I know that many in the United States will be celebrating with family and friends, and I hope that celebrations will go well. Of course, not everyone feels that this holiday is an occasion for celebration. It is important not to be blind to the historical realities behind the polite fictions that are a partContinue reading “Giving Thanks”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Choosing an Attractive Tree For a Garden
All too often, those looking for garden inspiration seem to divide plants for a garden into two categories – edible and useful plants are placed in one category, and ornamental plants in another. Unfortunately, this type of segregation blinds people to the beauty of edible and useful plants, and to the culinary or other usesContinue reading “Choosing an Attractive Tree For a Garden”
Ecosystem Restoration – Avoiding Mistakes, Doing No Harm
I recently wrote an article for Treehugger about the Lessons I’ve Learned Through Ecosystem Restoration. In this article, I try to put to rest some of the common misconceptions about ecosystem restoration, and highlight some of the common mistakes that are made. I talk about the vital importance of designing for a specific site, andContinue reading “Ecosystem Restoration – Avoiding Mistakes, Doing No Harm”
Barn Conversion Decisions
We’ve pretty much finished laying the reclaimed flooring in the upstairs of our barn conversion. And this weekend was a time for some crucial decisions. For years now, we have slowly been slogging away – largely on things that will not actually be seen once the build is finished. So far, our decisions have largelyContinue reading “Barn Conversion Decisions”
Hope – The Route to a Better Future
Of course, the COP26 conference has failed to deliver the agreements we so urgently need to translate words into positive action. But for me, that does not mean that all is lost. One key thing that it is important to remember is that we should hope. Hope is often a feat of the imagination, andContinue reading “Hope – The Route to a Better Future”
Taking a Bird’s Eye View
Whether literally enjoying a bird’s eye view with the modern technology of a drone, honing in with online mapping, or simply using the imagination, taking a bird’s eye view of a site can help us see the bigger picture. It can help us to filter out some of the detail that might confuse us whenContinue reading “Taking a Bird’s Eye View”
Site Analysis in Permaculture Design
Other garden designers are often somewhat confused by the extensive site analysis process permaculture designers go through before they even begin to formulate their designs. But as those familiar with permaculture will know – understanding of a specific site and the sectors acting on it is crucial for truly sustainable design. Though I work remotely,Continue reading “Site Analysis in Permaculture Design”
Bioregional Organisation in Sustainability
Understanding your bioregion can be important in finding a deep rooted connection to and appreciation for the place where you live. And looking at conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainability can also involve bioregional approaches and bioregional organisation. When we think about where we live in the world, we will often focus on political boundaries, whichContinue reading “Bioregional Organisation in Sustainability”
Never Stop Learning in Life
Whether we are talking about learning more about the natural world or sustainability, or gaining the skills we need to live better, we should never stop learning in life. All too often, we think about education as something which ends when we leave school, college or university. But the life-long pursuit of knowledge, and keepingContinue reading “Never Stop Learning in Life”
Reclaimed Flooring Going Down in Our Barn Conversion
This weekend, as well as doing some garden jobs and having some rest time too, we have been continuing to put down the reclaimed flooring we purchased for the upstairs of our steading conversion or barn conversion project. We are really happy with the character and appearance of these boards, and think that they willContinue reading “Reclaimed Flooring Going Down in Our Barn Conversion”
EWSP Consultancy 