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
May 21st, 2010DIRTY NAILS BLOG by Joe Hashman PONDS FOR LIFE
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, [...]
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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
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
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
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 [...]
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April 19th, 2010Stargazy Pye There are many actual recipes for this dish. Though all have the traditional heads of some fish or other poking out of the pastry lid, it is the rest of the ingredients that can be slightly different. The first recipe is one that uses only pilchards, or sardines if you cannot get pilchards, [...]
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April 15th, 2010Recipe of the Day from Diana and Paul Peacock
April 14th, 2010Recipe of the Day from Diana and Paul Peacock
April 13th, 2010The following recipe is the classic plain scone usually served with preserves and cream.
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