Bamboo this afternoon in the garden.

Many people are experiencing hardship at the present time.

This will, inevitably get much worse, as more and more people get trapped in the web of debt.

This is surely a time to think seriously, long and hard about sustainable living.

There are many ways that people can empower themselves and perhaps the most beneficial one is growing food.

Crocosmia shoots are growing fast this month, promising early flowers and colour!

Of course, not everyone has a garden.

In fact, I lived in an apartment at one time in London and did not have access to any growing space, so rented an allotment.

For those who have never grown fruit and vegetables this way, I can tell you, it is the best fun and most social thing one can enjoy!

Beautiful Birch trees on the north bank today.

I often think that allotment growing is even more productive as going to the allotment is a regular delight and there’s always good advice and help at hand.

More important, it is about real self-empowerment, growing and sustaining oneself and one’s family.

Willow, cut, tied and standing in the barn, ready to be used in 8 weeks time.

Growing food is only the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling journey.

What follows from here is an engagement with food…making jams, chutneys, wines, cordials for a start!

Perlagoniums standing in the barn to over-winter, continue to hang onto their flowers…that’s just how mild the winter has been!

Now is the time to get started in the garden.

A propagator can really give you a start on the growing season and there are also many seeds that can be sown on the window-ledge and even directly into the ground.

Any good gardening book will inform you well!

Pot grown veggies can be very easy, as with growing in hanging baskets.

Willow off-cuts…when dried these make great kindling for the fire.

Have a go and get growing…the first big step in taking control of your life back and embracing independence!