Earth Day Inspiration

What should you do to celebrate Earth Day, invest in our planet and take action? There are, of course, a great many things that you can do – and not just on Earth Day. Remember, caring for people and planet should be something we all do year-round. But Earth Day is an opportunity to hitContinue reading “Earth Day Inspiration”

Fruit Tree Guild Planting Dos and Don’ts

Planting fruit trees can be a wonderful idea in many gardens. But whenever you consider planting a fruit tree, there are of course a wide range of things to think about. Creating a fruit tree guild is one of those things. Of course, you need to think about the environmental conditions and where you live.Continue reading “Fruit Tree Guild Planting Dos and Don’ts”

Thinking Global, Considering Regional, Acting Local

Apologies for the hiatus – I have been a little slow to post recently on this site because I have been extremely busy. I have been working on a range of projects, writing, and have, of course, also been busy here on my own property, both with the never-ending string of spring sowing and growingContinue reading “Thinking Global, Considering Regional, Acting Local”

Blending Human Requirements and Nature’s Needs

Designs for home gardens and community sites must take into account, of course, the needs of the natural world around us. But they should also meet human needs. Often, it can seem as though these are conflicting. Though at the root, of course, these are one and the same. At the heart of it all,Continue reading “Blending Human Requirements and Nature’s Needs”

Our Individual Choices Can Perpetuate Problems or Work Towards Good

It is easy to feel helpless in today’s world – shifted by political tides, our changing climate, and other factors which can sometimes feel beyond our control. But while, often, we may struggle to see how we can truly change things for the better, it is always so important to remember that as individuals, weContinue reading “Our Individual Choices Can Perpetuate Problems or Work Towards Good”

We Stand Together

These are dark and disturbing times. I’ve thought for a while about what I wanted to say about the tragic atrocities the Russian military is currently perpetrating on the people of Ukraine. While, living elsewhere we can sleep well, without threat, in our homes and plan our spring gardens, I am sure I speak forContinue reading “We Stand Together”

Making a Living From Land

Many homesteaders, smallholders and hobby farmers dream of making a living from the land they tend. For some, a higher level of self-sufficiency is the only goal. But others dream of turning their property into a successful business. Seeking Solutions for Land Through my consultancy and design work, I can provide help to my clientsContinue reading “Making a Living From Land”

Land Ownership and Land Access

As a designer, I usually work with those who have been fortunate enough to purchase land. But I also work with communities and groups who are overcoming the challenges of access to land and providing what essentially becomes common land for the benefit of all. This is something I feel very passionate about. Land ownershipContinue reading “Land Ownership and Land Access”

Getting Back to the Roots

I recently wrote a brief article for Treehugger: Why We Should Think About Roots. In this piece, I look a quick look at why it is so important to delve deeper, both when thinking about gardens and garden design, and when trying to live a sustainable life in general. We can learn a lot fromContinue reading “Getting Back to the Roots”

Updating Traditional Cottage Garden Style for Your Specific Location

Certain styles of gardens are perennially popular around the world. The English cottage garden is one typical example. But achieving a certain style does not mean copying the design exactly, down to the specific plants that you choose. So good design often means updating traditional garden styles with native plants – to make them moreContinue reading “Updating Traditional Cottage Garden Style for Your Specific Location”