Glasgow Allotments Forum, will be speaking about these hidden, urban gardens this morning at the drop-in sessions in St Andrew’s in the Square.
Talking about the importance of allotments, she said: “Glimpsed from trains, hidden behind walls, between tenement blocks and in odd corners of the city these oases are an important part of the life of plot-holders, their families and friends.
“The planting and harvesting of the plots contribute to the natural history of the dear green place. So treat yourself to a free tour of an allotment near you and enjoy.”
Doors Open Day co-ordinator Rosie Griffin said the allotments were a “must see” for Doors Open Day visitors.
She said: “We are delighted at the addition of allotments in 2010. It’s a great opportunity to explore these tucked away urban gardens, where tenement dwellers can grow their own fruit, flowers and veg.”
Glasgow’s Doors Open Day, or Glasgow’s Built Heritage Festival, is packed with things to do, with talks and seminars leading up to Doors Open Day from today until Friday.
More than 100 buildings will open their doors for free this weekend, to help the public learn as much as possible about Glasgow’s built heritage.
Rothesay’s three to see
It’s another first for this years Doors Open Day -- the main town on the Isle of Bute is taking part in the festival.
On Saturday, three buildings in Rothesay -- just 90 minutes from Glasgow -- will open for free as part of the Scotland’s largest architectural event.
Visitors are invited to take a look at Rothesay Pavillion, a stunning A-listed art deco building.
Tours of the building by award-winning architects Elder and Cannon will offer the chance to hear about this national treasure from the experts.
Professor Charles McKean, in his book The Scottish Thirties said: “Rothesay Pavilion offered the Glasgow holidaymaker an experience at the forefront of style in Scotland.” Bute Museum, near Rothesay Castle, is also waiving admission charges and will offer visitors access to archives normally closed to the public.
And you won’t have to spend a penny to visit the magnificent Victorian loos on Rothesay pier. The tiled interiors, marble hand basins and even marble cisterns are a sight to behold.
