Vivi's Kitchen Garden

This week I’ve had visitors so I’ve been out and about; a visit to my local wool and craft shop, a walk to Old Harry Rocks (a famous group of chalk stacks just off the coast where I live), spring wild flowers and a wonderful close up moment with some skylarks whose song is one of my all-time favourite sounds. Oh……and a very clumsy moment……and a sneak peak, first glimpse of my new shelves.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

Out & About: Visitors & Skylarks

After six months of rain……and other jobs more pressing….it’s time to turn my attention to the garden and the rubbish! I need to roll up my sleeves and do some hard work.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

Vivi’s Cottage Garden: Clean Up Begins!

I’ve been tightening my belt since the expensive month of February. This week I am not going to spend any money on food at all. How will I get on?

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

In the Kitchen: Too busy to cook, too broke to shop!

After a few months of neglect (because of endless rain) it’s time to start tidying up in the garden. There’s so much to do I split the tasks into small chunks….today I’m going around the garden with my secateurs as the first job….and then I turn my attention to looking after the birds who visit.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

Vivi’s Cottage Garden: Pruning & Bird Care

I can’t quite believe it has been a whole year since I moved! Today I am reflecting on how I’ve got on with making this my dream cottage by the sea…..and a bit of a tour of the place as it’s looking today.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

At Home: One Year! How did I get on?

One year on….and after a horrible winter of almost non-stop rain….how is the seaside cottage garden looking? As we walk about the garden I’ll show you the plants/crops that survived and outline the jobs that need doing. Wrap up warm…..it’s a chilly day.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

Vivi’s Cottage Garden: Garden Tour – April ’26

Today I’m trying my first recipe in the Instant Pot. I’ll be using two different settings so it will be a great learning opportunity…….but, never mind that, the dish itself sounds super delicious. I can hardly wait to eat!

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

In the Kitchen: Instant Pot: Spinach, Chickpea & Halloumi Curry

Spring is in the air so it’s time to get on with some more sowing…and a little planting. In modules, direct in the soil…..and some new, bare-root plants. It’s all about the flowers for my little seaside cottage garden today.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

Vivi’s Cottage Garden: Spring has sprung

Here’s how I make my own curry paste; the perfect base for so many dishes….and I know exactly what’s gone into it…..just lovely spices and a few fresh veggies. It’s ridiculously easy and quick to make…..and it freezes well so it’s perfect for us batch cookers.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

In the Kitchen: How I make: Curry Paste

Life is a roller coaster……I just wish the dips weren’t so sharp! News about my home plus a bit of entertainment and a gorgeous early Sunday morning beachside.

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Living a simple, mindful life by the sea in rural England (Dorset).

At Home: Good News….Bad News