As a garden designer, I have been heartened to see so many people embracing sustainable organic gardening over the past couple of years. But even those who set out with the best intentions could still do more to make sure they are doing the right thing for people and planet in their gardens. Here areContinue reading “Become a More Sustainable Gardener in 2022”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
Happy New Year!
Hello all! I hope everyone is enjoying a good start to 2022. I am now back at work and refreshed after a break. We had a sustainable Christmas at home with family and then a few days away up north staying in a remote cottage in Assynt, further up north here in Scotland, to getContinue reading “Happy New Year!”
Merry Christmas!
I am going to be finishing up with some projects over the next couple of days, and will then be off work between the 24th and the 3rd as we enjoy spending time with guests, relaxing, and spending time in the garden and on our barn conversion project, with a few days away in aContinue reading “Merry Christmas!”
Opt Out of Christmas Excess – Take a DIY Approach
It might be tempting to over-buy at any time, but the temptation can be particularly strong for some around the holidays – especially where it comes to food. While many may buy mince pies, Christmas cakes, cookies and other treats in abundance from the supermarket shelves, those trying to live in a more sustainable wayContinue reading “Opt Out of Christmas Excess – Take a DIY Approach”
In For Christmas (More or Less)
Well, it has been a busy weekend, but we have now managed to set up our bedroom ready to sleep there for the first time! We’ve been working on our renovations for years – mostly doing the work ourselves – on weekends and when we can around our full time jobs. We are still farContinue reading “In For Christmas (More or Less)”
Case Study: Oregon Permaculture Garden Design
This overview concept design is for a garden in the Pacific Northwest, around Eugene, Oregon. The garden is towards the south of the Willamette Valley, between the Coastal Range and the West Cascades, in zone 8b. The client was looking for a design that would allow them to grow as much food as possible, withContinue reading “Case Study: Oregon Permaculture Garden Design”
Embracing Optimism: Looking at the Bright Side in Life
As the holidays approach, many people may be looking forward to spending time with loved ones. But for those who cannot have the festive season they desire may be feeling a little down in the dumps. Cliches like ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ can give little cheer to those who are in a farContinue reading “Embracing Optimism: Looking at the Bright Side in Life”
Lawn Looking Bad Over Winter?
Are you used to your lawn turning into a muddy mess over the winter months? Fed up of bare patches and weeds in spring? There is a simple solution – get rid of that lawn and replace it with a more eco-friendly, vibrant and biodiverse planting scheme that looks good year round. Lawn care isContinue reading “Lawn Looking Bad Over Winter?”
Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today
We can all sometimes be guilty of procrastination. We can often have the very best of intentions to do something ‘tomorrow’. But that ‘tomorrow’ just may not come. In gardening, and in sustainability in general, putting things off can often mean that we fall short, in spite of our best intentions. I often hear peopleContinue reading “Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today”
Christmas Crackers
One thing I really dislike about Christmas are the cheap Christmas crackers that people buy which are made from plastic-coated papers, nylon ribbons and other non-recyclable elements, and which come with tacky plastic gifts, paper hats and cheesy jokes inside. Many people love to have Christmas crackers on their Christmas tables, and for many, ChristmasContinue reading “Christmas Crackers”