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Newsletter Nr 24 May 2015
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Bluebell time!
There is something truly magical when gardens, woodlands, heaths and moors suddenly change colour and flowers appear seemingly out of nowhere. Spring has been a delight so far, bathed in sunshine, some warmth in the air and the wild-life seems to be more evident than ever.
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Many days have been spent logging and tidying up after winter. We have had to deal with some permanently boggy areas by laying a hard base so we will no longer be held back by torrents of water blocking the tractor being to get down to the wood.
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The yurt covers have also had some repair work done and we are now ready to embrace a long and hot summer (please!)
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Spring Fayre 16th and 17th May 2015
Our annual Spring Fayre is coming up on the 16th and 17th May... (Next weekend!) This year it will be bigger than ever with lots of interesting stalls and demonstrations of green woodworking and bronze casting. The very popular 'Open a Bee Hive' will also take place, weather dependent. (Please remember if you do want to look inside a hive, you must be wearing long trousers and boots with socks to tuck your trouser bottoms tucked in!)
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The Forest Garden Cafe, run by Jacqui Monkhouse and her team will be producing wonderful baguettes, toasted cheese sandwiches and of course, because it’s May, there will be lashings of Pimms!!
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Frontier Style Cabins
A new project for us at Forest Garden Shovelstrode is the development of the Frontier Cabins. We are working with designer by Roberto Corradi to offer a range of bespoke cabins that can be designed and built to any size and to the client’s exact requirements.
Roberto has designed and patented an ingenious construction technique that allows the cabins to be pre built to order, delivered ‘flat pack’ and assembled on-site. The wall, roof and floor sections are all created with maximum insulation and all cabins come with double glazing as standard. A small wood-burner is all you need to keep you warm and comfortable all year round, and a little solar panel will allow you to be completely off-grid.
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The first prototype cabin of 1.6 x 1.8m was erected at Forest Garden Shovelstrode in November and we have now just finished building our ‘Show Home’ cabin, called Idaho which is 6 x 3.4m. This cabin is designed to have a northern frontier style and it is clad in western red cedar.
It is beautifully constructed to look like it was almost 'thrown together'. Idaho Cabin can sleep 6 people on 3 x double beds. One double bed is on a cosy little mezzanine which is accessed via a loft ladder.
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Roberto has also designed a full range of furniture for the cabins including a kitchen unit, cupboard, locker box, double bed, banquette seat (converts to double bed), tables and benches.
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The cabins can be used as additional accommodation, office space, kids hideaway, or just as folly!
Idaho cabin is opening for visitors at our Spring Fayre on 16th/17th May – or by appointment. For enquiries please Contact Us directly
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Recipe of the Month - Spinach Soup
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With green shoots bursting out all over, nothing beats the colour and velvety texture of a wonderful Spinach soup. Either using your own fresh spinach leaves or purchased spinach, this lovely soup is incredibly good for you and will make you burst with energy, just as the garden is doing!
Spinach Soup Ingredients
25g butter
1 small onion
675g fresh spinach
2 pints vegetable stock
50g creamed coconut
Fresh nutmeg
Melt the butter in a saucepan over a moderate heat and sauté the onions for a few minutes until soft. Add the spinach and cook gently until the spinach has wilted and reduced. Add the vegetable stock, the creamed coconut and simmer for a further 15 minutes. Then blend and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally add a touch of nutmeg and serve with a few chives. You can also add a swirl of cream to add a finishing touch. Delicious!
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We love this.... list of edible flowers! They book beautiful, they are pretty and unusual. Click Here for more information
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Courses
We held a Bronze Casting course on the 7th March run by Rod Hughes. The course attendees made some beautiful objects and we were very grateful to Tim Hunt who filmed the course and has sent us a wonderful edit to be included in our new website which launches very soon.
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For all our courses, please click visit our website or Click Here
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We are looking forward to seeing you again soon – and hopefully at our Spring Fayre next weekend!
Charles, Lisa, Madge, Bosun and the team x
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