The CrystalMoonCat never really disappeared… she just got soil under her fingernails.
After a few quiet years, I’ve found my way back to writing—but this time, with a new purpose, a new setting, and a rather opinionated allotment cat called Ludo.
Four years ago, I took on a half plot. To call it “rustic” would be generous. It was, in truth, a cheerful mix of long grass, determined weeds, and the faint suggestion that vegetables might once have lived there and then sensibly moved out.
There were no neat beds. No orderly rows. No grand design. Just potential… and quite a lot of work.
And that’s exactly what drew me in.
Because beneath the chaos, I could see it. A place to grow food, yes—but also a place to sit quietly with a cup of coffee. A place where wildlife could wander through. A place where ideas could take root just as easily as seeds.
A place that might, with time, become something rather special.
And then, of course, there’s Ludo.
Ludo doesn’t officially belong to the allotment—but try telling him that. He appears, as if by magic, to supervise proceedings, inspect compost heaps, and settle himself into the best chair as though he’s paying the rent. Which, in fairness, he probably believes he is.
Together, we are turning this patch of land into what I like to think of as Ellie’s Eden—a slightly wild, slightly whimsical, and hopefully rather beautiful space.
There will be successes. There will definitely be failures (probably involving slugs). There will be experiments, inventions, and the occasional moment of “what on earth was I thinking?”
And I’ll be sharing all of it here.
This blog is not about perfection. It’s about progress, curiosity, and finding joy in the small things—whether that’s the first seedling appearing, a bird stopping by for a chat, or Ludo deciding that today’s most important job is a nap in the sun.
So if you’d like to follow along as this little plot slowly transforms, you’re very welcome.
Pull up a chair—if Ludo hasn’t already claimed it.
