Author Archives: Earthy Homemaker

Snow and ice! A cold garden, covered in a white blanket last week. Not a favourite of mine but even so, an opportunity to see some lovely sights. The birds have been tucking in on the bird table and feeders. Although they’re very elusive I snapped a few through the window, Signs that spring isContinue reading “Survival and Resourcefulness”

Halfway through January and Winter is truly underway. It has been relatively mild although the forecast is for colder weather soon. This is when I appreciate hearth and home more than ever. Enjoying baking in my warm kitchen and snuggled up by the fire at night. But then I have always appreciated being at home,Continue reading “Hearth and Home”

I love the fresh pages of a new diary in January. I always have two. One is for general day-to-day events and the other is for my gardening notes. I’m not a “dear diary” type of person. Mine would be boring for anyone else to read (Windows cleaned, paid! etc) but they are so usefulContinue reading “Soup and Surprises”

We stand at the beginning of the year Full of hope and good intentions. The old year gone, our spirits stir And throw away those last-year tensions. Bring on the new, embrace it all. Expand the mind, the heart, the soul. Go forward, not afraid to fall. There’s every chance you’ll reach your goal. HappyContinue reading “A Fresh Start”

The frost has gone for now and it’s wet and windy. Most people prefer the crisp bright days but I’m relieved that it’s a few degrees warmer. At least you can move about without icy hazards underfoot. The garden looks a little bedraggled after the harsh frosts. Fortunately the hellebores, winter clematis and jasmine perkContinue reading “Festive Food”

The frost has finally hit home! The garden is frozen and the nights cold and long. Time for cosy fires and hot meals. The frost always looks beautiful so I can forgive its savage effect on the garden. Here are some frosty moments I caught with the camera. The robin is a very round ballContinue reading “Frost and Fire”

Christmas planning going full steam ahead! But still time to wander around the garden searching for hidden treasure. Amazingly, I found a snowdrop in flower. Never known that in November. Mine usually flower in late January. Still a few leaves in lovely colours hanging on and the evergreens are pleasing at this time of year.Continue reading “Snowdrop Surprise and Air Fryer Food”

Wet and windy. Not tempting me into the garden except to fetch vegetables for cooking. Although it’s a long, wet trek to fetch them, the carrots, parsnips and celeriac are snug in the polytunnels, and I have an abundant supply of fresh parsley. It’s always worth the effort. I have a couple of nice winterContinue reading “Christmas Treats”

The weather has cooled at last and more like the usual November. Cosy nights by the fire and crisper days. Happy times in a warm kitchen, baking, cooking, and filling up the freezer with Christmas goodies. My lovely daughter, Sam, helped me to make the Christmas cake. We always do this on my birthday. It’sContinue reading “Warming Meals and Winter Flowers”

Almost mid-November, yet the weather has been so mild that the plants are confused. Some of them think it’s Spring. The rhododendron has opened a few flower buds and the primulas are flowering. A few little potted roses are pretty and brightening the garden with their delicate beauty. The tomatoes have been removed from theContinue reading “Winter Vegetables, Berries and Blooms”