Author Archives: Earthy Homemaker

The thirsty garden was desperate for rain. At last it came and the plants revived. Leaves have plumped out and stems stand tall. The waterbutts are full again. The rainwater is so much better for most plants but especially acid-loving ones like rhododendrons and our blueberries. The blueberries are just beginning to ripen. When they’reContinue reading “Late Summer Colours and Precious Water”

It’s been so hot! Lovely mornings and evenings but uncomfortable at night. One night when I couldn’t sleep and the cool fresh dawn approached I wrote a little poem about it. Summer Contrasts Sultry summer nights. No rest the darkness brings, The hours stretch out till dawn When the blackbird sings. Air lies like syrupContinue reading “Sultry Nights and Summer Scents”

The garden is a bit in between now. The June show is over and I’m waiting for the later flowers like phlox and asters to brighten it up again. The roses have been lovely but are past their best except for two lovely potted ones near the house. There is usually a small flush ofContinue reading “Delicious Pesto and Lovely Spoons”

Summer surprises continue in the garden. We have a bed which is useless for growing vegs. It has tree roots and a hedge sucking the moisture out. I had lots of seedheads on the poppy plants last year so during the autumn I shook them liberally over this bed. When the poppies started to growContinue reading “Art Deco Pottery, Poppies and Sunflowers”

The weather has changed. Wet, windy and thundery. I brought in a few pretty blooms before the rain and wind could spoil them and arranged them in a vase. Beautiful bell flowers, roses and hydrangeas with a little greenery for background. Lovely to look at while the rain lashes down outside. I did take theContinue reading “Hot and Cold Treats.”

The garden badly needed rain. When it came I was happy for the plants and less watering for my husband to do but I’m missing those hazy, lazy warm afternoons. I do love raindrops on flowers though so I took the opportunity to take some photos. Here are some of them. As much as IContinue reading “Raindrops and Things that Fly in the Night”

I just love Summer! Evenings in the garden working while it’s a pleasant temperature, comfortable clothes and tasty treats. The strawberries are ripening. Definitely my favourite fruit. I pick them before they’re fully ripe. I like them that way and I can have them before the pesky slugs find them. The broad beans are readyContinue reading “Summer Pleasures”

Enjoying summer. So many good things to eat and beautiful flowers in the garden. The mange-tout peas are providing endless supplies of tasty treats. Lots of vegs in the polytunnel; lettuces, radishes, spring onions for now, carrots and other things for later. One thing I can’t grow is a banana but then I’m a bitContinue reading “Summer Treasures and a Banana Pudding”

Roses. The essence of a summer garden. Not quite time for a vaseful like this one from a previous June but they are opening slowly now the weather is kind. Everything about them is lovely. Their colour, shape and scent. So beautiful that I can forgive them their thorns and their temperamental nature. Roses don’tContinue reading “Roses and Cherry Wine”

Sunshine and cake. Two of life’s pleasures. Plenty of sunshine the last few days and I baked my recipe for date and ginger squares, so lots of enjoyment. What could be nicer than a delicious bit of cake and a cup of tea. These are very easy to do and are moist, tasty and satisfying.Continue reading “Cakes and Teapots”