A Sunny Day in the Forest Garden

It’s been a beautiful and rather warm weekend here, and things are growing apace after the cold snap we had earlier in the month. Blossoms and blooms that have just opened, or which are just about to open, tell of promise for the months to come. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing someContinue reading “A Sunny Day in the Forest Garden”

Case Study – Wetlands and Farm

This case study may be of interest because it shows how productivity and high yield can go hand in hand with rewilding and ecosystem conservation. The area where the ponds system is shown may be of particular note. At present, this area (and some of the field behind in where an agroforestry orchard is shown)Continue reading “Case Study – Wetlands and Farm”

The Power of Public Pressure

As someone who has been working to raise public awareness of our climate crisis and environmental and social issues for a number of years, I know how much of a difference it can make when public opinion and public interest sway in the right direction. One positive think that has transpired over the last yearContinue reading “The Power of Public Pressure”

Earth Day Inspiration

Happy Earth Day everyone! Today truly is the day to appreciate our planet and all that it gives us. It is a time to listen to the birdsong and the buzzing bees, the sounds of babbling water and the wind in the trees. It’s time to smell the flowers and feel the soil beneath yourContinue reading “Earth Day Inspiration”

The Importance of Patience in a Garden

I have been approached several times in the last few days by people looking for advice because their seeds have not germinated. But some were just expecting results too soon. In one case, a gardener was concerned because carrot seeds had not germinated a week after sowing. In another, a gardener was concerned that theirContinue reading “The Importance of Patience in a Garden”

Purple Sprouting Broccoli – a Great Value Crop

In my garden, one of the plants I am really enjoying eating at the moment is purple sprouting broccoli. We eat the fresh young heads raw in salads, as well as cooking them and adding them to a wide range of recipes. Purple sprouting broccoli is often overlooked by gardeners, in favour of the green,Continue reading “Purple Sprouting Broccoli – a Great Value Crop”

Growing Herbs For Culinary Use

If you are a keen cook, then you will no doubt be familiar with many common culinary herbs. You will know just how much difference using fresh herbs in your cooking can make. But buying fresh herbs can be expensive. So it is far better to grow your own. Many of you may be sowingContinue reading “Growing Herbs For Culinary Use”

Perennial Vegetables To Sow or Plant This Spring

Whether you are sowing and growing for the first time this year, or improving an existing garden, perennials should be an important part of the picture. Where I live, the time for bare root planting is past now, but there are perennials that you might like to consider planting in spring, or sowing seed forContinue reading “Perennial Vegetables To Sow or Plant This Spring”

Case Study: California Permaculture Design

The site is in Livermore, California, on the eastern edge of San Francisco Bay Area. It is a two acre plot, which is planned to house and provide for a family of four. The surrounding land is to be leased to a vineyard, so the surrounding area will ultimately be surrounded by vines. The designContinue reading “Case Study: California Permaculture Design”

Maximising Photosynthesis With Living Paths

As you plan your garden, pathways are easily overlooked. It is important to choose the right path options for the right places. In permaculture, the focus is often on maximising the potential of the space, and making the most of your own time by positioning pathways and garden elements efficiently. But it is also importantContinue reading “Maximising Photosynthesis With Living Paths”