Allan Jenkins is editor of The Observer Food Monthly. He was previously editor of The Observer Magazine, food and drink editor on the Independent newspaper and once lived in an experimental eco-community on Anglesey, growing organic food on the edge of the Irish sea.
‘When I am disturbed, even angry, gardening has been a therapy. When I don't want to talk I turn to Plot 29, or to a wilder piece of land by a northern sea. There, among seeds and trees, my breathing slows; my heart rate too. My anxieties slip away.’
Allan Jenkins latest book, Plot 29, is half memoir and half gardener’s diary. Plot 29 is the shared London allotment where for more than 10 years, he has been growing an array of biodynamic flowers and vegetables. But the book also explores the hurt and pain of his childhood and the role that gardening has subsequently played in his mental well-being. A beautifully written, haunting memoir, Plot 29 is a mystery story and meditation on nature and nurture. It’s also a celebration of the joy to be found in sharing food and flowers with people you love.
‘Jenkins’ story raises many questions, not least that of whether it’s possible to transcend one’s past……Read this brilliant book, and weep.’ - The Herald Scotland
This event will be chaired by Audrey Green Oakes.
This event with Allan Jenkins will be broadcast live at 6.30pm on Friday 20 November via the Creative Folkestone YouTube Channel. Click here to watch the conversation.
Follow the link above to YouTube, sit back, and enjoy the conversation. If you have any questions for Allan Jenkins or the guest speaker you can add it into the chat function.
Inspired by Autumn Reads? Our friends at Canterbury Christchurch University Bookshop are offering all the titles related to our festival at a discounted rate including Plot 29 by Allan Jenkins. Click here for more information
Autumn Reads: Modern Nature is a new online festival exploring the written work of artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman. Through a programme of talks, workshops, films and more we invite you to discover the themes and ideas held within these diaries. #AutumnReads