Welcome
Read on to learn more about permaculture, sustainability and what I do.
Choosing Sustainable Flooring For Your Home
Throughout much of our barn conversion we plan to install reclaimed timber flooring. Today, I thought I would briefly write about how you might go about choosing sustainable flooring for your home. First of all, reuse is something to consider. Choosing reclaimed materials rather than buying new can often be a sustainable choice. This isContinue reading “Choosing Sustainable Flooring For Your Home”
Our Experience In Our Barn Renovation So Far
Reclaiming and restoring old agricultural or industrial buildings can reduce the need for new materials, and provide sustainable places to live. Rescuing old buildings that are no longer utilised for their original purpose can sometimes be a green option. I would certainly suggest that it is a great option to look into – though itContinue reading “Our Experience In Our Barn Renovation So Far”
Case Study: Aiming for Self-Sufficiency
This is a design for a smallholding for a couple with this fairly modest piece of land in SE Scotland who are aiming for as much self-sufficiency as possible. The couple already grows some fruits and vegetables but wished to create a design which would allow them to increase their resilience and self-reliance. The coupleContinue reading “Case Study: Aiming for Self-Sufficiency”
The Run Up To COP26
As the pivotal climate change conference draws closer, Scotland is ramping up to host visitors and dignitaries from all over the world. Though I do not plan to go through to Glasgow for events, I will be keeping a close eye on happenings, and will certainly be checking out plenty of fringe events online. ThereContinue reading “The Run Up To COP26”
Identifying Future Potential in Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture is entering a period of massive disruption – whether farmers like it or not. There is an urgent need for reform within the farming sector and mitigation and adaptation are both crucial not just for farmer’s profits, but for the future of us all. This may be an extremely worrying time for many farmersContinue reading “Identifying Future Potential in Sustainable Agriculture”
Sustainability in Communities
Building a stronger sense of community is crucial for the transition to a more sustainable way of life. In the past, everyone belonged to strong local communities – everyone knew one another and it was normal to know all your neighbours. Few of us are lucky enough to be in the same position today. ThoughContinue reading “Sustainability in Communities”
Avoiding Extractive Industry as a Gardener
One key thing for those who want to live a more sustainable way of life is moving from an extractive to a regenerative mindset. We need to think about using and valuing renewable resources rather than continuing to take and take finite resources. Even gardeners who try to avoid an extractive mindset in their gardensContinue reading “Avoiding Extractive Industry as a Gardener”
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day celebrating the native peoples of America, has been recognised by the federal government in the US, and this is a day to recognise their contribution and, crucially, to listen to what they have to say as we transition to a more sustainable future. But as well as celebrating, we shouldContinue reading “Indigenous Peoples’ Day”
Our Dumfries and Galloway Trip
We’ve just got back from our wonderful few days away in south western Scotland, in Galloway Forest Park and the surrounding area. We were staying here: And here are a few pictures of highlights of the trip, as we walked, relaxed and, on the last night, enjoyed a campfire under the stars.
