Archive for the ‘flowers’ Category
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
This year we decided to grow more of our own – and we’ve got no excuse, as Todmorden‘s the home of Incredible Edible.
We have a variety of crops to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Most of them are growing in containers as much of our garden is paved with stone cobbles. It also makes protecting them from the ubiquitous slugs & snails much easier.
We use lots of the old galvanised metal ‘dolly tubs’, buckets and bins.
The plants seem to like it!
Potatoes, beetroot, carrots, tomatoes, rhubarb, strawberries, broccoli, courgettes, squash, peashoots, salad leaves, a variety of herbs – and yes, those are figs.
There’s still a little room for some flowers.
Perennials like the hostas, astilbes and lupins return each year like old friends. Although this year’s harsh winter saw a few losses.
To these we add a few annuals – osteospermums, lobelia and the like.
We’ve enjoyed working in the garden this year. We don’t think self-sufficiency is here just yet – but hopefully we’ll reap some rewards!
Tags: astilbe, beetroot, broccoli, Calderdale, carrots, courgettes, crops, foxglove, fruit, garden, gardening, geranium, herbs, hosta, Incredible Edible, lobelia, lupin, lupins, osteospermum, peashoots, plants, Potatoes, rhubarb, salad leaves, squash, strawberries, Todmorden, tomatoes, vegetables, West Yorkshire
Posted in diy, flowers, food, garden, home, projects | 1 Comment »
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
Elderflower blossom is in full bloom at the moment. Not only do they smell gorgeous, they’re easily made into the perfect summer drink. So here’s the recipe for elderflower cordial that has been requested by some of our friends on Twitter.
Ingredients
- 20 elderflower heads
- 1.8 kilos sugar
- 1.2 litres water
- 2 unwaxed lemons
- 75g citric acid (available at pharmacies or health food shops)
- Carefully shake each flower head to remove any insects and put them in a large bowl (one with a pouring lip would be ideal)
- Put the sugar & water into a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved
- Peel the lemons and add this zest to the bowl of elderflowers
- Slice the zested lemons and also add these to the bowl
- Pour the boiling sugar syrup into the bowl and stir in the citric acid
- Cover with a cloth / tea towel and leave at room temperature for 24 hours
- Strain the cordial through a fine sieve or muslin and pour into sterilised glass or plastic bottles. Screw on the lids and refrigerate or store in a cool cupboard. You can also 3/4-fill plastic bottles and freeze
Dilute the cordial approximately 1:4 with sparkling mineral water – or try adding a dash to gin & vodka cocktails, white wine spritzers or champagne!
Serving suggestion:
Hot sunny day
Tall glass
Lots of ice
Deck chair
Tags: cordial, drink, elderflower, elderflower cordial, elderflower cordial recipe, recipe, summer
Posted in cookery, diy, flowers, garden, handmade | 3 Comments »
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Spring has sprung in these parts – with the garden awakening…
…blossom on trees…
…ferns unfurling…
…daffodils in flower…
…chicks on the canal…
…bluebells in the woods…
…and lambs in the fields.
It’s a wonderful time of year, with signs of new life all around us.
Tags: bluebells, Calderdale, Canada geese, cherry blossom, daffodils, ferns, flowers, fronds, Gauxholme, goslings, hostas, lambs, lock, Pennines, sheep, spring, Todmorden, tulips, woodland
Posted in flowers, garden, photography, walking | 5 Comments »
Saturday, March 14th, 2009
We’re a bit tardy with our Out & about post for February.
It began with snow (again!!) – it’s as if winter keeps reminding us that it’s still here at the start of each month.
February isn’t always the best month for walking, but there’s no choice with Fudge looking expectantly at you.
Once we’re outdoors, it’s fine – fresh air & exercise – time to chat or think… and there’s always something to see.
With no leaves on the trees you tend to notice things like bark, moss & lichen.
These old pack horse routes criss-cross our local area – slightly above the valley floor which was once flooded & marshy.
We also come across many of these disused barns and farmhouses – some of them have beautiful views.
It’s easy to imagine them restored – many even retain wonderful original features like stone steps, beams and mullioned windows.
Towards the end of the month we got the first signs that spring was approaching…
… with buds on the trees…
… daffodils and bluebells emerging…
… and planters around the town filled with crocuses & other early flowerers.
It’s nearly time to dig out those shorts & t-shirts!
Tags: Calderdale, February, flowers, Pennines, snow, spring, Todmorden
Posted in flowers, photography, walking | 3 Comments »
Saturday, July 12th, 2008
This week’s blog is a small homage to a glorious colour. O just had to be for orange.
We are big fans, and judging by our popular photos on Flickr and items that always sell well on H is for Home, so are a lot of you out there.
Orange has the wonderful ability to look warm & cosy in the winter or lively & fresh in the summer.
Orange objects really catch the eye. It enables them to shout loudly in a collection of other brightly coloured pieces.
Alternatively, it’s perfect as a highlight colour within a muted decor or against natural materials.
We’ve given a few chairs the orange treatment!
We did a G is for Garden a couple of months ago having just planted out some annuals. Our French marigolds are doing well in the sunshine & showers.
Till next week! x
Tags: art glass, artist, chairs, coffee set, colour, cushion, Dolly Days, enamelware, fabric, French marigolds, garden, Geoff Key, Geoffrey Key, hot water bottle, knitted, Metamec clock, orange, tea cosy glassware, throw, vases
Posted in around the house, ceramics, design, enamel, fabric, flowers, garden, glass, home, homewares, interior decoration, interiors, knitting, textiles, vintage | 5 Comments »
