I thought I’d share some thoughts on renting a Christmas tree as this worked well for me this year. After 3 weeks hosting this lovely Norway spruce tree in our house, tomorrow I’ll return it to Rooted in Todmorden https://www.rooted-christmastrees.com to be put back in the ground for another year. I was so impressed when I saw this idea on TV …
Our Plants Our Future
This week I attended a conference, albeit online. 3 days of the British Society for Plant Pathology; Our plants Our Future in Birmingham. The first face to face meeting the BSPP had staged for 2 years and originally intended to celebrate the International Year of Plant Health 2020. I’m prompted to write this blog as an extension to the monthly …
International Year of Plant Health – July 2020
Education. Schools are now out for summer after months of lockdown and here’s the opportunity. Instead of parents worrying that their children are behind with schoolwork, perhaps summer activities will be positive learning experiences that will help children of all ages return to school in September in good frames of mind. For this blog I’ll review a few resources that …
The Helix and the Hoe
Song composed and played by Simon Peck, vocals Celia Knight
Making a Difference
My view from the kitchen sink Is up the path A climb to the gate And out and away. Then I was at home I had time to think differently I made a changed space It had a new purpose. Now I sit and look down the path I have a different view I have a new perspective It feels …
Out of Sight
A poem prompted by seeing a fallen tree on a solo walk A tree fallen over its roots, clear to see no longer able to hold up the above ground beautiful tree. The sea, crystal clear no longer able to support a busy metropolis beneath the waves. How did this happen to the soil and the ocean? Did we not …
International year of plant health – what does that mean for me?
The designation of an international year means that the United Nations member states have agreed the issue is important to the world. https://www.un.org/en/sections/observances/international-years/index.html What does that mean for me? Over the course of 2020, I will be writing a series of blogs that touch on the international guidance, regulations and ongoing research in plant health, but from angles that are relevant …
Season’s greetings and sustainability thoughts
It’s not always easy to feel good about ourselves, especially if the big sustainability challenges seem overwhelming at times. For me, it helps to feel positive about the things I can do and to try to keep making changes to daily life to use resources sustainably. If sharing these thoughts encourages others to do some of the same, and importantly …
Grow Your Own Chips competition
One of my projects this year has been a “Grow your own chips” event for my family. I hope to convey the fun we had in this blog, as well as the why, how and possible impact. If it inspires anyone else to do something similar – all the better. For many years we have taken part in a potato …