Clay Paints in Our Barn Conversion
No progress has been made this week on our barn conversion since, as I mentioned before, I am away for a few days. But we are almost finished with the clay plastering upstairs now and will soon be ordering the paint. We are using clay paints for this. The clay paints will create a mattContinue reading “Clay Paints in Our Barn Conversion”
Walking Dogs Responsibly
While I am away on a trip with my husband and my dog, we will of course be taking steps to make sure that we walk our dog responsibly. So I thought I would share some sustainable tips today for those who also have dogs, to help them make sure they are not causing anyContinue reading “Walking Dogs Responsibly”
The Importance of Seasonal Connection
In the modern world, it is all too easy for us to lose our connection to the natural world and to feel adrift from the natural shifts in the seasons. One of the most important things in living in a healthier and more sustainable way is rediscovering that sense of connection. We all need toContinue reading “The Importance of Seasonal Connection”
Taking a Sustainable Trip
Today, my husband and I are heading off for a trip from our home here in Fife, Scotland to a different part of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway (where my family come from on my Dad’s side). We will be staying in a Shepherd’s Hut in a tranquil location close to the dark skies area ofContinue reading “Taking a Sustainable Trip”
Farming Subsidies
A recent UN report, which I wrote about recently in Treehugger has found that almost 90% of the subsidies given to farmers around the globe each year are harmful to people and the planet. Thinking about how we can overhaul current farming subsidies around the world is crucial to creating the future we all wishContinue reading “Farming Subsidies”
Sustainable Gift Ideas
I had my birthday recently, and my husband’s birthday is coming up soon. Today, I’ve been thinking about gifts and thought I would take a moment to explain the types of sustainable gift ideas we choose. First of all, on our household, we won’t usually rush out to the shops. But we do, of course,Continue reading “Sustainable Gift Ideas”
Fragile Systems Hamper Sustainability
One need only look at the issues relating to the energy supply, and fuel supplies here in the UK at the moment to recognise that fragile systems are an issue for any society which aims for true sustainability. I have spoken quite a lot about the importance of building resilience and reducing fragility at allContinue reading “Fragile Systems Hamper Sustainability”
Case Study: Malaysia Permaculture Concept Plan
This is a concept plan that I have just created for a family in Malaysia. I am still working on some of the details with the client, and have yet to complete the full planting plans, but this concept design gives an overview of the diverse uses to which the area will be put. TheContinue reading “Case Study: Malaysia Permaculture Concept Plan”
Sustainable Houseplants?
Houseplants can be beneficial in a range of ways – improving the air quality in your home, and helping you feel calmer. But they might not always be quite as sustainable or eco-friendly as you might think. Those who are interested in living in a more sustainable way often begin by thinking about re-greening theirContinue reading “Sustainable Houseplants?”
Competition’s Role in Garden Design
Competition is something that we tend to think about in different contexts. But in garden design, it can be useful to think about competition too. Competition is a normal part of nature – and just like in a social context, it is something that can be beneficial or something which can hinder progress. One ofContinue reading “Competition’s Role in Garden Design”
Projects to Aid Winter Growing
While winter can still seem quite far off some days, we are nearly in October, and for us where we live, that means that we are likely to experience the first frosts in around a month to two months time. It can vary quite a lot. Sometimes our first frosts are in late October, sometimesContinue reading “Projects to Aid Winter Growing”
Sustainable Autumn Activities
Autumn is, in many ways, my favourite season. Even though the weather is turning and the nights are drawing in, I find this one of the most beautiful seasons. I love the changing foliage, the soft, golden light, and the warm tones of late season flowers. Of course, I also love the fruit-filled abundance ofContinue reading “Sustainable Autumn Activities”
Practicing What We Preach
In the run up to COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties, it is more important than ever that we move from paying lip service to sustainability and tackling our climate crisis to real and lasting action. It is very easy for politicians and those in the public eye to say the ‘right things’.Continue reading “Practicing What We Preach”
Sustainability – From Scratch
I am always trying to persuade people how rewarding it can be to make things for yourself and do things for yourself from scratch. Often, taking a DIY approach and taking that little extra time to work from scratch rather than buying things in can be the best way to start to live more sustainably.Continue reading “Sustainability – From Scratch”
