Elizabeth Waddington

How I Spend My Summer

I know that many people are keen to get away, yet many will not be enjoying their usual summer holidays away this year. So I thought that some people might appreciate learning a little more about how I typically spend my summer, for some inspiration about how to enjoy summer breaks in a more sustainableContinue reading “How I Spend My Summer”

Sustainable Picnic Ideas

Picnics are a wonderful way to enjoy time outdoors during the summer months. So whether you are planning a picnic in your own garden, or will be taking a picnic to a natural beauty spot in your area, here are some sustainable picnic ideas to consider: First of all, take a look at the foodContinue reading “Sustainable Picnic Ideas”

Sustainable Coffee?

Fairtrade? Rainforest alliance?… where should you turn when looking for a sustainable coffee for your morning cup? It can be challenging trying to navigate the minefield and find the most sustainable options for all the foods and drinks you enjoy. And when you do not live in a coffee producing area, it is worthwhile alsoContinue reading “Sustainable Coffee?”

Why Gooseberries are One of My Favourite Fruit Bushes

Ribes ulva-crispa, gooseberries, are an excellent fruit bush for my climate and location. They grow prolifically, yield well every year, and are very easy to propagate. (I have expanded my number of plants by taking hardwood cuttings, which have rooted well.) They are native to temperate areas of Europe, and have been cultivated in theContinue reading “Why Gooseberries are One of My Favourite Fruit Bushes”

Every Year is Different in a Garden

Looking back at what was going on this time last year in the garden, which I wrote about in my midsummer garden post, it was brought back to me how much difference the weather can make each year. This spring got off to a very slow start here. We had some very cold weather andContinue reading “Every Year is Different in a Garden”

Vermont Fruit Tree Guilds

I do not usually share details of planting from my designs on this site. But today, I thought I would share a recent project which involved creating fruit tree guilds for an existing orchard. The above image shows my concept for the fruit tree guilds in this orchard, in Bennington, Vermont, in Zone 5a. WorkingContinue reading “Vermont Fruit Tree Guilds”

Beyond the Generic Permaculture Fruit Tree Guild

I have written before on this site and elsewhere about creating fruit tree guilds. And this topic is one of the things I am asked about most frequently. It is also, perhaps, one of the things in permaculture most frequently misunderstood. There is a lot of information out there and unfortunately, much of it canContinue reading “Beyond the Generic Permaculture Fruit Tree Guild”

Using Trap Crops in a Garden

There are many different forms of companion planting which can be beneficial in managing pests in an organic garden. Trap crops are one type of companion plant which can be an important part of integrated pest management. Trap crops are plants which are placed alongside, around or between the plants which you wish to protect.Continue reading “Using Trap Crops in a Garden”

Every Garden Offers Opportunities

Many home buyers look for the holy grail of a sunny, south facing garden. But even when the garden is small and north facing, the space can offer plenty of exciting options. Every garden offers opportunities, no matter how problematic it may at first appear. In permaculture, we always look at the opportunities that aContinue reading “Every Garden Offers Opportunities”

Integrating Housing With Food Production

Following on from yesterday’s post, I thought that today I would briefly outline some of the ways that architects, city planners, growers and permaculture design can come together to rethink how we formulate our built environments and produce food. More joined up thinking is urgently needed – but what exactly does integrating housing with foodContinue reading “Integrating Housing With Food Production”