Recollecting taxing topiary
I got a reminder on Facebook this week that one year ago I had been embarking on the challenge of cutting a very prominent topiary bird at Hidcote. It was one of the birds that sat overlooking the bathing pool and a piece of topiary that tended to feature in the photos of most of the garden’s tens of thousands of visitors. I felt very … Continue reading Recollecting taxing topiary
A first experience of Oca
As part of my new job I am coming into contact with unusual fruit and vegetables from around the world. In focus here is the South American crop known as Oca, or Oxalis tuberosa Continue reading A first experience of Oca
Time to give permanent beds a service
This time of year provides a fantastic opportunity to renovate the permanent beds in your kitchen garden or allotment to get them in best condition ready for the coming growing season. Continue reading Time to give permanent beds a service
Oxford Real Farming Conference – Part Two
Day two of Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) 2018 saw me attend my most inspiring talk of the conference, the chance to hear Perrine Herve-Gruyer of La Ferme du Bec Hellouin talk about using permaculture and bi-intensive methods to be highly productive farming on a small-scale. Continue reading Oxford Real Farming Conference – Part Two
Oxford Real Farming Conference – Part One
The Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) 2018 was held in Oxford Town Hall on January 4th and 5th and brought together farmers, growers, conservationists and more (basically anyone interested in sustainability and organic food developments) under one massively ornate roof. Continue reading Oxford Real Farming Conference – Part One
Horticultural highlights & future plans
Looking back on 2017 I can admit the year has had a lot of ups and downs, especially work-wise, but there have been some real horticultural highlights for me. Continue reading Horticultural highlights & future plans
2017 in 10 images
2017 has been quite a year. Here are my top 10 pictures which I think sum up the year. These includes ones from my work throughout the year, as well as visits to other gardens and shows. I should note these do not include any of the trip to Canada (which could’ve dominated the list and probably warrants a slideshow of its own). I confess … Continue reading 2017 in 10 images
Learning practical conservation tips
Conservation is a prominent issue to horticulturalists and I’ve been volunteering to educate myself more in how to be extra wildlife-friendly and care for our countryside. Continue reading Learning practical conservation tips
Experiencing exotics under the Bloedel dome
As I have mentioned previously I recently embarked on a two week trip to Canada where I explored the gorgeous areas of Vancouver, Whistler and Banff National Park. We made sure to visit quite a few gardens while in Vancouver and Bloedel Conservatory was a real highlight. Continue reading Experiencing exotics under the Bloedel dome
Growing hops for home brewing
Patience has definitely been required as I have been growing hops from seed to use in brewing my own beer. Continue reading Growing hops for home brewing
Perennial Nerd 