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”

Sustainable Hair Rinses From the Garden

I have very long hair, and I have not bought shampoo or conditioner in years. Many people are now realising, like me, that they do not need to buy lots of bathroom products in plastic bottles. You can take a ‘no poo’ approach. People get used to using commercial products in their hair. But likeContinue reading “Sustainable Hair Rinses From the Garden”

Forest Garden Update: Gooseberries, Comfrey, Nettles and More

Today I spent the afternoon in the forest garden, so I thought this could be a good time to give you an update from this area. Everything is going wild – with lots to harvest and plenty more on the way. The main jobs today were harvesting gooseberries, clearing things up a little, and harvestingContinue reading “Forest Garden Update: Gooseberries, Comfrey, Nettles and More”

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”

Weed Seeds To Eat

When we think of autumn foraging, wild fruits are likely the first things that spring to mind. But there are also other more unusual edibles to consider. Today, I thought I would mention three types of seed that I use around this time of year. The first of these is nettle seeds. Nettle seeds mightContinue reading “Weed Seeds To Eat”

Stinging Nettles: Why They’re A Boon Not a Bane

Many gardeners hate stinging nettles. They lurk between other plants, and catch the unwary with their stings. But I want to take a moment to explain why they are a boon – not a bane. And why we should all value their contributions to our gardens and our lives. The Benefits of Stinging Nettles TheContinue reading “Stinging Nettles: Why They’re A Boon Not a Bane”