Case Study: Shared Tenement Garden
Shared gardens can often be boring and largely featureless spaces, which, in attempting to please everyone, actually please no-one. These spaces have to do a lot. But careful collaboration between all stakeholders or garden users can create truly abundant, productive and beautiful spaces. This is my design for a garden in Scotland shared by fourContinue reading “Case Study: Shared Tenement Garden”
Reducing Energy Bills at Home
Many people at the moment are worried about how much their energy will cost this winter. I won’t get into the energy situation here and now, but I thought it might be helpful to make a few simple suggestions to help anyone, even renters, reduce their energy bills at home: Heat only rooms that needContinue reading “Reducing Energy Bills at Home”
A Sustainable Future for Forestry
Mono-crop timber tree plantations certainly aren’t forests. A true forest has biodiversity and is a complex web of life where all the elements within the system work together in a wide range of complex ways. When we hear about ‘sustainable forestry’, all too often, this is sadly a misnomer. Simply replacing sufficient trees after someContinue reading “A Sustainable Future for Forestry”
Tools I Use When Harvesting and Prepping Apples
Harvesting apples from multiple trees can take quite a lot of time. But using certain tools can make things a lot quicker and easier. Here are the apple picking and prepping tools/equipment that I would not be without: A fruit picker. I have a long-handled one which allows me to reach the tops of ourContinue reading “Tools I Use When Harvesting and Prepping Apples”
Turning On A Tap
Today we were able to turn on a tap in the bathroom in the barn conversion for the first time, since my husband finished installing the fittings and connecting the bath waste. So we have running water in there for the first time in this self-build conversion. There is not yet any hot water, sinceContinue reading “Turning On A Tap”
Building Natural Capital
When you think about how wealthy you are, you might think about bricks and mortar property, possessions, and money in the bank. But it is important to understand that wealth comes also from the natural world around us. Whether on your own property, in your community, or in your broader environment, building natural capital isContinue reading “Building Natural Capital”
Progress on Our Barn Conversion
I have been in the barn again all day today – from 7.00am to 4.30 pm when I came in to make our dinner, with just a brief break for lunch. So I am sure you will excuse me for not writing a longer post today. As you may be aware if you have readContinue reading “Progress on Our Barn Conversion”
Case Study: Zone 9 Permaculture Plan
This is a concept plan for a lot in Orlando, Florida. Orlando is in USDA planting zone 9b, experiencing hot, humid summers which can make growing a challenge, but also offering the enviable opportunity to grow cool season crops over the winter months. This is an ideal location for the creation of a food forest,Continue reading “Case Study: Zone 9 Permaculture Plan”
Sustainability Means Avoiding Fads and Fleeting Fashions
I have never been someone who follows fashion all that closely. My tastes tend to run to the simple and natural. But some struggle to avoid temptations when it comes to fashion, interiors and the like. It is important to remember that being stylish and up to date does not need to mean following fadsContinue reading “Sustainability Means Avoiding Fads and Fleeting Fashions”
How To Avoid Buying in Organic Materials to Make New Gardens
Many people establishing new garden areas immediately jump to purchasing organic materials such as compost, topsoil or wood chip mulch. But more often than not, it is possible to source materials for free, or even to avoid purchasing materials altogether by using what is already on site. One tool that is very useful for thoseContinue reading “How To Avoid Buying in Organic Materials to Make New Gardens”
Apples – Thinking Beyond Crumble and Pie
As our apple harvest begins, I have started making use of some of our cooking apples. We have six apple trees here, five of which have done well this year, and so we soon tire of traditional recipes like apple crumble and apple pie. To be honest, we don’t very often eat desserts through theContinue reading “Apples – Thinking Beyond Crumble and Pie”
Online Internship Opportunity
A slightly different post today – because I am exploring options for next year. This is by way of an introduction to an idea I am considering for early 2022. I run this small business alone, and next year, I am thinking about offering a part-time online internship opportunity for a young person (Aged 18-25)Continue reading “Online Internship Opportunity”
Lessons Sustainable Gardeners Soon Learn
We’ve had a terrible year for plums this year. A very late severe frost in spring meant we already had a bad fruit set, and wet, windy weather in the last few weeks set back some and meant that we lost others. Earlier blossoming apples also fared much less well than usual. It certainly hasContinue reading “Lessons Sustainable Gardeners Soon Learn”
