as frugally and sustainably as possible
2 simple steps to living longer and making the world a better place for everyone 1) stop having children. There is no automatic right to procreate, divine/ natural/ or otherwise. But there is a maximum limit on how many the planet can sustain, after which the precious biodiversity that ensures we all have enough clean …
Just got a copy of this magazine, and it’s really wonderful. Not just for all the contacts, especially with other forest gardeners and frugalists, but because this is how all voluntary organisations should run. On the bare minimum of costs, and with no conflict of interest from advertisers/ sponsors. Got me thinking too. About the …
Last week we had a heat-wave. Nothing new there, we are in the south of Spain, and it’s the pay-off for such wonderful weather the rest of the year (winter especially). Except for seventy-two hours the temperature indoors and out didn’t drop below 42C (that’s 108F!). It was impossible to go outside or do anything …
First off, I have finally finished treatment for my back (hernia). It’s taken about four months, during which the only thing I had to do was remember to take tablets, and has been a wonderful success. For the first time in what must be at least eight years I am completely pain-free. All thanks to …
News today: I have finished the MARK I prototype of a solar water heater (photo on the how our house works page). It is based on a 2 metre x 1 metre sheet of galvanised steel sheet. A pallet was used to make the base, with a castor mechanism from an office chair for the …
First, here’s the promised photo of our newly installed pergola. Under which are now the trays of hardy seeds sown in October which are showing through, and about 300 trees/shrubs in pots from the previous year, waiting for planting in October if we can find the cash to fence in another acre of the garden …
I don’t appreciate blogging normally, to me it means valuable time wasted sharing the equivalent of the contents of your navel, while I could be out in the garden. Right now though it’s pouring with rain, the first serious shower we’ve had for a year, and I took some photos that I think are worth …
John Dove, tireless octogenerian and hike organiser for Texada Island (British Columbia), has got in touch to identify the plant below. It's a Viburnum tinus, sadly though not edible. Thanks again John. Keep up the wonderful hike reviews!
Getting to know your garden can take a lifetime, especially when it is on an almost vertical slope and there's 25,000 m2 of it to investigate. Yesterday I came across a tree I hadn’t seen before and wondered if anyone reading this knew what it is (latin name please) or where I could get it …
Spring has arrived at El Pocito. This means several things. First, it’s a lot warmer outside, stripping back from three layers of thermal vest + shirt + fleece, to just a t-shirt (though it's still cold enough inside to need the stove on). And with everything coming back to life we’ve stopped the planting of …
we are looking for interesting independent bookshops to feature on the books page. Send us the contact name + website address of your favourite.
How to live off-grid 