first day of spring

The only day of sunshine in Wellington this week, it’s appropriately arrived on 1 September. The October fresh food garden courses on Saturday 2 and 30 are booking up quickly. A number of people have bought places on the course as very successful gifts for friends and relatives. I’ll send a gift voucher if you want to do the same. It’s still cold and windy at times and the slugs and... [Read more]

lovely dovelies

I’ve planted a few potatoes this week, although it’s possibly too early as the shoots won’t enjoy a late frost. I’ve mulched them with shreddings from pruning the fruit trees. We’ll plant some more on the fresh food garden courses on Saturday 2 and 30 October 2010. The other opportunity to visit The Kitchen Garden is to come on the very popular Ohariu Garden Ramble on... [Read more]

pheasant and mozzarella roulades

Pheasant breasts are usually skinless. They’ve worked pretty hard so can often be tougher than chicken. Wanting a quicker dinner than slow cooking would produce, I stuffed some pheasant breasts with mozzarella and wrapped them in bacon to keep them moist during their half hour in the oven. Served hot for dinner with roast winter vegetables – pumpkin, onion, cauliflower and parsnips and... [Read more]

the wedding formula

My mighty seed order arrived on Saturday within just a few days of my ordering on-line. Quite possibly the best money I spend in a year. All those packets of potential. I get quite excited just opening up the jiffy bag – even though I already know what’s inside. The seeds will keep for a few years if stored well. I used the wedding formula for ordering seeds: something old - rocket, perpetual... [Read more]

moving an asparagus bed

It’s one thing to do the wrong thing through ignorance. Quite another through sheer bloody mindedness. I’ve been advised never to move an asparagus bed. I’ve been advised never to dig wet soil. I’ve been advised never to ignore good advice. This week I’ve done all three. I grew asparagus from seed  – waiting the required three years before picking the first, tender... [Read more]