Many gardeners view thistles as problem weeds. But thistles (of several different varieties) can be extremely useful garden plants. There are lots of thistles where we live, but rather than trying to eradicate them entirely from cultivated areas, I consider them as a benefit and welcome them in my garden (at least to a degree).Continue reading “Rethinking Thistles”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
Pest Control in an Organic Garden
Organic gardening is easier than many people imagine. But one thing that can take some work is pest control. It is, perhaps, the part of organic gardening most commonly misunderstood. It’s not primarily about finding organic alternatives to chemical pesticides. In an organic garden, pest control is not about eliminating or ridding ourselves of aContinue reading “Pest Control in an Organic Garden”
Case Study: Small-Space Haven
This permaculture plan aims to bring a sense of space, nature and freedom to the small space around the home (which is currently being constructed). It aims to combine organic, natural materials with diverse living plants to create a tranquil haven and make the small space seem larger and more filled with possibility. First ofContinue reading “Case Study: Small-Space Haven”
Power Cut and Snow – Building Resilience
Today we awoke a little late because the alarm clock did not go off. Looking out the window, we saw that it had snowed overnight – just a thin covering but enough to cause a few problems. We and lots of other households in our area are without power, and it will take them aContinue reading “Power Cut and Snow – Building Resilience”
Planting in December?
You might not think that there is much planting to do in December. And it certainly isn’t the busiest time of the year when it comes to home growing. But that does not mean that there is no sowing and planting you can do at all. One thing I like to do this month isContinue reading “Planting in December?”
Why Buy Produce Direct From Growers?
During the current health crisis, there has been a lot of talk about the vulnerability of supply chains. But one thing few people stop to ask themselves is why our supply chains are so long in the first place. In other words, why do we buy produce and products from around the globe when thereContinue reading “Why Buy Produce Direct From Growers?”
Zero Waste Ideas for Scrap Fabric
There are lots of ways to repurpose old clothes and turn them into something new, for yourself or for someone else. But some clothes do reach the point where they really are beyond saving. Just because clothes cannot be used for their original purpose any more, that does not mean that you have to throwContinue reading “Zero Waste Ideas for Scrap Fabric”
Planned Reuse on Our Barn Conversion Project
Since we are working on a barn conversion, we are living in the midst of rather a lot of reclaimed material. This means that things in our yard look rather a mess at the moment. But we definitely have plans to reuse as many of the old materials as possible. Above you can see someContinue reading “Planned Reuse on Our Barn Conversion Project”
The Forest Garden in November
The end of November might not be the most photogenic time in the forest garden, but there is still a lot going on. Though many of the leaves are off the trees, and things look a bit scrappy in places, there is still beauty, and also food to be found. A few little heads ofContinue reading “The Forest Garden in November”
Case Study: Looking at Greening the Desert in Somalia
The project is still to determine the exact land area that will be used for the ecosystem restoration camp. But this is a piece of land that is under consideration. This is some preliminary work I have done. The ins and outs of the design obviously require a lot more work. But I thought someContinue reading “Case Study: Looking at Greening the Desert in Somalia”
EWSP Consultancy 