Gardens in Spring are one of Nature’s great delights. Here at Bealtaine Cottage the back door remains open and the sun streams in. My grandson, Dylan sips tea, whilst nearby, Charlie sleeps on the rocking chair. It is days like these that are idyllic to recall, as the days of Spring and Summer stretch out before us. Sammy-Bear sits by the open door, enjoying the strong sunshine. Somewhere in the scheme of things, as the days lengthen and the early morning birdsong touches our souls, a deep sense of optimism pervades the humdrum of everyday life. Animals react to Spring…
Tag: broccoli
A New Way of Living
Food production can be a problem for many people who have little or no access to land. There are many who live in conditions where even a balcony is a precious space. I have spoken before about the ways in which access to growing space can be achieved, through allotments, community gardens and the like, but here is something which may prove to be an inspiration, a new way of looking at food, both growing it and eating! As an aspiring Vegan, (sometimes I miss the mark!) and dedicated grower and lover of all life, I have recently been converted…
Growing Food in Cottage Gardens
It’s a perfect day for being in the garden, with just the right amount of sun and shade as the voluminous clouds drift overhead, sun shines full in between and there’s just a promise of rain! The roses on the veranda are hanging so low that one has to limbo-dance under them to get in and out of the cottage. In doing this manoeuvre, one gets smothered in the most heavenly scent. My friend, Terri brought lots of cardboard and seaweed from Connemara and I laid the cardboard down in the new orchard yesterday. The seaweed is being spread on…
Sustainable Food: Easy Grow Vegetables and Fruit
Some vegetables and fruit are so very easy to grow it seems ridiculous not to do so! 1. Chard. Simple to start from seed. Full of vitamins and minerals. Cut and come again…it just keeps giving! This Ruby Chard has grown in the tunnel and given successive crops since last summer! 2. Parsley. In this case, curly parsley, but in fact any variety is great to grow, providing endless supplies of vitamin C and Iron for a healthy diet, as well as being simple to grow. Parsley will grow for 2 years easily before it dies back! Another great Chard…
