Search - Articles

, it's worth doing well' and most of the time I do agree with him, but on the plot we tend to need whatever it is that he's building somewhat urgently and so we pile the pressure on to cut a few corners and finish the job quickly.On the whole he bears

by squirrels. I went to great lengths to build a butterfly-proof shelter around them to prevent attack from the caterpillars of cabbage white butterfly. Fortunately, this was a great success. But towards the end of the season the squirrels moved in

, certainly knew a thing or two about sheds. His was a pre-fabricated affair, but big... enormous... with a large concrete floor and all manner of panels and doors used to build the sides. But his shed held a secret. Pieces of old carpet on the floor folded

the plot. We're now planning to plant some spuds and build a compost bin this weekend.

into the ground and standing only about 30-45cm (12-18in) tall. This gives the tree a chance to build up its own strength as it flexes in the wind but keeps those roots safe and secure. Perhaps the trees won't then grow as ramrod-straight as they would with a

some previous owner has thoughtfully laid a path or hidden some building debris. If I get through the crushed brick, a further 10 cm down I meet solid London clay. With a frozen crust, I thought I'd have a task before me.The ground was not as hard as I

on the allotments over the years.The experts, one from the local Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and another from the university, told us that the site was discovered in the 19th century by a historically-minded vicar who had made a note of it on a map

is disappointing. Their flavour is poor due, I presume, to lack of sun (which they need to build up sugar content). They are also very watery. Interestingly, there has been almost no wasp damage on the fruit, proving that wasps are as fussy about their plums as I

Christmas tree branches (cut from the base while preparing the tree for outdoors)Greenery, stems and seed heads (gathered from the garden)Garden twineFishing line20 white battery operated LED lightsGather your bunch of greenery together and tie tightly

), aided by 13-year-old. The 11-year-old swept up and the 3-year-old ate biscuits.And you'll be pleased to know that no wildlife was inconvenienced by the tree's removal. I knocked a Jersey tiger moth from the small cherry tree as I entered the garden area