A Dalbeattie gardening scheme is proving to be an outdoor godsend to dozens of local growers.
It had been feared that Dalbeattie Community Allotments Association would suspend all activities.
But thanks to a strict physical distancing regime green-fingered citizens can still plant and sow.
DCAA chairperson Sandra McWhirter said getting out in glorious spring weather was an escape for many.
“If we did not have this we would all go stir crazy,” Sandra told the News.
“Without the allotments it would be murder and things would start to close in on you.
“You really benefit from getting daily exercise, growing your own veg and socialising.
“It’s getting folk out in the fresh air.”
Sandra, 69, added: “You can easily have a conversation with someone a couple of plots away without worrying about social distancing.
“You can see and talk to other folk, which is good for your mental health, and when you are digging, the day just seems to fly in.”
The association has 75 allotments, almost all of which are fully occupied.
“We have full plots, half plots and three-quarter-sized plots,” retired postie Sandra said. “We even have wee starter plots.
“Most people are very friendly but you do get the odd person who wants to be on their own, which is fine.”
Moniaive native Sandra added: “The majority of plots are getting worked. The committee members make sure they are kept free from weeds.”
The site is still open only through applying strict physical distancing and control measures.
“Plots are 20 feet wide so there’s plenty of space,” said Sandra.
“There can be four or five different people working there but still four or five plots apart from each other.
“We are very well aware of following guidelines.
“One gate is locked so that people can’t walk through neighbouring allotments to get to ours and we always put on a pair of gloves when using the water taps. It’s just common sense.”