Sustainability: Winning Over Those Reluctant to Change
The biggest challenge in sustainability is not finding alternative solutions. Many of those alternative solutions to our biggest environmental and social challenges already exist. The greatest issue is generating real behavioural change. Working out how to win over those who are reluctant to change is one of the most important problems of our age. InContinue reading “Sustainability: Winning Over Those Reluctant to Change”
Case Study: Maximalist City Garden
The inside of the client’s home is a riot of colour and pattern, with something different to look at everywhere you turn. The client has their home exactly how they want it – as fodder for their creativity and inspiration for their artistry. But they struggled to determine how to translate their preferred aesthetic intoContinue reading “Case Study: Maximalist City Garden”
Maximalism in Garden Design
Recently, I was introduced to a term which I was not particularly familiar with before: maximalism. This is a concept with says that more is more. It is the antithesis of minimalist design. This is a concept I like, and which works well with my usual style when it comes to garden design. I mightContinue reading “Maximalism in Garden Design”
Why Understanding Plant Roots is Important in a Garden
As gardeners, we ignore the rhizosphere at our peril. New gardeners naturally tend to focus on what plants look like above ground when planning their gardens. But plant roots and what goes on below the soil is also very important. It might sound very obvious, but we should not forget that most plants take inContinue reading “Why Understanding Plant Roots is Important in a Garden”
Holistic Planning is Essential When Planting Trees
I recently wrote an article for Treehugger on why plastic guards should not be used in tree planting. I know that a lot of people do wonder about how to ensure the survival of trees when planting, so today, I thought I would write a little bit about this topic. Plastic guards are not theContinue reading “Holistic Planning is Essential When Planting Trees”
Sustainability: Institutions Can Make a Big Difference
Much sustainable progress in my area is driven by the work at St. Andrews University (where I studied). I live quite close by, and have been largely impressed by the progress on a number of fronts that has been made since I studied there. Their meadows project is one of the latest big things. InstitutionsContinue reading “Sustainability: Institutions Can Make a Big Difference”
Gleaning – A Sustainable Solution for Tackling Food Waste
As I enter the fruit harvesting season in my own garden, with many apples and plums ripening on the trees, I thought this would be a good time to talk about the issue of food waste. I always aim to make the most of all the produce I grow. But every year, an abundance ofContinue reading “Gleaning – A Sustainable Solution for Tackling Food Waste”
Access and Equality
Access to land is one of the key issues of equality. All too often, people live lives divorced from the land, and distant from the natural world. A sustainable future for all involves looking closely at access to land, and thinking about how we can improve matters when it comes to this issue. Issues withContinue reading “Access and Equality”
Case Study: Community Garden
This case study (from last month) is a concept for an existing community garden in north eastern Scotland, which wishes to improve the smaller existing space and expand into an adjacent site. The area shown to the west of the site, with the annual beds, currently has a number of raised beds. This design maximisesContinue reading “Case Study: Community Garden”
Sustainable Sources for Household Items
Today, my husband and I took a break from the tiling and headed out shopping. I do not really like to shop, and to be honest, don’t shop much at all. As I have mentioned before, one way in which we always try to be as sustainable as possible is by buying less in general.Continue reading “Sustainable Sources for Household Items”
Long But Rewarding Day
We’ve only just come in after a very long day working on our barn conversion – making the most of the time we have while I am off work to make progress with tiling in the bathroom. It’s a tricky job – especially as in an old building – nothing is straight! There are noContinue reading “Long But Rewarding Day”
Potato Harvest and Tips For Good Yields
I’ve been harvesting a lot while taking a break from work this week, and harvesting potatoes reminded me of previous years’ experimentation and what has worked for me and what has not gone so well. Today, I thought I would share some of my tips to help you get good yields of potatoes: Should youContinue reading “Potato Harvest and Tips For Good Yields”
Why I Like Imperfection in My Home
Today I have been working on clay plastering in what will be our bedroom in the barn conversion. There is still a little finishing off to do, clearly visible in the image above, and of course as it is not yet dry it looks rather patchy still. But we are definitely not going for aContinue reading “Why I Like Imperfection in My Home”
