Saturday 17 March 2007

IAN GOMERSALL

WELCOME

ECO SUPPLIERS


Photo: New houses in Buncrana are better equipped with insulation but do they go far enough?




Please click on the title for an update on the COMPARES Project in Inishowen



My attempt at producing a list of Eco suppliers in Inishowen is going very well. I now have contacts for wood burning stoves, solar panel installers and bio thermal heat installers. Natural insulation still has to be delivered in but my biggest trouble is with the wind turbines. It seems that here in the Republic, we have a problem with the energy these devices produce. In most other European countries, including Northern Ireland, the electricity boards are more than happy for us to have turbines and they will buy your excess energy that is produced to put on the grid. Not here it seems. The ESB appear to have a reluctance to let anyone into their monopoly. This means that if anyone buys a turbine they will need expensive batteries to collect and store the energy instead of selling it on. There are obvious added expenses with these batteries but the ridiculous situation is that if your turbine produces too much energy you will either have to switch on all of your appliances to use the power up or disconnect the turbine blades, which is a ludicrous position to be in. Ireland household bills have jumped from €495 a year in 2002 to €740 today. The bill will rise again as the charges are being increased by another 25% bringing the average to €1,260 per annum. More reason for why we need to be able to produce our own electricity and sell the excess on.

Solar panels are easily installed though and do not have the same problems with big multinationals. If you like they can be made from old radiators painted black, for nothing. These produce 65% of annual hot water needs and up to 90% in summer. Heating water accounts for 64% of all household energy consumption. We here in Inishowen have a better climate than most of us would realise for getting the best out of this method of energy saving. It would cost about €4600 to install the professional kit and the grant aid will reduce this cost by €1200, making it an affordable option, although it has been said that the cost of the appliances are going up as well as companies are cashing in an the bonanza. A recent article in a financial paper thinks that when the SSIA investors get their money, most of it will be spent either on holiday homes or improving the energy efficiency of their existing houses. Those of us who didn’t invest in the SSIA market can still do our bit at making the house more efficient and not spend a fortune. Cellulose insulation made from newspaper is currently on the market and a cheap alternative to fibreglass. 20% of heat loss is through the roof of the house. You could fit thermostatic controls on the radiators to reduce wastage or even turn some of them off altogether now the weather has warmed up. Make sure the insulation around the water tank is in good order and turn the thermostat down a degree or two.


UPDATE

Inishowen has now got the COMPARES Project, which saves me loads of time and energy, read on.........



COMPARES PROJECT

I hear that low energy bulbs are not catching on in America. The main reason is that the lights are a bit dim to start off with before they glow to their full potential. A bit like me really!

A new initiative in Inishowen, the COMPARES project will be encouraging the tourism and leisure industry to start to get more energy efficient over the next six weeks issues.

The COMPARES project, which is being led by the IRDL in Carndonagh, is making information readily available to tourist providers on how to become more aware of the changes they can make to cut costs and tap into renewable energy sources. They have clear, unbiased information on products, suppliers and funding that is available.

The cost of conventional energy such as oil and coal is expensive and this can mean less profit or higher prices. Neither of those options is favourable when running a business so COMPARES hopes to bring in methods that will drastically reduce the company’s outgoings, making them more competitive in a difficult market.

Tourist providers such as B+B’s, guesthouses, hostel and hotels will all benefit. The tourist industry predicts that visitors to Inishowen will care about their carbon footprint and this initiative will become part of the Inishowen holiday experience.

Starting slowly with a few low energy bulbs, eventually working up to solar and wind power will put service providers ahead of the competition around the country. I’m sure that there will be a few vegetable patches and compost bins included in the scheme as well, if I have anything to do with it!



Environmental

MODIFIED MAIZE



Ian
How do I know that modified maize in products isn’t genetically modified and what is modified starch?

Reply.
Manufacturers have to declare a product contains GM maize if the product contains more that 1% of the GM ingredient. This is the best we can hope for at present. Modified maize is also labelled as modified starch, cornflour, cornstarch and corn oil.

Modified Starch-There is no way, from the packet label, to tell what this is. But generally it is a cheap cereal filler, to bulk the product out. Starch is a very useful bulking agent but, untreated, it is difficult to use. So scientists have devised ways of treating it with acids, alkalis and oxidising agents to make it more soluble, or heat resistant, or to give it a variety of textures. Like sugar, these modified starches are high in empty calories with little or no nutritional value.


Environmental

MARGARINES AND SPREADS


Photo: Spreading the toast with butter.


Ian
Should I buy low fat margarine or butter to spread on my toast? Thanks P.L at the breakfast table?

Reply.
I am really trying not to preach to people about food additives. I feel as though I must make an exception here, so please excuse me whilst I blow the dust off my soapbox.

The current trend for polyunsaturated margarines, followed by ever-lower fat, low-fat spreads is a perfect example of being duped by processing companies. Polyunsaturated margarine include in their list of ingredients cheap, nutrient-poor waste products such as skimmed milk or whey powder. These are then made into an emulsion with plain water, and you have a low-fat spread. They even whip it up with air and call it something like “lite”. It couldn't be cheaper to produce and, since its price competes with that of butter, it can be sold at a vast profit. The public is buying rubbish and paying the earth for it. I can think of no reason why anyone would want a low-fat spread, but if you do, why not merely spread butter thinner? That would be cheaper and it's a heck of a lot healthier than any margarine.

Many brilliant (and well paid) minds are inventing new foods all the time. They hydrogenate fats; modify starches, then thin or thicken them to give a range of textures. They add emulsifiers, thickeners, preservatives and antioxidants to stop them going rancid, artificial flavours because they have no taste or the taste is pretty foul. Colourings are added to make them more appealing, artificial sweeteners (several of which are known to cause cancer), waxes, oils, bleaching agents and improvers. Some of these additives are there to make the gunge acceptable to the buying public. Some is there so that it runs through the machines more easily. The food content is generally so poor that what you buy in most cases is an appetising-looking product, which is lacking in real nutrients. In many cases you get no real food at all. Lemonade doesn't contain lemons - even the flavour doesn't come from lemons; cheese and onion flavour crisps contain no cheese and no onion. The food scientists can synthesise just about anything; and the ad-men can sell it. And if they tell you it has added vitamins and minerals, you are more likely to buy it - so they do. If it were real food, however, it wouldn't need to have vitamins and minerals added.
The next time you shop in your supermarket, look at the labels. If the first, and thus the largest, ingredient is water, or if you can't find any food among the additives on the label, don't buy it. If we all get together and don't buy a product, the manufacturers will soon get the message and change. There, I feel better for that. I hope you enjoy your toast and butter!
Environmental

LISFANNON BEACH ATTRACTING ATTENTION

Photo: A broken battery case on the beach at Lisfannon
Photo: Water line Lisfannon beach






Photo: Dumping on the beach.






Photo: Asbestos pipes dumped illegally




Dear Ian,
I have read in your earlier articles about work being carried out at Lisfannon beach in Buncrana. Initially the work was to accommodate the silt that was being dredged up near the pier to allow the lifeboat and ferry in. What on earth is going on now? The area of boulders is so vast that it is now cutting off the beach at medium tide and looks so unsightly. Have you any information about what is happening there please? Regards I.B. Buncrana.


Reply
I checked with the Department of Marine they told me that the work being carried out was initiated by the Buncrana Municipal golf course.
Before you throw your arms up in despair I must add that I have checked and they do have permission to go ahead with the work. A couple of issues bother me though. Just what is going into the landfill? Yes, there seems to be mountains of soil going into the site from where Aldi are putting up their new building. There also seems to be loads of builder’s rubbish going in too. I’ve seen concrete, plastic, metal and fibreglass in there and the rubbish is actually on the tide line so it will leach into the Swilly eventually. The other issue is that by putting up the stone barrier the sand dunes are effectively being made redundant. Sand dunes by their very nature move with the tidal conditions, they actually act as a buffer in storms. By sealing them in the effect of the storms will invariably cause the very silting that the wall was initially built to counteract. The silting could end up in any part of the peninsula. It would be interesting to see if the impact assessment study shows any predictions where this would happen. It is difficult to put up opposition to work such as this (although some try!). Mainly because if you do it is seen to be in opposition to business people who claim to bring jobs to the area. Care is needed when a town expands quickly such as Buncrana. There is talk of developing the shorefront with high-rise apartments and shopping outlets. If this is the case then an area that used to be walked from Lisfannon to Swan Park will be blocked. It would make more sense to build these types of properties inland where they do not destroy our natural resources and leave the shorefront as a year long amenity for locals and tourists alike. Most of us tend to have a short memory when it comes to environmental issues, we wouldn’t build houses on municipal dumps if we didn’t. Maybe the next generation to come will be trying to stop a housing development being built on the reclaimed area on Lisfannon beach!


Update: Since this was written the Environmental Protection Agency assesed the site and stopped all dumping of illegal waste. The Agency also looked at the shortcomings of the recycling centre that is placed next to the tourist information centre in Buncrana town. The Council also had their wrists slapped for dumping road materials next to the river.


Environmental

INVESTING FOR THE LONG TERM

Photo: Swan Park Buncrana

Photo: Development area behind the house.







Photo: Swilly sunset




Work has started on a new housing complex behind our house. Eventually there will be around 65 houses and flats that will cater for the ever-growing population of Inishowen. The building contractors are using three large diggers and some earthmovers to get the levels ready for the foundations to be put down. Like most new developments, this one will not be a through road and the builders are trying in vain to build a barrier to keep the kids out as well as putting up a notice telling people not to trespass. The lure of change is like a magnet for the children and nothing will stop them from going over and playing in the mud. Children need somewhere to play and as development spills out of the towns there are less and less areas where we can get away from it all. Areas in or near towns need thoughtful planning allowing for areas of parkland for whenever we need a place to recharge our batteries and get a sense of well being. Most well designed towns and cities all have green areas to relax, not just a bit of grass on the edge of an estate where the builders couldn’t push another house because of planning regulations. There was an open day for us to see the development plan of Buncrana recently. This showed areas for housing and of course the infamous inner and outer ring road plans. These are all well and good but there was no mention or suggestion that any areas will be set aside for communal use. In the last few years I have witnessed quite a few miles of walkways along the Crana River disappear due to housing developments encroaching on the paths. Some areas haven’t been lost totally but houses from new estates are now overlooking them. The occupiers of the houses probably feel that walkers are invasive and the walkers probably feel the same about the homeowners. I was in the council offices a while ago asking for the boundary map for Swan Park in Buncrana as I felt this would eventually come under threat. Worryingly enough, the town engineer told me that there aren’t any plans. I find this very hard to believe but if this is true and no firm boundary is in place, this could give rise to any developer moving in on one of the last sheltered areas of private walkways that we have in Buncrana. Harry Percival Swan will be turning in his grave- unless its been built on of course!







Update-Since this was written, the houses are past phase 1 and there has been a large 17 acre plot of land sold next to Swan Park, for development of course!




Environmental

FRUIT CARE


Photo: These pears from my mothers' garden were great ths year, although they were totally neglected.

Water: Water fruit trees and bushes in dry weather. Large established trees shouldn’t need any extra water – but fruit on a very dwarfing rootstock, and trained fruit, particularly when trained against a wall, may well do. If your fruit tree is not already mulched after watering lay a thick mulch of organic matter around it. This will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.


Containers: Don’t forget that container grown fruit relies on you for nearly all of its water supply. Water daily, even when it rains, as rain can bounce off leaves rather than soaking the soil. If you are going to be away for a few days, move containers into the shade, if practical, to reduce water loss.


Peaches: If you are lucky enough to grow wall-trained peaches and nectarines in the conservatory, prune them immediately they have fruited. Cut out the shoots that have borne fruit, and any dead wood. Tie in replacement shoots.


Reduce fungal diseases: Prune plum and damson trees after fruiting. Cut out any material that is dead or diseased. Pruning plums at the correct time of year will minimise the risk of infection by fungal diseases. Vigorous growth in the summer reduces the chances of spores of this disease gaining entry through pruning cuts


Blackberries: Continue training new canes of blackberries. Watch out for thorns! Train the young shoots to wires against a fence or wall in one direction and the older fruiting canes in the opposite direction. Tie in with twine. This method makes picking and pruning simple.


Blackcurrants: Prune blackcurrants any time between now and late winter. Remove up to one third of the bush each year, cutting out the darkest, oldest wood in favour of young growth, which will bear most fruit next year. Start with low growing shoots to prevent next year's fruit from dragging on the ground. Overall, aim to maintain an upright shape and open habit in the centre.


Apples and pears: Harvest early apples and pears. A reliable way of telling if a fruit is ripe or not is to cup the fruit in your hand and twist it gently. If it is ripe the fruit will fall into your hand. If not leave on the tree to ripen further. Early crops of apples and pears do not store for long so are best enjoyed not long after picking.


Raspberries: Continue pruning summer fruiting raspberries. Cut out the canes that have borne fruit this summer and tie in the canes that have grown this year. Any new canes that are weak should be cut out, rather than tied in, as it is unlikely that they will bear much fruit.


Trained fruit: Prune trained fruit trees now. Cordon apple and pear trees need to have side growths from the main stem cut back to 8cm. The shoots that were cut in the same way last year will have produced side shoots. Prune these back to 2.5cm. Summer pruning encourages fruit bearing spurs for next year. Prune esplaier and fan-trained trees in the same way.


Finish off: Finish off summer pruning of cordon and fan trained gooseberries and redcurrants.



Horticultural

FERTILISER LABELS



Photo: Fertilizer labels can be very confusing.


(Click on the title for a link the the Royal Horticultural Society website)



Ian
Could you tell me something about fertilizers as the labels always baffle me and I don’t know which ones to use on my garden. Thanks D.N. Letterkenny


Reply
The contents of fertiliser packaging can seem a little daunting at first glance, but labels explain the composition and nutrient content of the product, helping you to make a well-informed decision about initial purchase and subsequent application in the garden. Although I would like to say that I try not to use these chemicalson the garden even if the product claims not to pollute the soil. The pollution will probably have been created somewhere else!

Information clarity
Although the details are complicated, the result of legislation is that fertiliser labels all display the same basic information. This allows one garden-fertiliser packet to be compared with another and should show clearly what is being bought.


Current legislation
The composition, packaging and labelling of fertilisers is controlled by legislation. This may be either British or European; both differ slightly in their content, with EC regulations becoming more prevalent, but both are satisfactory.


Statutory declaration
Fertiliser packaging is required by law to include a number of details, including the following:
The prescribed name of the product content, such as ‘NPK Fertiliser’
The major nutrient contents, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)


Forms in which the nitrogen content is present


Solubility of the phosphorus content: P and K are usually expressed as their oxide content, followed in brackets by the content of the element


Levels of secondary nutrients present such as magnesium (Mg) and other trace elements
Any pesticide content (lawn weed-and-feed products, for example) as well as a statutory declaration to comply with
pesticide legislation

The name and address of the manufacturer
The guaranteed weight of the product
An EC product declaration, if the product is EC approved


Usable ingredients
The useful part of fertilisers are the elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, rather than compounds such as phosphorus pentoxide and potassium oxide.


Growmore has a ratio of 7:7:7 for these materials, but is actually 7 percent nitrogen, 3.1 percent phosphorus and 5.8 percent potassium, or 7:3.1:5.8. Therefore it is a high-nitrogen feed, rather than the ‘balanced’ fertiliser commonly assumed. As garden soils are more likely to lack nitrogen than other elements, Growmore is deservedly popular, especially as a spring fertiliser.


Unlabelled products
Materials not covered by fertiliser regulations may be offered as plant foods, without stating their nutrient content. This may be variable due to the parent material (as with pelleted poultry manure) or there may be other purported benefits.


Exempt properties
Fertiliser quality - freedom from lumps, solubility and quality of ingredients - is not covered by the label information. Agricultural fertilisers for example may contain potassium chloride. This is cheaper than potassium sulphate, but some plants are sensitive to chloride content. However, the fertilisers sold to gardeners are almost always satisfactory in these respects.


Application guidelines
Manufacturers of garden fertilisers usually add comprehensive information to help gardeners get the best from their products. Major manufacturers will conduct tests and trials, but generic fertilisers such as superphosphate and Growmore have recommendations based on experience as well as field trials. Guidelines cannot cover every possibility and gardeners may have to use ‘trial and error’ to achieve the best results. If you feel that you can garden organically and without the need for spraying then that is what I would recommend.


Thanks to Guy Barter from the RHS for his help


horticultural, environmental


DOUBLE THE FLUSH




I like the idea of composting toilets and now that the dual flush system is coming in this year, these might be worth looking into.

Water wastage may be a growing problem, but the Irish government is determined to get a handle on it. Dick Roche, the environment minister, has lifted the lid on a new law that will mean builders have to fit ultra-efficient toilets in every home and building from the end of this year. The so-called “dual flush” WCs differ from conventional facilities by offering two choices, one designed for liquid waste and the other for solids. The units are already on sale in Ireland; Roche’s legislation will make them a requirement.

Environmentalists who claim they can reduce a household’s water use by up to 20% support the two-button toilets. Roche revealed his plan in the Dail recently, saying he plans to change the building regulations by the end of this year. “The toilets save water as they release only a small amount, half or a third of the cistern, when you don’t need to use the full flush.” Toilets account for between 30% and 40% of household water use. Environmental agencies estimate that households use about 50 litres of water per person each day through flushing. Ivan Sproule, of Sustainable Energy Ireland, said: “Local authorities pump water to homes and this uses up energy and causes emissions. If we use less water, we reduce this.”

You can go one better with a dry composting toilet -they use no water whatsoever. In the mean time if you want to conserve a drop of water, try putting a building brick in the cistern!


Environmental

INISHOWEN SUMMER GATHERING























Photo's: The Inishowen Summer Gathering started in 2005




(Click on title for Living architecture link.)

Thanks to all of the organisers of the Summer Gathering in Culdaff this year. The whole event was very enjoyable and relaxing. I was there a day early to volunteer my services and there was plenty to do to keep the volunteers busy. Poly tunnel frames, straw bales, tarpaulins and lashings of hemp rope, all needed combining together to make the temporary structures to house the talks, stallholders and musicians over the weekend. There was a massive turn out of campers on Friday. I counted at least 100 tents and campervans that congregated on the field, which made an instant community of peaceful festival goers who mostly stayed for the whole weekend.

I am not very good at just sitting around in the sunshine and as I was there for the weekend I ended up looking for something constructive to do. For some reason I ended up being the toilet monitor for the weekend (I think it was because I pitched the tend near to them) There were only four cubicles for all of the campers so I thought it was important that they were all in working order. The toilets consisted of wooden cubicles with a raised up seat over a four-foot hole in the ground. Sawdust was used instead of flushing which meant that a least there were no pipes to unblock. The main problem was the fact that the wind blew the doors off of their hinges regularly. Most campers are not opposed to a bit of nature but using a loo with no door in front of hundreds of people might be a bit daunting. The screws to hold the doors on got longer and longer over the three days but thankfully managed to stay on until the end. You will be pleased to know that the holes in the ground have been filled in and the microbes in the soil will totally de-compose the waste within months.

I did manage to attend one or two of the talks that were on, in between toilet duties. I particularly enjoyed Peter Cowman from the Living Architecture centre in Leitrim village. His ideas of houses being living structures hit a chord. He runs courses both in Leitrim and by correspondence. (Check out his website by clicking on the title above)

Because I was involved in the construction of the event I found myself learning so much. I spent time with Andy Wilson from Westport setting up his wind turbine and solar electric panels. I now have a better knowledge of the workings of the machinery, Andy also taught me some very fancy rope knots. Thanks also to Brendan who showed me what you can make out of a pile of straw bales and willow rods. The temporary structure that was put up housed showed me how Jim Mullins solar panels created enough hot water for everyone on the site to wash their dirty dishes and Diagon also had their pipes laid out for us to see how undefloor heating actually works. My lads came away with new skills too. Michael tried his hand at wood turning and Ronnie can now milk a cow!

Environmental

TOP TIPS



Photo's- Before and after subjecting the spud to microwaves.






Eggs

To prevent eggshells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.

To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it rises to the surface, throw it away. To test if the egg is soft or hard-boiled spin it around on the table. If it is hard-boiled it remains horizontal, soft boiled it will stand on its end

Splinter removal: When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. (I have tried this and it only really works on splinters that are not fully embedded in the skin)



Here are some other ideas to be friendly to the earth. I have been trawling the streets again looking for top tips to make our lives that little bit easier. The usual disclaimers apply, try tham at your peril!

Leaking vase- A leak in a vase can be repaired with a few drops of melted candle wax.

Ripening fruit- If you put bananas in the fridge their skins will darken, but the flesh will stay firm and the fruit will not ripen too quickly. If your pears, peaches or tomatoes are under ripe, put them in a brown paper bag with a ripe apple. Make a few holes in the bag and stand in a cool, dark place overnight (no, not you silly!)




Lovely lemons- To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing.

Soften sugar- Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it.






Home made scoop- A Friend of mine used to slice a milk carton down the middle to make a container for growing seedlings in. Another great idea is to chop them up to make them into scoops for flour, sugar and water, or even for the kids to use in the sandpit.

Harvesting crops- Regularly pick crops so that they are always tender and fresh. Never leave crops for too long before picking them, especially beans and courgettes.


Potato cleaner- Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.

