Monthly Archives: October 2017

They look like mini sprouts!

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Helen

It was a bright and sunny Sunday, so I got into the garden to plant both the garlic and the garlic bulbils. Or rather, I did so after biting the bullet and taking out the nasturtiums which have been merrily … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, In the kitchen, Permaculture | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Drying nasturtium flowers

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Helen

This afternoon, I decided I’d been thinking about doing some work in the garden for long enough without any action. So, the plan was to get out there and chop the lemon balm bush back in order to make room … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Feathers and environmental protection

Posted on October 22, 2017 by Helen

One of the upsides of the Internet is having access to quality press from around the world. Now, I wouldn’t like to claim that the media are a true reflection of the state of a nation but they can give … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , , , , , | 26 Comments

Which apple tree next?

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Helen

Today was Apple Day at Helmsley Walled Garden. Last year at the Apple Day, we selected the apple we liked best for a new tree, which should be arriving some time this November. Now, we were on the quest for … Continue reading →

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Another colleague happy

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Helen

This week, I’ve taken advantage of the still light evenings after work to clear up the autumn garden. The nasturtiums continue to thrive, so I am leaving them for the bees to enjoy while they are still about. On the … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture, presents | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Knickers in a twist*

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Helen

This afternoon, I went past a police video van at just over the speed limit (I think). Upshot – kicking myself in case it was operating and I was indeed going too fast. The antidote to the spike in anxiety … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

If only nasturtiums were tomatoes…

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Helen

In my eagerness to get as many tomatoes as possible I left them in the ground too long. I kept what I thought were healthy fruit but after only a few days they have become a watery, white-furred mess. So, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , , , | 30 Comments

Coming down

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Helen

The garden is opening up now. Not only have most of the tomato plants been taken out, but the Jerusalem artichokes have mostly been chopped down and today I did likewise with the runner beans. If the beans hadn’t blown … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , | 10 Comments

Snails get everywhere

Posted on October 6, 2017 by Helen

When my Orleans Reinette (dessert apple tree) was still but a maiden, a very large snail decided to clumb up the trunk. So, I put a copper band round the truck and didn’t see any more snails, even though the … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

The third time is better

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Helen

When I sowed my kale last summer, I never expected it to show any perennial tendencies. I cut the tops off the stems and left the roots in the ground, so that they could rot in situ. My rationale was … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Permaculture | Tagged , | 10 Comments