Author Archives: Earthy Homemaker

It’s been a week of mixed fortunes. Lovely warm days, some rain to revive the plants and the gardeners, a new fence and the excitement of planning for a flower border. On the downside, the garden is full of wasps around the fruit and my husband had a very unpleasant sting with an allergic reaction.Continue reading “Fencing and Feathers”

More than half the month gone and harvest time is apace. Apples and pears are begging to be picked and fall off the tree if they’re ignored. So much to do at this time of year. The fallen fruit is being appreciated by the garden wildlife so it’s not going to waste. I found timeContinue reading “Preserving for Winter”

It was a scorching week. The garden has really suffered despite our efforts. Fortunately our house stays cool and it’s been a pleasure to venture outside in the relative coolness of the evening. Time then to top up the birds’ water and to sprinkle wherever reinforcements are needed. The evening air is scented with lavenderContinue reading “Light and Shade”

The year is swiftly flying by. August already and changes in the garden. The apples and pears are falling. Telling us they are almost mature enough to pick. Daily checking now to see if they yield when lifted gently. If they come away when cupped in the hand they’re ready to harvest. If they stayContinue reading “Late Summer.”

The weather has been gentle since the days of extreme heat but the garden has suffered. A few things look shrivelled and may be past their best. I’m hatching plans for an Autumn make-over. When one door closes another one opens! Last autumn I planted several lilies. They were called “Brasilia”. A beautiful pale lilyContinue reading “Beans Galore”

At last the weather has cooled and the garden has slaked its thirst! Some things have suffered despite our efforts but hopefully they will revive and continue to give us pleasure. One of the things I love about a garden is that it’s full of surprises. You never know what’s going to crop up. ThisContinue reading “Garden Surprises”

With these hot days of summer the garden is curling up in places. The dry soil is slow to respond despite continuous watering. In places it’s crisp underfoot. Luckily the best part of the garden is the bit viewed from the house and that’s holding its own. The bees are keeping busy and a fewContinue reading “Daisies and Desserts”

This dappled light through the window during the evening is a pleasure to see. It set me thinking about how wonderful glass is. Everything from a window pane to a delicate crystal wineglass is a thing of beauty and yet so functional. We don’t often appreciate the wonder of glass as a product. Even ancientContinue reading “Jewel Colours Inside and Out.”

As much as I love strawberries, I’ve had my fill now of picking and preparing them! We’ve had many scrummy bowlsful though and I have a good stash in the freezer. I will make some jam on a cold winter’s day. A favourite job in my warm kitchen when rain is lashing the windows andContinue reading “Enjoying Summer Fruit”

It’s been a busy week in the garden and kitchen. Harvesting is in full swing and I don’t want to waste a scrap. Strawberries are ready every day so I’ve been squirelling away all the surplus. The freezer is almost full now with scarlet treasure for the winter. I might make strawberry jam this year.Continue reading “A Busy Time of Year”