BUSY WITH THE HOE When I was a boy, hedges which divided the gardens of my childhood seemed much higher. Immediately to the left was Mr Knight and two doors on the right lived Mr Knight’s brother. They were both of retirement age even then, avid and obviously experienced gardeners. When they became widowed, once a day [...]
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DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman BUSY WITH THE HOE
Friday, May 21st, 2010DIRTY NAILS BLOG by Joe Hashman PONDS FOR LIFE
Sunday, May 16th, 2010PONDS FOR LIFE How many kids do you know, of all ages, who are fascinated by water? What is it about a garden pond which acts like such a magnet for inquisitive young minds? Have you ever dipped a net into a pool, dragged it out and been amazed by the wriggling creatures amongst mud, [...]
Read More »DIRTY NAILS BLOG by Joe Hashman PEAR BLOSSOM
Sunday, May 16th, 2010PEAR BLOSSOM The fruit garden is a collection of apples, pears, plums and nuts which are cultivated in a carefree way at the back of my plot. They were planted as one year-old ‘maiden whips’ seven years ago. This means that they were literally single twigs only about knee or thigh-high. During that time they’ve grown, been appropriately pruned and [...]
Read More »DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman THE VANISHING OF THE BEES
Friday, May 7th, 2010THE VANISHING OF THE BEES The alarm disturbs my slumbers at first light and I lie there in half-conscious limbo for half an hour or more, pausing the phone each time it rings to urge me on. Outside, birds are welcoming the new morning in their remarkable, dawn-chorus way. Woodpigeons’ lazy snooze breezes in through [...]
Read More »DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman GARDENING FOR THE LESS WELL ABLE-BODIED
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010GARDENING FOR THE LESS WELL ABLE-BODIED www.thrive.org.uk We gardeners all know that our hobby is good for us. A quality half-hour here and stolen moments there, amongst growing plants and their associated wildlife, is just the ticket after a long day out at work or in the office. It calms us down, mellows us out, [...]
Read More »DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman PARSNIPS
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010PARSNIPS Having waited for some decent, warmer, growing weather, it seems counter intuitive to be already thinking of next winter. But growing your own food year-round is only realistic if you plan some months in advance. This week I’ve been doing just that, specifically with my parsnips. These cream-coloured, taper-rooted cold season essentials reach their peak after [...]
Read More »Know when your getting a great deal in a supermarket: by Marc Lockley, author of How To Pay Less For More
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010The Guardian published findings today stating that the majority of price cuts that Asda and Tesco made in the run up to Christmas were only 1pence. This disappointing finding is something that, as consumers, we need to be more aware of. Retailers will often show colourful and impactful signs saying ‘sale’, ‘BOGOF’ and ‘limited offer’ to [...]
Read More »Are comparison sites the real deal? by Marc Lockley author of How To Pay Less For More
Saturday, February 20th, 2010Laura Whateley in todays Times(20th February 2010) wrote a really informative article on price comparison sites entitled ‘Do comparison sites really offer the best deals?’ She had searched the sites for value following a survey by Which? that led to the conclusion they were not delivering a reliable service. At times Laura felt them difficult to navigate, [...]
Read More »Cut through the jargon and get a great TV for less by Marc Lockley author of How To Pay Less For More
Thursday, February 18th, 2010It’s been a busy time with writing and coaching over the past few weeks, so apologies to readers of this BLOG – I shall try harder in future! Saga asked me to write an article on buying a television and here is the link. For readers of Saga who have first come to this page – welcome! To follow the [...]
Read More »12 February 2010 DIRTY NAILS’ BLOG by Joe Hashman HURRYING SLOWLY, SCHOOL LANE GILLINGHAM, JUST THINKING, THE PRACTICE OF GARDENING
Friday, February 12th, 2010HURRYING SLOWLY Whilst nursing a cup of tea first thing, to wake up… …eight pigeons clapper-board in powerful flight, veering right to left. Blackbirds steer low and straight, either directly in line with my seat, head-on or, with an audible whoosh, coming in to sight from behind my head. A pair of blue tits check [...]
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