Pesto is Not Just Something to Do With Basil

Basil pesto is a versatile option for a range of recipes. But it is worthwhile remembering that you can make pesto with a range of other ingredients. Today, for example, I made a ‘weed’ pesto, with nettles, sorrel, and a few other leafy greens from the forest garden, blended with with some seeds, some oliveContinue reading “Pesto is Not Just Something to Do With Basil”

Setting Up a Sustainable Water Collection System in a Garden

I have spoken before about the importance of harvesting rainwater in your garden. Collecting rainwater from the roof of your home, and any other garden structures, is a great way to make sure you catch and store this precious natural resource. Our private water supply (which comes onto our property from the surrounding estate, fromContinue reading “Setting Up a Sustainable Water Collection System in a Garden”

Ideas for Outdoors Dining

Many people are looking forward to being able to welcome friends and family back into their gardens, and spending time together. Now is a great time to make sure your garden is ready for entertaining and picture perfect by the time the warmer weather arrives. I usually focus on the practical side of gardens –Continue reading “Ideas for Outdoors Dining”

Plastic on Our Plates

Most of those aware of issues in environmentalism and trying to live a more sustainable way of life are well aware of the sheer scale of the problem of plastic waste. Plastic pervades every single ecosystem on earth. And even invades our own bodies. We are what we eat, and unfortunately, plastic is now extremelyContinue reading “Plastic on Our Plates”

Sourcing Seeds For Your Sustainable Garden

If you have decided to sow some seeds this year, but have not yet sourced your seeds, time is of the essence. It’s certainly not too late to get growing if you have not done so already. As many of you already know, growing at least some of your own food and other resources atContinue reading “Sourcing Seeds For Your Sustainable Garden”

Sustainable Living – Spotting Greenwashing

Living in a sustainable way always means being very careful about the companies you deal with and the things you buy. One great thing at the moment is that more and more people are becoming aware of environmental issues, social injustices and the importance of sustainability. But while this is of course a very goodContinue reading “Sustainable Living – Spotting Greenwashing”

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”

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”