Hops in the hedgerow.

Today was sunny but the wind still too strong for the polytunnel plastic. So we embarked on a day of grass cutting, and planting. The hops decided that they would like it best in the hedgerow where they could scramble all over the hawthorn! Who are we to argue, so there they went.

Also planted Bistort, Gypsywort, Woundwort, Wormwood, Lungwort, Skullcap, Sage, mouse eared hawkweed, and wild lettuce. Hoeing and mulching too and that was quite enough for the day!

Thar she blows!

Ah well...here we are again and it's raining, so the saga of the polytunnel continues. It was'nt so much the rain, although we would have been soaked....it was the wind. Really its always been the wind that has stopped us putting on the covering. It's like organising a military operation as the team all have to be available at the same time on the same day with favourable weather conditions...the more its blows tiddely pom!!!!

The Tincture Press.

Today we went to try out the tincture press, made by Paul at South East Essex Engineering on Canvey Island in Essex. We were keen to use local business and crafts people to make or obtain the things we need for Broad Oak Herbs. We pressed out some of Jacqui's herbal tinctures and the press worked a treat! A few modifications and a bit of sprucing up and it's done.

Polytunnel frame nears completion.

More photos

A few more photos of polytunnel planning...everyone sneaked off for an Easter Egg Hunt!

April fools.

Yes the crazy gang continue to try and erect a polytunnel over a cold, bright Easter weekend.
Hey guys..no laying down on the job!

.....and then success as the first part of the frame is completed. From L to R Steve,Mark,Dawn & Ian.

And now how to spend an Easter Weekend...polytunnel 101 !

Ah yes, ..how to erect a polytunnel with the trusty instruction manual (Hmmmm!!).
First prepare your ground, so here are pictures of Mark and Ian preparing holes for the polytunnel frame in the lovely mud!