Harvesting Wild Blackberries
The first of the wild blackberries in my immediate area are ready to pick, and over the next few days I plan to make the most of this abundant wild harvest. Over the summer months, there have been plenty of wild foods to harvest. But the autumn is when foraging in my area really takesContinue reading “Harvesting Wild Blackberries”
Sustainable Living: How to Find the Time
One of the reasons that people often give for not living in a more sustainable way is that they just don’t have the time. But I have definitely discovered over the past few years that thinking just a little differently can mean that you can ‘find’ more time for sustainable projects and tasks than youContinue reading “Sustainable Living: How to Find the Time”
Case Study: Healing, Herbal Perennial Garden
This is the concept design for a domestic forest garden and herbal garden for a ‘wise woman’ in Northern England. The client approached me to come up with a design which would provide as many perennial food sources and as many culinary and healing herbs as possible. She plans to set up a workshop atContinue reading “Case Study: Healing, Herbal Perennial Garden”
Climate Justice – Listening is Key
Joined up thinking is crucial as we work towards climate justice, and tackling the climate crisis can and should definitely go hand-in-hand with tackling other issues: conflict, inequality, poverty, health etc.. But understanding how to create holistic systems requires us to listen. Listening is always key. Several of the projects I am involved with demonstrateContinue reading “Climate Justice – Listening is Key”
Soil Health and Fungal Ecology
A lot of people have been talking about fungi recently – some introduced to the topic by a recent documentary film. Fungi are amazing organisms and we should pay them more attention – for a range of reasons. Fungal ecology is important in a garden, but it is an element which is often overlooked. AContinue reading “Soil Health and Fungal Ecology”
Where Leadership Fails in Our Climate Crisis, We Must Hold Them To Account
News stories this month reporting the UK government’s decision to potentially give the green light to new drilling in the North Sea, at the Cambo Oil Field, and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon failure to outright condemn the move – saying merely that it should be reconsidered – are yet more disappointing signs when itContinue reading “Where Leadership Fails in Our Climate Crisis, We Must Hold Them To Account”
Perseverance is Important in Permaculture and Sustainable Living
I am certain that I am not unique in having tried a lot of new things in my determination to live in a more sustainable, self reliant and eco-friendly way. Skill building and learning is an important part of making progress in this arena, no matter exactly what path we are on. In the pursuitContinue reading “Perseverance is Important in Permaculture and Sustainable Living”
Sustainable Living Tips: Living Lightly on The Land
Living lightly on the land is one of my key priorities, both in my own personal situation and in my design work. Everything I do is designed to limit imposition and maximise synergy and harmony with natural systems. Living lightly on the land of course involves thinking about many different things – from where yourContinue reading “Sustainable Living Tips: Living Lightly on The Land”
Barn Conversion – Getting a Cast Iron Bath Upstairs
Today has been an eventful day on our barn conversion project. This morning I was working on the top clay plaster layer in what will be the bathroom. And this afternoon we hit rather a big milestone – getting our big cast iron bath upstairs. We had to think carefully about how this was toContinue reading “Barn Conversion – Getting a Cast Iron Bath Upstairs”
Case Study: Senegal Permaculture Concept Plan
This is a concept plan for the early stages of a community project for an NGO in Senegal. The design work is ongoing, but this is an initial concept for the design, which some may find interesting. The primary goal of the project is to create a thriving community space where food can be producedContinue reading “Case Study: Senegal Permaculture Concept Plan”
Complacency Among the Privileged Curbs Sustainable Progress
Many parts of the world are, quite literally on fire. We are living in a time of almost unimaginable suffering and injustice. And as usual it is the least well off and the most disadvantaged who bear the brunt of our climate crisis and social injustices. For the wealthy and privileged, life can often continueContinue reading “Complacency Among the Privileged Curbs Sustainable Progress”
Sustainable Zero Waste Tips for Gardeners
Many people are thinking about zero waste these days, but all too often, the progress made does not extend from the home into the garden. If you are someone who want to make sure that your garden is as low waste as your home, here are a few simple tips or suggestions: Make sure youContinue reading “Sustainable Zero Waste Tips for Gardeners”
