My first attempt to clear my raised beds failed drastically. There were still plants I intended overwintering in them but the severe frost left them in a very undesirable condition. This was my first of four Square Foot Gardening (SFG) raised beds, which was to replace the odd assortment of pots and containers, from which … More Frozen Wastes
So far my planting has been mainly for the table but I still get concerned about our disappearing urban gardens’ effect on wildlife. Having cut down a juniper bush which had been accidentally trimmed too severely, I decided to remove it. I’ve only cut it down to above ground level as the roots will probably … More The Birds and Bees
When we said goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021, it didn’t magically change anything. Some see the end of 2020 as something to celebrate, but the year itself didn’t have anything to do with all the tragedies which happened, most of that was people. Bombings and shootings all caused by people and the pandemic … More Goodbye and Hello
As a child, I liked worms and would frequently take them indoors to let my mother see them. She was tolerant! The humble worm is a busy little worker and is one of your best friends in the garden. It carries on day after day producing one of the best composts you can get. It’s … More The Tale of Two Wormeries
At long last a start has been made to the fourth raised bed. The seeds are coming up in raised bed No.3, and it could quite well be a cost-cutter plan. I planted some varieties of pak choy, lettuce etc., four seeds to each square foot and four little green heads have appeared in each … More A New Start – Raised Bed No.4 And SFG
You learn something new everyday and here in Scotland, the unassuming little bug which seems to be everywhere, we know as ‘slaters’. Elsewhere, they have different names but even as a ‘pill bug’ we understand what they are. We find them around old property and especially where there is old, decaying wood. As they were … More Well I Never!
There is generally one pest, be it insect or weed, which universally dominates gardens and gardening forums are filled with people asking the same question, “How do I get rid…?”. If the answer was all that straightforward, we wouldn’t need to ask, we would know. I wonder however, if anyone looks at their particular problem … More Friend or Foe?
Still the plant catalogues are falling through the letter box, advertising plants, seeds and many gifts to give a friendly gardener. I have tried many of their products between encouraging plants to grow and something to scare away the enemies. You can tot up quite a bit between all the deterrents, none of which seem … More Condiments and Coffee
My plan this year was to cut down on the number of plants to be grown. I tried to ignore all the seed catalogues and fantastic sales the plant companies are offering, but once again my finger nervously hovers over the ‘buy’ button. If it would be content to hover, I would be happy but … More Never Say Never Again
Fencing, or lack of it, has been the bane of my life in trying to keep dogs out. My garden is small and so is the little furry tornado which tries to get into the garden and run amok. Ideally I would like my garden fenced in, however I have a problem that it doesn’t … More Don’t Fence Me In
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