Monthly Archives: February 2016

Last day of winter

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Helen

Ordinarily, today would have been the first day of spring but in view of the nip in the air, I’m not bothered it was still February. It gave me an extra day to get my nephew’s birthday card in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Helping refugees

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Helen

Before I had my daughter, I used to do voluntary work for an organisation which encouraged the media to report stories on refugees in a fair light.  Issues related to refugees are still dear to my heart and I hope … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Permaculture, Social | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Like the new view?

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Helen

On Thursday morning, my neighbour came rushing in to let me know that the silver birches were coming down. So, at half eight this morning, the saws started and within an hour the trees were mere stumps.    I’ve got … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged | 34 Comments

Blame it on the washing

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Helen

I didn’t get chance to do any gardening before I hung the washing out this morning and what I had planned (involving shovels of compost) could have resulted in the washing coming in rather more quickly! Thankfully, with it not … Continue reading →

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Braving the artichokes

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Helen

The Jerusalem artichokes have needed digging up for some time now. As it’s been a warm winter and it doesn’t look there will be a freeze any time soon, it seemed likely that if they weren’t harvested in the near … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Health, Permaculture | Tagged , , | 21 Comments

Inside – February 2016

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Helen

Because of half term and the PDC last weekend, gardening activities have been a bit topsy-turvy over the part week. Finally, though, yesterday I managed to pot on the cauliflower seedlings, which have been doing so well on the window-that-works. … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening | Tagged , , | 26 Comments

Among the sculptures

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Helen

I’ve been to Yorkshire Sculpture Park several times. It’s only a few miles down the road from where I live now and set in extensive parkland, it’s a stimulating place to walk if you’re interested in art.         The … Continue reading →

Posted in Permaculture, Social | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Saved from landfill

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Helen

  Long before I had a garden, I used to live a far more sustainable life. I had a small flat in the city centre and didn’t drive a car. Now, my carbon footprint is much greater, although I endeavour … Continue reading →

Posted in Good for the environment, Permaculture | Tagged , | 20 Comments

Mysterious mounds

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Helen

This morning, I wondered how the onions were getting on. Great it would seem, as more of them have started to sprout. This spurred me into planting a few more garlic bulbils. And looking generally round the garden. Which lead … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Good for the environment, Permaculture | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

PDC day 4

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Helen

Whereas the PDC yesterday looked at the big picture of landscapes and climate globally, today’s lessons were more down to earth, literally as well as metaphorically. Although I am already working on creating a closed loop system within my home … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Good for the environment, Permaculture | Tagged , , | 13 Comments