Celebrating seasonal, homegrown, and wild food
As the weather turns cooler and the frosts start to creep in at night, for most people the main foraging “season” is coming to a close. Of course, the notion of a defined foraging season would have been nonsense to our ancestors who were relying on gathering their food from the wild in order to [...]
Oh February... This time last year was wet, our plot was flooded in places, but generally only where we still needed to build raised beds. The temperature was largely quite mild, and there was no snow to speak of in London. Oh how times have changed as we're granted yet more - ahem - learning [...]
It goes without saying that winter can be a tricky time to coax ourselves out from our cosy warm blankets and heated houses into the frigid January air. Whilst hibernation might be a very attractive option (wake me up in April perhaps?), there's a surprising amount to discover on a winter's foray, and getting out [...]
With most of England, and indeed the UK, under some level of COVID restrictions, Christmas is going to be strange for most of us. Although we're permitted to form a bubble over the festive period, most of us will be having to make sacrifices in terms of who we're able to spend time with and [...]
The beginning of December brings the start of meteorological winter, and the recent snow across much of the UK has clearly sealed the deal - Winter is here. There's nothing better on a cold day than a brisk walk and returning to your cosy home for a warming bowl of soup or stew. This venison [...]
The tradition of decorating with evergreens is one that holds a special place in my idea of Christmas festivities. This year is actually the first time we've decorated with our own wreath after years of living in apartments without a street-facing door, so I was really excited to make our own entirely with foraged materials. [...]
Winter may seem like one long, dark emptiness, especially this year, but there's so much that we can embrace about winter when we look deeper. One thing I love about this season is the earthy, hearty root veg that come into season at this time. Parsnips and sprouts both develop their sweetness after a frost, [...]
At this time of year, there typically isn't a lot growing, and there definitely isn't much growing on our plot just yet. The "hungry gap" as its known is less of an issue for most people these days as supermarkets are still able to stock most fruit and vegetables throughout the winter. However, if you're [...]
The humble leek seems to be a much underrated vegetable, yet it's one of the few that still thrives in the colder months and features in many a winter recipe. Leeks take centre stage in a chicken and leek pie, leek and potato soup, and are delicious baked in a cheese sauce - a Christmas [...]
At the end of January the Christmas festivities seem as far away as ever, the aroma of the pine needles has long since dissipated, and let's face it - it can feel like a long slog until spring. It can be difficult to remain upbeat during winter with its bracing weather, short days and dark [...]
Plot & Lane 