Why Gooseberries are One of My Favourite Fruit Bushes

Ribes ulva-crispa, gooseberries, are an excellent fruit bush for my climate and location. They grow prolifically, yield well every year, and are very easy to propagate. (I have expanded my number of plants by taking hardwood cuttings, which have rooted well.) They are native to temperate areas of Europe, and have been cultivated in theContinue reading “Why Gooseberries are One of My Favourite Fruit Bushes”

Wild Raspberries in my Garden

We are very lucky here because wild raspberries grow prolifically in this area, and crop up all around the edges of our property and pretty much wherever we allow them to grow. Raspberries are one of my favourite fruits, and we love both the wild and cultivated varieties. I allow the wild variety to growContinue reading “Wild Raspberries in my Garden”

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”

Bring Colour and Cheer to Your Garden

Most of us have had a difficult year, and are surrounded by uncertainty. But having a garden means we have the opportunity to shape our immediate environment to bring some cheer. Obviously, as a permaculture designer, I know that there are many other things that a garden can provide. But sometimes, it is nice toContinue reading “Bring Colour and Cheer to Your Garden”

Trees – Worth More in Growth Than When Felled

Those making money from growing trees often tend to view their stands in financial terms. They often define value based on the financial profits that can be gained by felling those trees for, for example, timber, pulp or fuel. But to transition to a more sustainable future, we need to begin seeing that trees areContinue reading “Trees – Worth More in Growth Than When Felled”