In Roman times, wine making was a simple affair. The grapes were crushed and stored in large clay amphoras where the fermentation occurred naturally. The skins, seeds, and stems were stirred. Then, the pomace fell to the bottom of the amphora, acting as a filter so that the wine, extracted through a spigot, ran clear. Wine […]

via In vino veritas — Salt of Portugal

Dirge in Woods by George Meredith A wind sways the pines, And below Not a breath of wild air; Still as the mosses that glow On the flooring and over the lines Of the roots here and there. The pine-tree drops its dead; They are quiet, as under the sea. Overhead, overhead Rushes life in […]

via Inside a coniferous forest — The official blog for the North York Moors National Park

Marshalls is pleased to announce the latest edition to its Street Furniture portfolio. The Natural Elements range is a modular, coordinated range, inspired by biophilic design and elements from the natural environment. The range aims to introduce natural forms, patterns and materials into urban spaces, integrating planting areas within a modular seating system. Natural Elements […]

via Natural Elements Range from Marshalls — Architecture, Design & Innovation

In 1928, Southern Railway advised ‘there is so much open country all around Grove Park that no one need fear for the present it is going to become a part of London’. (1) This was ironic given that its book was intended to promote the growth of suburbia (and lucrative commuterdom) on London’s fringes. It […]

via The Grove Park Estate, Lewisham: ‘a real “Garden City”‘ — Municipal Dreams

A rare example of a 19th century curvilinear glasshouse has been restored at the National Trust’s Quarry Bank in Cheshire after a year-long restoration project. The 1820s glasshouse was built to supply the owners of Quarry Bank mill, the Greg family, with tender fruit of the time, such as grapes and peaches. Its innovative design […]

via Ahead of the curve: innovative 19th century curved glasshouse is restored to its former glory — National Trust Press Office

Here’s another opportunity for you Citizen Scientists out there. Project Budburst is a national effort that collects and analyzes the observations of gardeners on the timing of leafing out, flowering, and fruiting. It was started in 2007 to document the effects of climate change on plants, and is currently coordinated by the Chicago Botanic Garden.

via Project BudBurst! — gardeninacity

On our monthly wanders through the parkland at Attingham Park, the closest National Trust property to us here in Plealey, we spot many dead trees left standing to benefit wildlife, insects and birds in particular. But we simply enj0y their shapes as they decay and the textures created as fungi and small creatures eat them […]

via Tree Trunks at Attingham — greenbenchramblings

Foxtail Lilies or Desert Candles (Eremurus)獨尾草 Hardy bulbous perennial. Easy to grow. Best growing in full sun to partial shade location. Mid spring to early summer with long candle like flower stem bearing many small flowers in colors of white/yellow/pink/apricot. Flowers attract bees and butterflies. Good for cut flower. USDA Zones:6-9. Mature size:3′-4′(H) X 9″-1′(W). […]

via Foxtail Lilies or Desert Candles (Eremurus)獨尾草 — My Food And Flowers

Wouldn’t you love to try out some unique container ideas for your small space garden? I was able to find a few new ideas at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show last month. Visiting garden shows are the best way to find inspiration for the garden. I love this use of mason jars planted up…

via Unique Container Ideas for a Small Space Garden — That Bloomin’ Garden