The garden at the beginning of September……just a few days before the seasons change. There is so much to be grateful for at this time of the year in the garden and I’m getting so excited for the harvests in the coming weeks.
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Thoughts on……Month 16: Positive breeds positive.
I am so happy to end this month on a much more positive note than last month. It takes a bit of work and self-discipline initially but getting into a positive frame of mind really is possible with just a few tweaks here and there……..and then the positivity gathers momentum…..
Vivi’s Kitchen Garden 118: Brassica nets and vegetable dyes.
Why is it always windy when I’m trying to put up nets? Hahahaha – I could really have done with a second pair of hands. Today was a bit of a go slow as I feel a little under the weather……a day for just a little gardening and and rather more time talking to friends…..and learning a bit about vegetable dyes.
Vivi’s Kitchen Garden 116: Lessons learned this year and planning for next year.
On a sultry, sticky morning I take time out to have a wander in the garden and think about what has worked and what hasn’t this year…….and begin to think about how I might do things next year…….and harvest yet more tomatoes, too, of course.
Thoughts on……Self-sufficiency – living richly on a tiny budget.
I may have very little money but my life is richer now than ever. I’m still working things out……every day is a learning day…..and every day offers the opportunity for simplicity and beauty. I am happier and more fulfilled now than I ever have been. It’s hard work and takes a bit of planning but the rewards are worth it.
Vivi’s Kitchen Garden 115: Odd jobs and harvesting – Coco de Paimpol and Chickpeas.
After a busy few days and plenty of rain it feels great to get back out to the garden. There are lots of little jobs to be done but no desperate hurry…….and the harvests are coming in so kitchen time needs to be factored into the day…….the garden feels buzzing with life and vitality after the rain.
In the Kitchen: Breakfast to Supper. A day of food from the garden.
I have been asked on a number of occasions to make a video like this….so here it is……a typical day of what I eat using my garden produce. Of course this is summer…….this day of food would look totally different if it was the middle of winter……..
Vivi’s Kitchen Garden: August in the Garden (2018).
Despite the heat and drought the garden is showing signs of abundance….I was worried earlier in the year that the garden simply wasn’t going to produce this year but persistence (and multiple sowings of some seeds!) has paid off…….there’s food!
In the Kitchen: Courgette Soup (with potatoes and cheese)
With courgettes being harvested quicker than they can be eaten it’s time to turn them into something to store for later. This soup is so quick and easy to make (without the cheese for a budget version or for vegans), it tastes gorgeous; rich and creamy and it freezes really well to make a lovely lunch time meal in the depths of winter.
Vivi’s Kitchen Garden 114: Blanching celery and harvesting berries under a blazing sun.
Our heatwave/zero rain weather continues – making daytime gardening not just uncomfortable but even possibly dangerous. I tried to get a step ahead of the heat by getting to the garden early to tackle some of the little jobs that have fallen by the wayside…..in particular I wanted to get more of the brassicas into the ground. I was shocked to read the thermometer at 8.30 am…….and had to beat a retreat by mid-morning. Most nights I am dreaming of rain……….
