I was rather angry today to hear that the Queen, in spite of being one of the largest landowners in Scotland, has exercised the right of ‘Queen’s Consent’ to exempt her properties from the draft law passing through the Scottish Parliament – the ‘Heat Networks Bill’. The draft law has been altered so that the Queen’sContinue reading “No One Should Be Exempt From Environmental Regulation”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
Shrubs or Drinking Vinegars
Shrub is a term not just used to refer to the type of bushy plant. It is also a word used to describe a type of soft drink which was common in the US during the colonial era. Though drinking vinegars fell out of favour since the advent of modern refrigeration, this can still beContinue reading “Shrubs or Drinking Vinegars”
Lammas Harvesting and Planting
On Lammas, or Lughnasadh, it seems fitting that I spent some of my day in the garden. But on this traditional holiday of the harvest, I have not just been harvesting, but also planting too. This time of year is a time of year when many new gardeners who sowed in spring will be harvesting theContinue reading “Lammas Harvesting and Planting”
Case Study: Subtropical Australia Permaculture Garden
This higher level concept plan is for a garden in greater Brisbane, Australia. The clients were keen to develop a plan that would allow them to make the most of their garden – currently mostly laid to lawn. They wanted a lush and tropical feel and a space that they could use for recreation –Continue reading “Case Study: Subtropical Australia Permaculture Garden”
What Makes a Sustainable Home?
There are many different schools of thought in sustainable construction. Some favour an approach which maximises insulation and does not worry too much about the carbon cost of materials used. Others favour an approach where the sustainability of materials comes first. There is, of course, also a middle way, which involves treading the balance betweenContinue reading “What Makes a Sustainable Home?”
Bolting: Is it Too Late to Harvest from Plants?
With heatwaves being experienced this summer in many regions, you may be coming up against the problem of plants bolting. Bolting is the name given by gardeners to the sudden and premature development of a plant to the flowering/ seed producing stage. It is, in essence, plants rushing to enter the reproductive phase of growth.Continue reading “Bolting: Is it Too Late to Harvest from Plants?”
Planning For Your Own Future and Future Generations
When we are planning in life, or designing our homes and gardens, it is important to think beyond a five year plan. It is, of course, great to set short term goals to work towards. But it is also important to take the longer view. No matter how young we are, it is a goodContinue reading “Planning For Your Own Future and Future Generations”
Allelopathy and Mutualistic Symbiosis in Plant Interactions
Allelopathy is the biological term for plants having a (usually negative) impact on other plants growing close by by producing one or more biochemicals. The main time that we hear about allelopathy is when it comes to walnut trees or Eucalyptus . Though there are a number of other plants which can also act onContinue reading “Allelopathy and Mutualistic Symbiosis in Plant Interactions”
Be Aware of Natural Dangers
We tend to sanitise and tame nature to such a degree in our parks and gardens that many people have forgotten just how ‘wild’ the wild really can be. But when we spend time in natural surroundings, it is important to think about how fragile we are as humans, and never underestimate the natural world.Continue reading “Be Aware of Natural Dangers”
A Relaxing Job To Try This Summer
I was relaxing yesterday afternoon, after a morning in the garden, I decided to take some of the nettles I harvested and dried and make some rustic twine. I have spoken before about how useful nettles can be, and how I use nettles from my garden to make a rustic twine for the garden, andContinue reading “A Relaxing Job To Try This Summer”
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