tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22720146608490230222026-04-05T09:33:20.222+01:00The Compost BinMusings on living a different, more self sufficient life.Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.comBlogger1727125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-7142343138917046942026-03-29T16:26:00.001+01:002026-03-29T16:26:02.556+01:00Cold, wet and windy day.Well, not a great start to British Summer Time, here!After yesterday's fine, warm weather, today is cold, overcast and windy.I always find clock changes upset my sleep, even when they go forward in the Autumn and we get an extra hour of sleep.It's not stopping our resident front garden Cock pheasant from wandering around nipping off the blooms on the Fritillaries, as you can see! (Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-38421727579332729782026-03-28T18:44:00.001+00:002026-03-29T16:17:27.265+01:00Trip to Botanica plant centre I've been up the road to The Nest and to the adjacent Botanica, formerly the Newent Plant Centre. This is an independent plant centre, run by very knowledgeable people.I love looking around there, at the way they display their plants, as if it were a real garden with plants in beds, rather than all on staging grouped by plant variety.Lots of plants in the huge polytunnels there, herbs and Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-8845917078994682712026-03-25T21:19:35.745+00:002026-03-25T21:19:38.422+00:00Wild bees documentary Watching "My garden of a 1000 bees" on BBC Four just now.Absolutely amazing footage, do watch it , if you can!We have some of the solitary bee species here, but I didn't know about a lot of the ones featured in this programme.www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002t686Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-56170039278289563362026-03-18T17:52:00.003+00:002026-03-19T02:33:23.989+00:00Cleaning the Gabriel Ash mini greenhouseSome of you may remember I was given a lovely Gabriel Ash wall standing mini greenhouse to review, back in 2014Sadlly due to being bitten by a Blandford fly and having to be hospitalised, the mini greenhouse didn't get put together until 2015.It's been moved around the patio a couple of times, but settled into it's current position about 10 years Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-47137378367134866072026-03-17T23:48:21.850+00:002026-03-17T23:48:30.986+00:00Bright Blessings to allSpring Equinox blessings to all!
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-83674312082512178662026-03-16T22:14:00.000+00:002026-03-17T22:15:53.268+00:00Pruning the Cider mill
This is what the front Cider mill looked like, the little branches used to grow berries for the birds, but no longer and the branches are looking increasingly sick.So , after checking very very carefully for nesting birds, I , one branch at a time, cut off the diseased branches.
Looks much better now, hoping it will rejuvenate the ivy to sprout new growth.Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-41455977576816002312026-03-13T16:51:00.000+00:002026-03-17T16:53:01.350+00:00Picking daffodilsThe gales and hard rain we had on Thursday knocked down a lot of daffodils in the garden (the wild ones in the wood, being short stemmed, didn't get flattened )
So I went and picked an armful of the knocked down ones, to bring inside.
Better me enjoying them, than the slugs munching on them (there's still plenty for them to eat, though 😉)
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-27758020067807130002026-02-25T13:32:00.000+00:002026-03-18T13:33:12.259+00:00more Gluten free bread experimentsGluten free seeded loaf made in breadmaker, plus 6 small crust rolls and two bap sized rolls proved and then baked in oven. (from Dove's Farm Freee bread mix)Think I might have over baked the small rolls, but they smell delish.Have beef stew for dinner tomorrow so might try one then.
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-25300875441304465792026-02-24T19:55:00.000+00:002026-03-17T19:55:48.506+00:00Bumblebees!First Bumblebees seen today on these flowers. It's been so dull and wet for weeks, I suspect the poor things had no flowers open to feed from.At least today the flowers were open!
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-6604714124192092052026-02-17T19:28:00.000+00:002026-03-17T19:29:21.351+00:00Fruit Vodka samplingMy Damson vodka is delish! It's 7 months old and I have just sampled some.Will leave it on the Damsons for another 5 months or so.The Cherry Brandy is ready to strain off the cherries, but I need to do it on a day when I've got time to do something with the tipsy cherries!
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-88774471627164684222026-02-14T00:24:00.000+00:002026-03-18T00:25:15.379+00:00Happy Valentine's DayHave a (still growing) bunch of flowers from me!
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-26513049197665393572026-02-11T19:56:00.001+00:002026-03-18T05:58:28.834+00:00Bringing the sunshine, indoorsWent for a short walk in the garden and wood, beautiful Wild daffodils blooming in our wood in the sunshine so I brought some sunshine indoors
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-63636987063112895932025-10-02T13:27:00.001+01:002026-03-18T13:52:30.922+00:00Tomato preservation, frozen vs dehydrated.Right, 6 lb of Shirley dehydrated down to 6 Oz (on left) 1.5 lb of Cherry toms down to 3 oz in middle, and for comparison 3 lb of Shirley, open frozen in a bag.
