Introduction to Permaculture Design

Our local Straw Bale education centre at Farmeco in Screveton is running courses in introduction to Permaculture Design. While we might focus on eco houses here, our gardens are really important too, whether we focus on our carbon footprints, using water wisely, or making the most of our gardens for herbs, vegetables and wildlife. If you may be interested in a 2 day course at Farmeco Community Care Farm (14-15 September or 12-13 November), contact David Birrell at office@farmeco.co.uk

Garden Share: Victorian detached house with garden

This house has a long well stocked garden with flowers, shrubs and fruit trees. At the end is a small greenhouse and area with raised beds for vegetable growing. The owner of the house was no longer up to growing vegetables and was looking for someone who did not have the space but did have the energy and knowledge. Last year, the match was made and the end result can be seen if you go and visit the garden.

This garden share was begun in the autumn of 2009. The raised beds were cleared, and overwintering brassicas planted which were harvested in the spring of 2010, shared and enjoyed. This year, garlic are developing well, but overwintered onions not so well. The beds have been planted with early potato varieties and broad beads, brassicas and salad leaf planted into a seed bed. An open area of soil and a green house are now part of the share, and a planting scheme is being developed for these, including green beans, courgettes, tomato and cucumber".