I just received an email from this organisation, and I wish them the very best. But for the concept of rewilding to work it needs a fundamental change in the psychology of large numbers of the public. Nice books about rich people rewinding their land is great, but I would rather not leave it to the wealthy philanthropists!
DESKS
My front garden
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder! Whilst many see a front lawn with straight parallel lines as a thing of wonder and order, I see it as a green desert, an insult to the diversity of nature. Uniform type of grass often sprayed with herbicides and fertilisers. To further insult the planet it needs to be cut every 2 weeks at least. I am not sure that there are many more boring and energy wasting activities than mowing a lawn using electricity or petrol. I wonder what the fossil fuel energy use is in this country.
VEGETABLES
REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
2020 has been a bit crap. But 2021 is already looking good.
Trump has left the White House and things look better already.
Vaccines are on the way so we can cope with Covid.
Some of my bulbs are already growing
My car will be mended – hopefully!
And then a wish list – justice, law and fairness replace avarice, greed and selfishness at the heart of government. Climate change becomes the centre of government and media concern (without disasters).
LIFE SKILLS
When I was little, a long time ago, I do not remember going out in nature unless for a reason, or cooking – other than hanging around to lick the spoon and hopefully the bowl. But we had a garden and allotment, and mum cooked a lot. My mum did not have to work to pay the mortgage like most families do today. Takeawys and fast food have seemingly taken over. Jamie Oliver does his bit as do lots of other. Countryfile and Packham and Attenborough do their best. But both these topics should be an integral part of our way of life and culture, not a 30/50 minute TV slot.
GARDEN JOBS
Empty and clean greenhouse. Prune roses – be harsh?
Cut back apricot tree – I will cut it back loads (just enough for bird feeders to hang) – and see if it can revive? Move gooseberry bush. And prune wisteria and basically everything else!
Well, rubbish weather forecast from BBC, MetO, Meteo – all said dry this morning -so what is the damp stuff falling from above? Still I did manage a quick hack at the red rose by the bedroom window before it not-rained.
MAY IS THE NEW DECEMBER
Forget super spread(er) xmas meals. Plan for safe spring time picnics and outside parties. I am planning my menu now.
OK so the menu will develop – add ideas please.
Xmas has songs/carols whatever. But suggestions for a spring/summer list of sing a long songs or old favourites – please post comments.
GARLIC
Just planted 40 cloves. I have taken out the borage plant and put in cloves of garlic in my ‘raised bed’ in front garden. They will have to compete with mint and others. I think I will need to plant borage again somewhere else, as it is a great bee plant – just not sure where – although a bit of gorilla planting might be good? Actually my mint has been pretty crap in the front garden this year – but lemon mint between the patio stones has been great!
So an empty greenhouse – suggestions welcome I think!
SATURDAY
Chilly but dry day. Pasta dough in fridge, bread dough rising. Last of tomatoes picked (only a few small ones, but tasty). So Spag Bol for tea. And maybe tomorrow ‘Apple Charlotte”??