Blog

Snowdrop time and pruning the raspberry canes

Ilmington seems to be carpeted with snowdrops this month.  The ones in the cottage garden have not really opened up yet but we have some in our orchard.  Notice a rare sight of a bee (we don't usually see them around at this time of year) having a handy snack in one of the snowdrops.   The fruit and vegetable garden now needs attention.  I have spent several days cutting down the old canes to ...[More]

Autumn Raspberries - Joan J and Autumn Treasure versus Glen Cova

Last year, for the first time in 30 years (!) I decided to try growing a different variety of raspberry so this is their second year.   I have always grown the Scottish bush raspberry, Glen Cova and find it produces lovely raspberries for eating fresh and also for freezing.  I also make tons of jam for the cottage and it seems to go down quite well with our guests!   The new varieties are a differ...[More]