A Year on the Plot

By Emma Taylor, Poundbury Good Things Lead

If you’ve ever wandered past the Poundbury Garden Society Allotments, you'll know there’s always something growing — leaves unfurling, tendrils climbing, shoots peeking up through the soil. The allotments, near Middle Farm Way, are tended by a community who affectionately call themselves Plotters. Together, they cultivate their plots, share harvests, swap tips, and quietly mark the passing of the year.

It was here, among the raised beds and pathways, that local artist and volunteer Mary O’Flaherty found inspiration for the first illustration in our new Landmarks of Poundbury series.

Since becoming an allotment holder herself, Mary has been observing the rhythm of the growing year — from early spring peas to autumn beets — and capturing the small dramas and delights along the way.

The first in the new Landmarks of Poundbury series is called The Plotters’ Pest. It celebrates the productive energy of the allotments, the changing seasons, and the playful creatures that visit — including a cheeky rabbit who has pinched a carrot. As ever with Mary’s work, it’s hand-drawn, vibrant, full of colour, and packed with little details. One very special touch: Mary has hidden her signature — the letter “M” inside a Celtic symbol of the waxing, waning, and full moon - somewhere in her new design. A tiny secret for anyone who pauses to look closely.

This design is more than just a celebration of the allotments. It’s a reminder of what Poundbury Good Things is all about: using creativity to support our community. Every purchase from Poundbury Good Things helps to support local initiatives, such as the award-winning youth and community programmes at the Pavilion in the Park. The joy, care, and skill that go into creative work like Mary’s help give back to the people and places that make Poundbury so special.

The Plotters’ Pest is the first of three new designs we’ll be revealing over the coming weeks. Each one is a playful, colourful lens on Poundbury life — moments of everyday beauty that invite you to pause, smile, and notice what’s around you. We can’t wait to share the next chapters of this story with you.

Emma Taylor - Project Lead, Poundbury Good Things

An initiative of the Community Association of Poundbury  

You can find out more about Poundbury Good Things HERE: