An allotment full of memories a special commission

An Allotment Full of Memories – A Special Commission

One of the loveliest parts of being an illustrator is being invited into someone else’s story. Recently I was asked to paint a very special place — a family allotment.

At first glance, an allotment might just look like rows of vegetables and a little shed, but this one held years of memories. It was a place of early morning watering, muddy boots, summer strawberries, and quiet moments with a cup of tea while the beans climbed their canes.

The brief was to capture not just the layout of the allotment, but the feeling of it — the greenhouse glowing softly in the afternoon light, the neat rows of vegetables lovingly tended, and the slightly wonky shed that had seen many seasons come and go.

Working in watercolour felt perfect for this piece. Soft washes allowed the greens of the leaves and the earthy tones of the soil to blend together in that gentle, nostalgic way that reminds me of old gardening books and countryside life.

Little details are always my favourite part of a commission like this. The watering can by the shed door. The wooden bean supports. A line of marigolds planted to keep pests away. These small touches are often the things people remember most.

The finished painting was created as a keepsake — something that could hang on the wall and bring back the feeling of that allotment in every season, even in the depths of winter.

(Work in progress)

I always feel incredibly honoured when someone asks me to paint a place that means so much to them.

An allotment is more than a garden; it’s patience, care, and the quiet joy of watching something grow.

If you have a special place you’d love turned into an illustration — a garden, cottage, favourite walk, or family home — you can find out more about my commission process on my commissions page.

Sally x