Monthly Archives: August 2019

The ups and downs of the tomato plants

Posted on August 31, 2019 by Helen

Earlier in the summer, I reported that my tomatoes were struggling. Then the plant in the pot near the pond leapt ahead and is now laden with tomatoes. Unfortunately, it has been somewhat neglected and apart from being parched it … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, raised bed | Tagged | 15 Comments

River Cottage Festival

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Helen

I’m so glad we went the festival held at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage in Devon this weekend. Being outdoors with others who are inclined to share one’s views is relaxing, if nothing else. However, of course, there is also always … Continue reading →

Posted in Crafts, Good for the environment, Social | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Gobbling up the crab apples

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Helen

Last week, I was concerned about a moulting pigeon. It looked in a tattered state with its head and neck feathers gone and seemed to be hanging around the garden rather forlornly. However, I now know why it is spending … Continue reading →

Posted in Wildlife | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Protecting marine life from plastic

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Helen

I rarely reblog a post but I think this one. Fishing 4 Litter, on the official blog for the North York Moors is important to disseminate. By now, I would have thought most people are aware that plastic is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Good for the environment, Wildlife | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Protecting marine life from plastic

Where’s the vigour then?

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Helen

When I bought my pond plant in order to oxygenate the water, I was warned that it might take over and I think it is even banned in Ireland because of this. However, I don’t personally see the threat: True, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs, Pond and bog garden | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A waste of money?

Posted on August 18, 2019 by Helen

After waxing lyrical about my bokashi composting system in the early days, I am now ready to accept its downside and move on. The final straw came this morning when I emptied the bottom of the regular compost bin to … Continue reading →

Posted in soil management | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Moulting behaviour

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Helen

Last night when I popped out into the back garden, I accidentally scared a pigeon. I hadn’t seen it in the undergrowth, although I dare say if I had I would still have needed to go outside. In any case, … Continue reading →

Posted in Wildlife | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Before I drown…

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Helen

It’s that time of year when the strawberry plants start shooting out their runners. The plants I have are not just good fruit producers but they are experts at reproduction. Hence: Unfortunately, I doubt a strawberry plant, no matter how … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbs, Pond and bog garden | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Out-of-date sesame seeds

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Helen

I’ve had a large packet of sesame seeds in my cupboard for quite some time. At least two years. As they came from Fuel for Schools (The Real Junk Food Project, which I’ve mentioned in previous posts), they might well … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Wildlife | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Yuk and yak

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Helen

Has your life been disrupted because of recent floods or power cuts? I met a lady on the shuttle bus to the British Wool Show yesterday who had flown in from New York, only to find there were no trains … Continue reading →

Posted in Crafts, Days out, soil management | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments