The punning use of the word allotment in this vegetable garden draws attention to Epicurus, the Greek philosopher who came to Athens in 306 BC and bought a house with a garden in which he taught his followers. He advocated a life led in retirement from political or commercial activity, content with one's lot whatever it may be. The first plaque shows a definition by IHF, the second quotes a saying of Epicurus, attributing it to him in a suitably unpretentious way, and the third quotes from one of his letters of advice.