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”
Tag Archives: garden
Every Year is Different in a Garden
Looking back at what was going on this time last year in the garden, which I wrote about in my midsummer garden post, it was brought back to me how much difference the weather can make each year. This spring got off to a very slow start here. We had some very cold weather andContinue reading “Every Year is Different in a Garden”
Beyond the Generic Permaculture Fruit Tree Guild
I have written before on this site and elsewhere about creating fruit tree guilds. And this topic is one of the things I am asked about most frequently. It is also, perhaps, one of the things in permaculture most frequently misunderstood. There is a lot of information out there and unfortunately, much of it canContinue reading “Beyond the Generic Permaculture Fruit Tree Guild”
Using Trap Crops in a Garden
There are many different forms of companion planting which can be beneficial in managing pests in an organic garden. Trap crops are one type of companion plant which can be an important part of integrated pest management. Trap crops are plants which are placed alongside, around or between the plants which you wish to protect.Continue reading “Using Trap Crops in a Garden”
Every Garden Offers Opportunities
Many home buyers look for the holy grail of a sunny, south facing garden. But even when the garden is small and north facing, the space can offer plenty of exciting options. Every garden offers opportunities, no matter how problematic it may at first appear. In permaculture, we always look at the opportunities that aContinue reading “Every Garden Offers Opportunities”
The Benefits of Forest Bathing
Today was the last day of my two week break from work. This morning we finished the latest project on our barn conversion – putting the first coat of clay plaster on the flat ceilings and sloping sides of the upstairs rooms. I cleaned out the rescue hens, and did a little work in theContinue reading “The Benefits of Forest Bathing”
Sustainable Pest Control in an Organic Garden
One of the biggest mistakes which people make when making the switch to organic gardening is thinking about pests as a problem which can be solved with a topical application. As a consultant, I fairly regularly receive questions about pests. And people often expect an answer which involves a specific formulation for plants infested withContinue reading “Sustainable Pest Control in an Organic Garden”
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”
Mulching Potatoes Rather Than Earthing Up With Soil
Traditionally potatoes are of course earthed up as they grow. But as I have experimented here with no dig gardening techniques, I have moved to a system where I mulch around the growing potato plants rather than mounding up the soil around them. I have tried various different organic mulch materials and while my experimentsContinue reading “Mulching Potatoes Rather Than Earthing Up With Soil”
Some Of The Best Self Seeders in My Forest Garden
A great garden is one which can not only endure over time but which also improves and gains in biodiversity. Making the right initial choices when it comes to planting can go a long way towards ensuring that the garden evolves as you wish. And choosing the right plants can make your life easier too.Continue reading “Some Of The Best Self Seeders in My Forest Garden”
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