Hello from a calm day on the Viking Way. I used to go walking at Whisby Nature Reserve with my good friend Mel every Tuesday without fail. He is something of an expert in all things nature. With the outbreak of Covid this had to stop. The sudden death of a dear and mutual friend saw us reminiscing in the local public house. The outcome was that we vowed to resume our forays into the wild. There is so much to see on the reserve. Masses of birdlife obviously, but so much more than that. Initially when we went out I was looking, but not seeing. He taught me to be inquisitive. I started to take photographs of what I saw. Mostly with a mobile phone. Mel was so impressed with my efforts he has ten or twelve of them hung in his front room. I hope you like these few. Now we have the taste of freedom again I intend to make up for lost time.

We can all see the terrible reports coming in from Ukraine. It is truly heart-breaking. I have my own small business, I am a one man band so to speak. Not a massive multi-national. So I wondered how I could possibly help. Well the sunflower happens to be the Ukraine national flower. Having just released a sunflower kit I have decided to donate £1.00 from every kit sold to the DEC the Disaster Emergency Committee. Its not a lot in the scheme of things but every effort helps. You can see these here

Strawbale gardeners are gearing up for the main growing season. Bales are being hunted down. Seeds and plants ordered. Back at the Viking Way base I have been gently pushing my e-book on the subject. But to my surprise its seen a massive rise in popularity in America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. From permaculture groups and “prepper” groups as well as gardening groups. So much so that I have put together a taster YouTube video explaining about the method. Its not up there with the 007 franchise, but I think it will suffice. If you wish you can view it here

That is all for today. Good gardening.

Simon.