Ellendale's first piglets

We are proud to announce the arrival of our first piglet's. Overnight Abby successfully delivered six beautiful Wessex Saddleback piglets. Only the size of a 600ml drink bottle, they are very active and mum is very tired. Looks like we won't be getting many farm jobs done today! 

Broad Bean vs Kidney Bean

Does anyone else think that Broad Beans should really have been given the common name of Kidney Beans?

Smart Gardening Available Now!

Smart Gardening is available now!

Smart Gardening is my new book and it is now available at all good bookstores and online outlets.

It is a handy reference with monthly activities for Cool, Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical gardeners interested in growing their own produce.

With information on what to plant, what to harvest and jobs to do, whether you are a complete novice or a true green thumb, Smart Gardening will help you through every season.

Following many sustainable and permaculture practices, the first half of the book looks at using the environment to reduce your carbon footprint and save yourself money. The second half is the practical monthly guide which even includes room to pen your own seasonal notes to really personalise Smart Gardening, and make it the best reference book in your bookshelf!

The book follows my own philosophy of saving money, reducing our impact on the environment as well as improving the health and well-being of my family. So if you like the sound of that, take a look at Smart Gardening, you are bound to pick up a few tips and tricks.

Buy your copy online by clicking on the link below or visit your local bookstore.

http://www.exislepublishing.com/process/shop/productView.html?itemId=26116

Welcome to my Blog!

As a horticultural writer I often come across people, stories, tips, tricks and real gems of information that never really make their way out of my notebook.
They may not have been suitable for the story or were just not timely.
I am hoping to share a few of these insights here as well as my own gardening experiences. This includes creating my dream garden (which will happen in the next 6 months), as well as getting my children involved in gardening.
I believe that a strong connection with the garden and our landscape when we are young is vital. I am hoping that educating my children in "Green Living" and "Smart Gardening" will provide them with the fundamental building blocks necessary for them to live long and healthy lives, while also doing their bit in helping to create a sustainable and green future for all. Something we can all become more involved in.
Happy Gardening!