Neglected allotment plots are often full of flowers. The earth has generally been disturbed quite recently which has the effect of distributing seeds, stolons (i.e. runners) and rhizomes (i.e. rootstocks). A period of neglect then allows them to take hold. Case in point the curiously named Fox and Cubs (Pilosella aurantiaca) spreads by all of these methods.

 P. aurantiaca was no doubt introduced to the UK as a garden plant but runs wild where conditions suit. The soil on the allotment must have some similarities with the alpine meadows of central and southern that are its natural habitat. Someone will probably take over the abandoned plot shown above and have a go at turning it into a square of bare earth with rows of vegetables. But Fox and Cubs will simply bide its time before making a comeback...