Blogs

March 25th: over 2000 trees planted

Sandilands tree planters

A couple of weekends ago I was talking about attracting wildlife to new build gardens at PACT’s tool and seed swap day. Collecting information through a variety of sources, a neighbour mentioned that at Knepp Estate, Isabella Tree said their squadrons of goldfinches came back when they let the blackthorn grow. Birds love thickets for food and shelter. Here in my urban garden the bluetits haven’t come back to nest yet.

Feb 18th: worth getting out of bed for

Sandilands tree planting

The snow is lying in the hollows of the hills which rest above the fields like a great backbone with their white ribs of snow. The cold tang in the air, and I'm thinking about prevailing wind direction and there isn't one. We're so close to Cross and Great Dun fell, that give us a North East blast, but then on other days there's a southwest current rippling over the valley from the lakes.

I'm a novice; get me out of here!

Ground zero. That’s where I’m starting from with learning how to grow fruit and veg. If that sounds like you, then we’re in this together! 

 

I’m not from a particularly veg-growing family. My grandparents grew the odd spud and rhubarb. My mum and stepdad grew potatoes and grapes in the greenhouse at one point, and my dad grew tomatoes for a few years. 

 

I’m not naturally green fingered and I struggle with house plants. I have very little knowledge about horticulture, and my previous experience makes for a very short CV.