So.....It has begun

Absence is a fine thing, without it I wouldn't have been quite so busy.

I've been able to potentially acquire some land to realise a dream which has floated around my head for some time, a worthy cause, essential to my home county in terms of connecting communities and linking the countryside again.

So.....It has begun

Spring did Sprung. It's finally here, but not quite as I remembered. This photo is from last year and our cherry plum was producing hundreds of blossom, this year however it was sporadic and slim, possibly a reaction to the mild winter and previous winters taking energy from the trees.

*Edit*

In hindsight....'twas the awful dampness of our climate which created such a terrible fruit setting, vegetable yielding and flower blooming year. alas.

Fancy trying some ancient crafts in the New Year? My latest article in Living Woods magazine this month should inspire you! Great traditional skills from the Dorset Coppice Group...hurdles, spoon carving, basket weaving to name but a few.....

Living Woods Magazine - Grafting

All those years of staring out the window at school have finally paid off. Living Woods magazine have published my article about grafting fruit trees (apples in particular). The magazine this month is absolutely fantastic - it covers some great topics including the cover story regarding the future of woods without a pool of talent to maintain them.

You can get your own copy (dirt cheap) from here: http://www.living-woods.com/

Living Woods Magazine - Grafting

Grafting apples guide, Living Woods Magazine

Living Woods Magazine is publishing my article on grafting fruit trees in the next issue (out end of June).

The magazine is only available by subscription but is well worth the read if you are interested in heritage crafts, woodland skills and sustainable practices. 3 issue trial is only a fiver!

Link to their site: http://www.living-woods.com/

Grafting apples guide, Living Woods Magazine

Spring Sprung

There couldn't be a better feeling than that of the recent warmth of Spring sunshine. All around me the dormant buds that I periodically inspected, squeezed and poked have suddenly burst into life. There is a distinct green mist of emergent leaflets within the hedgerows and tree line.

The bees have been frantic, all the hives have survived a particularly testing winter. They almost seem to be on the verge of swarming as their frantic efforts to harvest as much of the spring time treats increases...primroses, early blossom, not to mention collecting vast quantities of water from our pond.

The pond now holds many new delights too. Frogs have returned, travelling far and wide to leave a legacy of lawn mower dodgers. I'm amazed to see so much spawn at the waters edge, it's incredible to think where the original amphibians have been for the previous year.

I'm building something new this year, a giant greenhouse/poly tunnel hybrid - ample space inside for many a tomato and cucumber to do battle. Keep you posted.

Spring Sprung