Tips for Sourcing New Plants For Your Garden in a Sustainable Way
Now, while the summer season is in full swing, you should be making plans for your garden over the months to come. You might be thinking about ordering trees and shrubs to plant over the dormant period, buying seeds for winter cover crops, or even buying seeds in for next year. But while you mayContinue reading “Tips for Sourcing New Plants For Your Garden in a Sustainable Way”
Tips for Choosing Fruit Trees for Your Garden
As I wait for the fruit to ripen on the plum and apple trees in my own garden, I thought this would be a good time to share a few simple tips for choosing fruit trees for your own garden. Think about which fruits you actually like to eat. (I am not a particular fanContinue reading “Tips for Choosing Fruit Trees for Your Garden”
Working Remotely on Permaculture Designs
From home, I work on permaculture designs for clients all over the world. Of course, permaculture has a strong emphasis on practicality, and there is no real substitute for actual observation and implementation on the ground. Some people are confused about exactly what a remote permaculture design can offer. But this way of working isContinue reading “Working Remotely on Permaculture Designs”
Streamlining Harvesting
This is, of course, a busy time of year for many of us when it comes to harvesting. Though it is often one of the most pleasurable jobs in the summer garden, it can be time consuming. Streamlining harvesting means spending some time thinking about efficiencies, and coming up with small solutions to make thingsContinue reading “Streamlining Harvesting”
Case Study: Wisconsin Permaculture Design
This Wisconsin property, in Juneau County, is in USDA zone 5. It has largely Boone-Tarr soils, c. 6-15 percent slopes, some with high runoff and excessive drainage. Mean annual precipitation is 28 to 33 inches. Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 52 degrees F. Frost-free period: 135 to 160 days. Most of the property isContinue reading “Case Study: Wisconsin Permaculture Design”
Wildfire Preparedness in Permaculture Design
Wildfires are, unfortunately, becoming an increasingly common danger in many parts of the world. And permaculture designs need to factor in wildlife preparedness and consider how the to mitigate wildfire risks as well as considering other factors relating to the sectors acting on the site. When looking at wildfire, one key thing to look atContinue reading “Wildfire Preparedness in Permaculture Design”
Glyphosate – Enough is Enough
With the recent news that Bayer will stop selling glyphosate-based weedkillers to domestic buyers (though not to professionals and for agricultural use) in 2023, and the substance up for review in the EU next year, now seems a good time to ask ourselves whether we can really put up with Roundup and other herbicides andContinue reading “Glyphosate – Enough is Enough”
Grow More Fruit in Less Space
As you may have gathered from previous posts, I love to grow plenty of fruit in my garden. In my forest garden, I have many fruit producing plants – from trees, to shrubs – even fruiting ground cover plants. And I have plans to add even more. I recently purchased a few extra additions (includingContinue reading “Grow More Fruit in Less Space”
The IPCC Report – A Stark Warning
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is stark and alarming. Though the science and conclusions certainly come as no surprise, this is a reminder to us all of the dire consequences of inaction. Climate change is an existential threat, and burying our heads in the sand will not help. AsContinue reading “The IPCC Report – A Stark Warning”
Scaling Up Sustainable Solutions
Many of the solutions that have the power to combat our climate crisis are commonly practiced on a small scale in gardens, in smallholdings, on homesteads and small farms. Many of these solutions, involving taking care of the soil and managing water well, for example, will likely already be well known to many with anContinue reading “Scaling Up Sustainable Solutions”
Fragrant Phacelia
The farm estate fields just across the road from our property are blooming beautifully at the moment with a cover crop including Phacelia. These look wonderful, and of course also bring benefits for bees and other pollinators. Phacelia is a wonderful plant for bees. The plants themselves seem to buzz loudly on a sunny day.Continue reading “Fragrant Phacelia”
Case Study: Turkey Permaculture Plan
This plan outlines an approach for a planned goose farm in the vicinity of Digor, in Eastern Anatolia in Turkey. This area experiences winters equivalent to USDA zone 5. I have suggested an agroforestry approach, for the pasturing of meat birds for 7 months each year between climate and soil appropriate fruit trees and otherContinue reading “Case Study: Turkey Permaculture Plan”
Freezing Fresh Herbs for Later Use
Some herbs can be dried, but others are at their best when fresh. Fortunately, if you have a freezer, you can freeze fresh herbs in ice cube trays for later use. I like to do this in summer, while the annual herbs are still at their best, so I can pop out the herb iceContinue reading “Freezing Fresh Herbs for Later Use”
Fireweed – A Useful Summer ‘Weed’
In various parts of my property, and along the roadsides close by, one of the most noticeable and abundant weeds at this time of year is Epilobium angustifolium or Chamaenerion angustifolium, known in the UK as rosebay willowherb or bombweed and in the US as fireweed. I welcome this weed into my forest garden andContinue reading “Fireweed – A Useful Summer ‘Weed’”
Tips for a More Sustainable Van Life
Speaking to a friend recently, we were discussing the growing trend for a more nomadic and less settled lifestyle. We were talking about how ‘van life’ can more than just pay lip service to sustainability. Obviously, those who decide to live in a van already negate all the emissions associated with a permanent abode. ButContinue reading “Tips for a More Sustainable Van Life”
No One Should Be Exempt From Environmental Regulation
I was rather angry today to hear that the Queen, in spite of being one of the largest landowners in Scotland, has exercised the right of ‘Queen’s Consent’ to exempt her properties from the draft law passing through the Scottish Parliament – the ‘Heat Networks Bill’. The draft law has been altered so that the Queen’sContinue reading “No One Should Be Exempt From Environmental Regulation”
Shrubs or Drinking Vinegars
Shrub is a term not just used to refer to the type of bushy plant. It is also a word used to describe a type of soft drink which was common in the US during the colonial era. Though drinking vinegars fell out of favour since the advent of modern refrigeration, this can still beContinue reading “Shrubs or Drinking Vinegars”
Lammas Harvesting and Planting
On Lammas, or Lughnasadh, it seems fitting that I spent some of my day in the garden. But on this traditional holiday of the harvest, I have not just been harvesting, but also planting too. This time of year is a time of year when many new gardeners who sowed in spring will be harvesting theContinue reading “Lammas Harvesting and Planting”
Case Study: Subtropical Australia Permaculture Garden
This higher level concept plan is for a garden in greater Brisbane, Australia. The clients were keen to develop a plan that would allow them to make the most of their garden – currently mostly laid to lawn. They wanted a lush and tropical feel and a space that they could use for recreation –Continue reading “Case Study: Subtropical Australia Permaculture Garden”
What Makes a Sustainable Home?
There are many different schools of thought in sustainable construction. Some favour an approach which maximises insulation and does not worry too much about the carbon cost of materials used. Others favour an approach where the sustainability of materials comes first. There is, of course, also a middle way, which involves treading the balance betweenContinue reading “What Makes a Sustainable Home?”
Bolting: Is it Too Late to Harvest from Plants?
With heatwaves being experienced this summer in many regions, you may be coming up against the problem of plants bolting. Bolting is the name given by gardeners to the sudden and premature development of a plant to the flowering/ seed producing stage. It is, in essence, plants rushing to enter the reproductive phase of growth.Continue reading “Bolting: Is it Too Late to Harvest from Plants?”
Planning For Your Own Future and Future Generations
When we are planning in life, or designing our homes and gardens, it is important to think beyond a five year plan. It is, of course, great to set short term goals to work towards. But it is also important to take the longer view. No matter how young we are, it is a goodContinue reading “Planning For Your Own Future and Future Generations”
Allelopathy and Mutualistic Symbiosis in Plant Interactions
Allelopathy is the biological term for plants having a (usually negative) impact on other plants growing close by by producing one or more biochemicals. The main time that we hear about allelopathy is when it comes to walnut trees or Eucalyptus . Though there are a number of other plants which can also act onContinue reading “Allelopathy and Mutualistic Symbiosis in Plant Interactions”
Be Aware of Natural Dangers
We tend to sanitise and tame nature to such a degree in our parks and gardens that many people have forgotten just how ‘wild’ the wild really can be. But when we spend time in natural surroundings, it is important to think about how fragile we are as humans, and never underestimate the natural world.Continue reading “Be Aware of Natural Dangers”
A Relaxing Job To Try This Summer
I was relaxing yesterday afternoon, after a morning in the garden, I decided to take some of the nettles I harvested and dried and make some rustic twine. I have spoken before about how useful nettles can be, and how I use nettles from my garden to make a rustic twine for the garden, andContinue reading “A Relaxing Job To Try This Summer”
Case Study: Car Park to Urban Garden
