Winter- Spring

Greetings.

This is the home for all things horticultural, organic, sustainable on a stunningly beautiful - if wild - site in Powys!

January

The wintry weather continues - a 2nd dumping of snow this winter, resulting in temporary isolation on the hill!

Willow harvesting continues, although there was even snow Inside the barn...It has to be cut before the buds open, which meant an early start as it had been very mild. That is no longer the case! But it only needs a few days of higher temperatures and the tough willow will decide it's Spring, so cutting must carry on.

Once in the barn, the willow has to be 'drafted' - side-shoots removed, sorted into lengths and thickness, and stacked ready for the workshops.

It will soon be time to focus on starting any crops requiring a longer season than Wales usually offers. I set up a germination table in the sunny, light conservatory and it's always a great delight to see the first plants of the year emerging. There will be potato tubers to chit, out of direct light, and of course beds to prepare with my plentiful horse manure.

Willow courses; bookings have been coming in for the start of the workshop 'season'. The early ones may end up working partly in the conservatory if this cold continues!

The animals are coping well in the cold - though the sheep are Very keen to get to their hay...I have been mugged once or twice with wheelbarrow, hay and self ending up on the floor...

I always have random plants for sale - they are no longer my main focus, but it's hard to stop growing... So if you're visiting, do have a look and see what is on offer.

Looking forward to more meetings with new people - and old friends - and sharing the wonders of the natural world!

All the best

Pippa

NEWS

WILLOW CUTTINGS for sale!

See on the 'Willow' page