“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near one“J.R.R. Tolkein We might not have dragons, but we do have weather. Over the years we have learnt how to storm-proof the garden to the best of our ability, but as soon as I hear the shipping forecast
Renew, Repair, Restore I’m not quite sure where the term “maintenance-free gardening” originated, but in my experience gardening is often an Augean labour of love! After 10 years of hard toil, parts of the vegetable garden are in need of renewal, repair and restoration. As autumn progresses into winter and the vegetable beds are gradually
Day 11: Green Fingers and Fairy Dust I have never lost the sense of wonder and excitement that is generated when I plant seeds. From opening the packet, to placing the seeds in the earth, the gentle application of water and then the growing sense of anticipation as I watch and wait for the seeds
Day 9: Vegetable Delight My Head Gardener, who is always right, insists that food is the best form of winter fuel. On a cold day there is nothing better than a bowl of hearty vegetable soup, a rich casserole or a tray of roasted root vegetables to restore the inner glow. Winter food needs rich
A succession of Atlantic depressions with accompanying heavy grey skies, squalls and westerly gales have done little to enlighten the short days of November. So I have had to admit defeat, cut down the tomato vines and gather the remaining crop of hard green fruits. Although I usually produce a good crop of tomatoes, some