The Kilner jars are 1 l capacity.You can see the space saved by dehydrating, and of course the dehydrated tomatoes don't need any electricity to store unlike the frozen tomatoes.I sterilised the kilner jars (putCompostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-25853142702351859482025-09-28T13:18:00.000+01:002026-03-18T13:19:20.692+00:00Preserving Tomatoes Spent a pleasant hour washing and slicing some of my tomato harvest for the dehydrator.6 lbs of large tomato (Shirley)
And 1.5 IBS of Cherry tomatoes (Sungold and Gardeners Delight)
It's such a space save compared with open freezing whole tomatos. I only do that for making chutney and soups , later in the year. For stews/casseroles the dried ones are great (just need Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-81561690411533873262025-09-17T16:53:00.000+01:002026-03-17T16:54:15.358+00:00RIP FleckFarewell today to Fleck the Serama HenAt least 11 years old, an individual sort of hen who never wanted cuddles or strokes, but was still charming, when she wanted.She had slowly declined over the last month, although was still keen to come inside and get treats from meAfter a very slow last few days going into her hutch mid afternoon and stopping to sit down outside, she quietly just faded away Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-77785158147413457422025-09-15T18:02:00.001+01:002026-03-16T19:58:36.364+00:00Apple picking and other stuffWe have a yellow warning for wind here tomorrow, so we have just picked 120 lbs assorted apples (mainly Jupiter, some Fiesta and Bramley as well)
plus another 7 lbs of Damsons (the last ones on the tree, they are too squishy or mostly on the ground, now)
Lots of Damsons and Plums already in the freezer, plus some Damson vodka on the go.
Also, 2 Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-72526030668409011832025-09-13T13:08:00.000+01:002026-03-18T13:10:34.363+00:00Kitchen witcheryOpen frozen a lot of whole tomatoes yesterday, plus set 3 l of Damson infused Vodka on the go.Then made a compote of the few left over Damsons, 2 Pears from the glut in the garden and 2 eating apples (Jupiter) again from the garden.Cooked until soft with a tbs of sugar (to taste, I like tart stuff!)Then frozen in ice cube containers.I now have 42 "ice cubes" to go on yoghurt, porridge, ice cream Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-46614134275756139272025-08-28T16:54:00.000+01:002026-03-17T16:56:47.548+00:00Bill Bailey - Thoughtifier tour, BirminghamJust back from Birmingham Symphony Hall, having watched Bill Bailey on his Thoughtifier tour. Absolutely marvellous!We've seen Bill many times, the last time being at Hay Festival in 2022, and he just gets funnier and funnier.And such a wonderful musician!Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-379912907975334692025-08-25T16:57:00.000+01:002026-03-17T16:59:14.841+00:00Plums, Pears, DamsonsPlums. Lots and lots and LOTS of Plums. And Damsons.And Pears.I had to resort to a "smallholders trug" (aka the front of my t shirt!) just now.
To harvest a lot of pears that have gone from "not ripe, no not ripe" yesterday (which means you can't pick them), to "falling off the tree if you even look at me"
These are Beth Pears, juicy and sweet, with a picking window of aboutCompostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-23524454904381587952025-08-18T22:48:00.004+01:002026-03-15T17:16:54.313+00:00Blog party at Zoë's house Went for a wonderful few days over in Norfolk to attend Zoë's blog party. Excellent train journey to Norwich, then Zoe picked me up. The party was fabulous, it was lovely weather and we were able to be outside. Great to catch up with other Blog friends as well.Many thanks to Zoe and Mel for their hospitality, I had a lovely time!Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-76176256530014564812025-07-26T17:15:00.000+01:002026-03-15T17:16:53.007+00:00Guided tour of Arthur's Stone excavationBrilliant afternoon over at Arthur's Stone, nr Dorstone, Herefordshire, for a tour of this summer's excavation.Thank you Pamela Thom-Rowe , for a fabulous tour and to all the archeologists involved in the digs.Today is the last day of the dig; tomorrow the back filling starts.They were still finding new stuff when we left at 4 pm.Such a wonderful, magical place.Do go there, if you can.
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-92167224279919248732025-07-02T18:10:00.000+01:002026-03-15T18:10:59.239+00:00RIP Chancellor Very sadly, Chancellor the Serama cockerel seems to have been taken by something last evening. His mate, Fleck, was hiding on the wall in the ivy for several hours last night, and is still obviously traumatised today.I suspect fox/buzzard.Just doing what they need to do, though. Rip Chancellor the brave.Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-83030864505871124242025-05-15T18:18:00.001+01:002026-03-18T18:35:16.117+00:0010 years ago ...Gosh, 10 years since I went on the #biglunchextra training weekend at The Eden Project.Seems a long time ago, now, and a totally different world.
I'm on the far RHS in the above photo 7 people in, I hate heights and really didn't want to raise both hands but I did, thanks to my friends around me!
It was an amazing weekend. There are a series of posts I made,Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-26932617101895782732025-04-25T17:00:00.000+01:002026-03-17T17:13:33.799+00:00Mole pups! Yesterday fun here at Compost Mansions. Eeek!Ian was digging bindweed out of a raised veg bed, out near the top of the Wood, and uncovered this!We've covered them up while I go and seek advice
UpdateI've just been on the phone to local wildlife place, The founder is a friend of mine and runs Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue, she's said if the mother hasn't returned Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-35113399794748981842024-07-31T20:37:00.000+01:002024-07-31T20:37:02.890+01:00Yet more produce from the gardenI went outside to check on Fleck the broody Serama hen and give her some fresh food and water.I then spent 5 mins in the veg garden and OrchardThis is what I picked.
And the peppers and tomatoes which are from an earlier 5 min trip into the polytunnel.
8 lb of Tom Putt apples, 6 lbs of Beth pears, 6 lbs of Victoria plums, 3lbs of Runner beans (Lady Di) 3 lbs of Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com1