The above is my simple concept sketch for a car park to community garden transformation. This small site is adjacent to a larger food producing community garden, and was the car park for a former hairdressers (now disused). After some prolonged negotiations, the community in this English city neighbourhood have confirmed agreement to break upContinue reading “Case Study: Car Park to Urban Garden”
Opportunities on Reclaimed Urban Sites
Removing areas of concrete, asphalt or paving in under-utilised urban sites opens up a range of opportunities to create climate-change conscious gardens at the heart of our cities. Not only does the removal of urban greyness allow for city re-greening, and more effective water management, the materials removed from the site can often also beContinue reading “Opportunities on Reclaimed Urban Sites”
Why Too Much Hard Paving is a Bad Idea
It is depressing to walk down city streets and see home after home with huge areas for cars or huge patios. So much grey asphalt, concrete and pavers is hardly cheering. And there are also many other reasons why too much hard paving is a bad idea. For one thing, huge areas of impermeable surfaceContinue reading “Why Too Much Hard Paving is a Bad Idea”
Sustainability and Practical Prepping
When many people think of prepping, unfortunate associations come to mind. People’s minds may travel to the extremes, where people have bunkers, weaponry, and stockpiles of food and supermarket supplies to last 20 years or more. To me, prepping is not about stockpiling or hunkering down for the ‘end of days’. To me, it isContinue reading “Sustainability and Practical Prepping”
Container Gardening – A Few Simple Tips
If you do not have much outside space available, or only a paved or gravelled area, a container garden can still allow you to get growing – often more prolifically than you might imagine. If you are considering starting a container garden, here are a few simple tips to help you avoid some common pitfallsContinue reading “Container Gardening – A Few Simple Tips”
Keeping Chickens Cool in Hot Weather
Over the last few days here, our chickens have been hiding out in deeper shade as much as possible. We are fortunate here that we do not have extreme heat in summer. Though it has been warm for our hens, (mid 20 degrees C.) the heat does not reach dangerous levels. Of course, we’ve beenContinue reading “Keeping Chickens Cool in Hot Weather”
Consciousness, Intention and Action
Ecosystem restoration expert John D. Liu was kind enough recently to answer a few of my questions for Treehugger. Click here for a link to this brief Q&A. I was in touch with him via the Ecosystem restoration project which I have been working with in Somalia and do hope we will have the chanceContinue reading “Consciousness, Intention and Action”
Case Study: Walled Garden Forest Garden Design
This is a small portion of my design for the larger Mediterranean site, for which I earlier shared the overall concept plan. This is the concept for the renovation of the existing (but dilapidated) walled garden on the property. (just under 1 acre in size) The goal is to turn the overgrown and neglected spaceContinue reading “Case Study: Walled Garden Forest Garden Design”
The Importance of Experimentation in a Garden
In a garden, it is important to experiment. While other gardeners, books, and other media can teach you a lot, learning second-hand is never enough to create a truly great garden. Even the very best gardens are a work in progress. All gardeners have to observe, experiment, and respond to change over time. It isContinue reading “The Importance of Experimentation in a Garden”
Dealing With Heat in Your Garden
We’ve had some lovely warm weather here recently. Since we are in Scotland, the relatively mild summer heat is usually something to enjoy and not something to fear. I am a typical Scot and anything over around 20 degrees C. (68F) feels very warm to me! I don’t fare well in the sun and searchContinue reading “Dealing With Heat in Your Garden”
A Few Photos From the Forest Garden
It is a beautiful and very warm day today, and I thought that I would take the opportunity to take a few photos in the forest garden. Without much comment then, here are some images of my wild little food-filled ‘paradise’: Yes, it is wild and very overgrown at this time of year. Yes, thereContinue reading “A Few Photos From the Forest Garden”
Choosing Roses For Your Garden
As I was walking in my garden today, I was struck by a number of beautiful roses that are in bloom at the moment. These were planted before we arrived at the property, and so sadly I do not know which varieties we have. I love roses, however, for a range of reasons. And onceContinue reading “Choosing Roses For Your Garden”
Not Too Late To Get Growing This Year
While I would never advise hastiness when starting a new garden, it is not too late to get growing this summer. You can still think about sowing a range of quick crops for the rest of summer and autumn/fall. And if you put some protection in place (or live in a climate without freezing winters)Continue reading “Not Too Late To Get Growing This Year”
Garden Visit – Beautiful Arts and Crafts Garden
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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