About

I am not an expert.

Like all gardeners, I’ve had triumphs and failures. Over the seasons and years my tastes have changed many times. I have always enjoyed my gardens immensely however, it has only been recently, that I’ve become truly, madly, passionately excited by it.

I believe I owe my new found exuberance in part to the series of events that lead me back into education in middle age. There is nothing quite like immersion into a group of young and shiny minds to open your own. I have met and befriended some folks who are likewise passionate about growing food, who in turn, introduced me to a tribe of forward thinking, creative small holding farmers and artisan producers. I’m learning more every day.

Before we took over my other half’s family smallholding I read voraciously, volunteered and acquired my Level One and Two  in Organic Horticulture from City and Guilds. At the end of 2015 I completed an eighteen month trainee-ship under the head growers at Organic Lea, a  working organic farm in Chingford, London, UK. Whilst doing the Level Two with Ru Litherland teaching, I took on the role of Organic Gardener at a school in London’s Tower Hamlets, staying on until half term in October when I flew myself and the cat to our new home.

I have been gardening in various guises for just over two decades. Wherever I was allowed be it a back garden, solarium, high rise balcony, the roof of my narrow boat., a school or as now, our own farm. I loved cultivating those gardens wherever I was, in Canada, Ireland, England and now Norway.

Autumn 2016 and Spring 2017 l see a new phase to my growing as to become the next steward of “Holt”, an organic smallholding in Telemark Norway. This move is a dream come true in so many ways, and I am grateful. I am not expecting it to be easy however, I have both the land and the language to grow accustomed to, not to mention my nearest farmer neighbours!

If organic growing, gardening, self sustainability, foraging, natural wine making and or small scale farming are of any interest to you, you are more than welcome to join me in this journey.

 

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