Author Archives: james

Memory Lane, 5th November 2022: What time of year is it again?

Posted on April 3, 2024 by james

Wandering around the garden today, I see dandelions flowering: Blackberries in bud: Nasturtiums (hiding under the leaves) and pot marigolds (calendula) in flower: Clary in flower: And borage, too: Strawberries flowering as well: Lots of flower on the chile plants … Continue reading →

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Uno, dos, trays

Posted on April 3, 2024 by james

Last month I posted about making new drawer inserts for our kitchen drawers. These: Well, you know how it is, same as last time. Sooner or later it happens… “What you did is really wonderful. It’s made such a difference … Continue reading →

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The ghost of Cruella

Posted on April 3, 2024 by james

As if it didn’t strain credibility sufficiently that “Cruella” Braverman insisted that sleeping rough was a lifestyle choice, I was quite surprised to discover that despite her hasty departure from government, measures against people who sleep rough are still included … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 5th November 2022: How much do you need more compost?

Posted on April 2, 2024 by james

Quite a bit, in my case. So I have embarked on a new project, building as much from reclaimed timber and other re-used parts as possible. Can you tell what it is yet? That’s the floor, carefully engineered from scraps … Continue reading →

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A few beehive repairs

Posted on April 2, 2024 by james

Last Spring I ended up doing far more beehive repairs than I ever thought I would need to, so there’s actually very little to fix for this season. The most important item is to add a rim to a couple … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 5th November 2022: Poor guy

Posted on April 1, 2024 by james

The one who has to shift this lot, that is. Not the one on top of the bonfire 😀 That’s most of the decent cardboard I have collected over the winter to make new beds and paths in 2023. Not … Continue reading →

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The projects never stop…

Posted on April 1, 2024 by james

As the new beds take shape in the veggie plot I’ve decided to remove the sides of the bed where the raspberries are growing. Some of them are quite rotten, but others look like they should be ok. I think … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 1st April 2024

Posted on April 1, 2024 by james

Well, the weather was playing me for a fool today. I decided to fill the trailer with green waste compost again and mix it with my own compost before spreading it on one of the beds. No sooner had I … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 4th November 2022: Getting a bit chile

Posted on March 31, 2024 by james

I know it’s not many, but this makes me so happy. We eat so many pickled jalapenos. These might only last three or four months. But having them out of our own garden rather than bought from a supermarket feels … Continue reading →

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It’s string, Jim, but not as we know it?

Posted on March 31, 2024 by james

I wanted some twine in a hurry to finish setting up some of the pea supports so ordered it from that South American river place because they have stuff that’s biodegradable and can go into the compost along with the … Continue reading →

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