Author Archives: Helen

About Helen

I have always been interesting in living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and used to do what I could. Now, I have come to realise that we have reached such a point in terms of environmental degradation that it is more important - perhaps - to focus on building resilience. I therefore do as much as I can to reuse, grow my own and encourage a supportive community, for example. I also keep reading and learning all the time.

First crop from the raised bed

Posted on July 21, 2019

The compost bin has been working like the clappers and made enough space for the broad bean haulms to go in it. And not before time, as the tomato plant which has been living in the shed desperately needed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, raised bed | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Poor pond

Posted on July 20, 2019

Since temperatures heated up towards the end of last month, the water level has gone down and down. I was actually concerned that the pond liner may have received a puncture but I think it must be too soon after … Continue reading →

Posted in Pond and bog garden | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Community garden to the rescue

Posted on July 17, 2019

In comparison with last year, the strawberry crop of 2019 has been splendid. We now have jam, jam and more jam and lots of happy people have been gifted a punnet or two. Still, we are down to the last … Continue reading →

Posted in Days out, foraging, In the kitchen | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

A visible herb garden

Posted on July 14, 2019

I was truly fed up of the poppies in the herb garden and just waiting for enough room in the compost bin to dispose of them. Then I got a pattern for a crocheted bag off a friend and yesterday … Continue reading →

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

Nearly ants in my pants

Posted on July 12, 2019

As it started to spit with rain this evening, I suddenly remembered that I had planned to take out the almost finished compost from the bottom of the bin and transfer it to the finishing off bin. I’d like to … Continue reading →

Posted in raised bed, soil management | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Copper tape and fleece

Posted on July 8, 2019

The three day lilies that I germinated from seed have been doing very well in their pots in the shed. I wanted to get them in the ground over the summer, though, so that they could establish themselves before winter. … Continue reading →

Posted in edible flowers, perennials | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Joining the dots

Posted on July 6, 2019

I thought today was going to be my daughter’s last gymnastics class, so I wanted to take advantage of the time her lesson affords for me to wander in the countryside. A few months ago, I found a bridleway where … Continue reading →

Posted in Days out, foraging | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments