Through the Lens of a White Van Man

For one or two days per week I am a 'white van man', driving around the city with a van full of plants and garden parephenalia. I keep my camera on my lap, and when I see a garden I like I take a photo of it. Today, Thursday 28th of April, was a gorgeous late spring day, and here are some of the photos I took, either from the van, on the street or in the gardens of customers, some of whom have beautiful gardens. It was one of those days when everything looked at its very best.......

How to grow your own heat: planting a small woodland

Growing your own - some easier plants for the kitchen garden

Over the last few years, growing vegetables has turned from being a productive hobby to being a 'movement'. It can be fun and satisfying to eat the fruits of your labour, and it can symbolically 'connect' you with the earth in a very real way. On the other hand, it can be time-consuming, expensive and unrewarding. Advocates, with a missionary zeal, would have you believe that it's a whole way of life, a future of a free and bountiful supply of all-things-good - with a feel-good factor to boot.

Gifts for gardeners

Irish Paving Stones - from our own home ground (24/9/2010)

A flight of steps in a garden in Dalkey, Co Dublin, by Howbert and Mays, using sandstone from Co Mayo.