Ice to see you- During frosty weather, mix four tablespoons of vinegar with a drop of water. Put this on your car window at night and the windows will be frost free in the mornings.

Oh crumbs- Burnt toast put into training shoes overnight rids them of any smells.

Hollow promise- When cooking jacket spuds in the microwave push in three cocktail sticks like a tripod. As the potato cooks the sticks slowly go into the potato and eventually will come out of the top. When this happens the potato is cooked and ready for serving.



Result- I do try most of the tips that are mentioned, including this one. I must say that for me this experiment was a total disaster. I stuck in the three sticks and after twenty minutes of watching the tuber gradually resort to a hollow shell, the sticks were still firmly stuck on the bottom and showed absolutely no sign of moving to the top. Maybe I didn’t use a big enough potato; still it kept me busy for a while.
Household


HERBAL TEAS




I went shopping last week for some herb teas. We were having some friends and family around and thought they would be grateful of an alternative to tea and coffee. I bought some of the “natures equivalent” ones which means that they are pumped full of chemicals. I forgot that I wrote to the manufacturers a few years ago to ask them what the chemicals were that made up the teas. I was amazed when the company sent me a fifteen page run down on chemical names. I think they thought that they could blind me with science, and they were right! These drinks are tangy and refreshing but not to everyone’s taste. There are chemical free alternatives to the fruity bought varieties –any herbal teas such as camomile or mint is fine. Alternatively, grow your own plants in the garden and either pick them as required or freeze and/or dry them for herbal tisanes when they are out of season.



Teas from the garden include fennel, mint, rosemary and one of our favourites - the lemon balm. As far back as the ancient Greeks this plant was recognised for both its soothing smell and its medicinal properties. Like most herbs lemon balm is antibacterial and anti viral in nature. It is also a slightly sedative herb, lowering fever, relaxing spasms and improving digestion. We just drink it because a few leaves soaked in boiling water tastes very refreshing. Taking drinks other than ones that contain tannin and caffeine such as tea and coffee makes for a pleasant change. Other plants that yield pleasing drinks are:

Thyme - pull some leaves off the stalk and infuse (see below). Good for easing congestion and may be used to ward off colds.

Ginger - cut three or four slices of peeled, fresh root ginger. Chop one teaspoon finely, then infuse. Improves circulation and relieves sore throats.

Feverfew - select two or three small leaves and chop or shred and infuse. Reduces fevers and eases migraine.

Garlic - chop one clove finely and infuse. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties help to ward off infection. It also improves circulation and can benefit the cardiovascular system.

Peppermint - chop or shred three to four peppermint leaves and infuse. Aids digestion and freshens breath.

Valerian - chop or shred four to five fresh leaves and infuse as above. Has a relaxing effect and eases anxiety and insomnia.

Parsley - select three to four small heads of fresh parsley, chop finely and infuse. This herb is rich in minerals and naturally diuretic, so relieves water retention.

Nettle - take three to four young leaves (use gloves when picking) chop and infuse. Nettle is rich in trace elements and minerals, and promotes healthy nails, skin, hair and bones. It also has a diuretic effect.

Chamomile -Relaxes nerves and mild sedative

Be aware that some of the plants can be very powerful and if you are on medication or pregnant then check with your doctor first


MAKING THE DRINKS


We tend to just throw a few leaves into a cup and pour on boiling water. If you want to infuse the ingredients by the book here are the recommendations, it’s a bit like making a pot of your favourite tea.

1. Select an appropriate herb. Organic (pesticide-free) ones are best. Those from gardens, hedgerows or window boxes are fine if they haven't been exposed to car fumes.


2. Pick the leaves and chop finely or shred by hand.


3. Place one to two heaped teaspoons in a china cup and fill it with freshly boiled water.


4. Leave to infuse for five minutes, then drink slowly.


You can add a teaspoon of honey as a sweetener, if desired


There are green teas on the market if you still need the caffeine hit. Green tea is said to help arthritis sufferers and could eradicate allergies. They are also claimed to improve the memory.




Horticultural-Environmental

SEED COLLECTING



Photo 1 : Artichoke seed head.
Photo 2: Carrot seed head.



Make the most of free seeds produced by perennials and other garden plants by saving them when they are fully ripe. Collect mature seed-heads and put them into paper bags and hang them in a warm place to dry out. The seeds can be cleaned and sorted, then put into labelled envelopes and stored in a cool, dry place. Swap your seeds with your friends to share in each other’s successes.
horticultural

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