We wrote a short blog about growing our own recently…
… or our attempts at least!
How about this for the perfect companion?
This fab 1960s garden DIY annual should help. Even looking at the cover makes us want to get out there and dig!
Archive for the ‘garden’ Category
Garden Helper
Thursday, July 15th, 2010Growing our own
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!
Summer Lovin’
Friday, May 7th, 2010
We picked up this fab 60s/70s lounger at a market recently.
The metal frame and period fabric are both in great condition.
We also bought a couple of striped deckchairs from the same stall.
We’ve been stocking up on outdoor items for our shop, ready for the summer.
Here’s just a selection – and what a blast of colour!
Cordial invite
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
Out & About… Spring
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.
