Yesterday, on the last day of my mother-in-law’s visit, we decided to visit Kellie Castle Gardens, close to us here in Fife. As you can see from these pictures, which speak for themselves, we picked the perfect time to visit. I not only enjoyed the roses and other flowers, and the delightful smells at everyContinue reading “Garden Visit – Beautiful Arts and Crafts Garden”
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Stocking the Pantry – The Redcurrant and Raspberry Harvests are Here
I recently wrote an article on preserves in my pantry for Treehugger, and I am now anticipating another busy weekend picking and preserving. While the raspberries outside are not quite ready yet, there are still lots of wild raspberries to pick in the polytunnel, I’ve picked the first few red currants and will be pickingContinue reading “Stocking the Pantry – The Redcurrant and Raspberry Harvests are Here”
Producing Food in Deeper Shade
Today I thought I would share with you some of my favourite plants which can produce food in shade that is more than just light, dappled shade below fruit trees. The first example is one I have in my own forest garden: mahonia. Also known as Oregon Grape, I realise that this may not beContinue reading “Producing Food in Deeper Shade”
Hazel – Excellent Coppicing Trees
Coppicing can be an extremely useful way to manage trees on a permaculture property and yet many fail to consider the potential to make use of trees in this way. But coppicing trees can be a good strategy on a commercial scale and on larger farms, or in small home gardens. In small gardens, consideringContinue reading “Hazel – Excellent Coppicing Trees”
Breaking Reliance on External Inputs
A well designed garden or farm does not require external inputs once established. Many growers have become reliant on fertilisers (synthetic or bought organic options) and external materials such as composts, mulches. Most buy new plants, seeds etc. over time. But once a truly sustainable system has been established, the garden should be a closedContinue reading “Breaking Reliance on External Inputs”
How to Build Resilience: The Key Challenge for Farmers and Growers
Today we are experiencing a deluge, and some areas fairly close to us have experienced some flooding. And this comes after a spring that was very difficult for farmers in our area, with a late, cold start to spring, followed by a near drought. While dry weather in spring is quite common here, this yearContinue reading “How to Build Resilience: The Key Challenge for Farmers and Growers”
Garden Visit
Yesterday we had a day out and went to visit a local garden in our area – Cambo Gardens. Not everything is perfect and the place is definitely a work in progress at the moment, but as you can see, there are still some lovely views. Some areas are mulched ready for new planting, andContinue reading “Garden Visit”
The Importance of Topography in Permaculture Design
Topography -essentially the shape of the piece of land – is one factor often overlooked in permaculture design. In small gardens, topography may not be a huge defining factor – the space my be flat and level. However, in many larger designs, and even in some smaller ones, slope, elevation and other topographical features can,Continue reading “The Importance of Topography in Permaculture Design”
Drying Herbs – Which Herbs I Dry
Some culinary herbs, I can pick from my garden all year round. But some have a much shorter season. Even those that are around all year, I sometimes like to dry – sometimes because of the different flavour they impart in cooking, and sometimes because it is just easier to use dried herbs when cookingContinue reading “Drying Herbs – Which Herbs I Dry”
Sustainable Hair Rinses From the Garden
I have very long hair, and I have not bought shampoo or conditioner in years. Many people are now realising, like me, that they do not need to buy lots of bathroom products in plastic bottles. You can take a ‘no poo’ approach. People get used to using commercial products in their hair. But likeContinue reading “Sustainable Hair Rinses From the Garden”
EWSP Consultancy 