Bramley Apple and Almond Pudding Cake

This decadent cake is a brilliant way to use up any Bramley apples left over from the season. Serve warm with crème fraiche or even custard if you fancy, it will soak into the rich sponge and balance the tart apples Serves 8 Ingredients For the apples: 2 large Bramley apples, peeled, quartered and cut… Continue reading Bramley Apple and Almond Pudding Cake

Honey fungus: The tree killer

Honey fungi, Armillaria, are a group of parasitic fungi. They attack trees, shrubs and woody perennials, and are one of the most destructive fungal diseases in the UK. They are also among some of the biggest living organisms in the world, their underground networks often covering many miles and living for up to a thousand… Continue reading Honey fungus: The tree killer

Living sculpture: Topiary plants a little less ordinary

Shrubs trained as topiary are at home in any garden. From a cottage setting where intriguing forms nestle casually between flowers and vegetables, to a much grander scheme where repetitive shapes are rigid and regimented, topiary can be both charming and formal. And let’s not forget that when you trim your humble garden hedge, you’re… Continue reading Living sculpture: Topiary plants a little less ordinary

Recipe: Chicken sauté Normande

As the sun wanes and the days get shorter, this dish is guaranteed to keep those summer days fresh in your mind (and on your tongue!). And we love it even more because it uses three apple ingredients: Bon appetit! Ingredients (serves 4) To garnish Method Serve with… Friends and sunshine… oh, and a fresh… Continue reading Recipe: Chicken sauté Normande

Choosing and planting potted hedging

Container-grown hedging plants are perfect for planting all year round. Generally speaking, hedging is put in the ground over winter, using young bareroot plants when they are dormant. However, some circumstances call for a more instant, mature hedge – which is where container-grown (or potted) hedging plants play their part. Why choose potted hedging? Among… Continue reading Choosing and planting potted hedging

Recipe: Mussels with leeks and cider

Step aside, moules marinière, here’s a fantastic mussel dish that’s got its heart in the West Country! Far from simply swapping out wine for your favourite cider, this dish brings together mussels, leeks, mustard and smoked pancetta to create a truly inspired seafood main course. Speaking of cider, if you want to plant bareroot apple… Continue reading Recipe: Mussels with leeks and cider

Recipe: Rhubarb chutney

Early forced varieties of rhubarb are in season – and if you’ve seen any on the farmers’ market, it’s probably Timperley Early. If you can find yourself a bunch or two, this rhubarb chutney recipe expertly combines some outstanding (and possibly surprising!) flavours. Chopped apples, dates, apple cider vinegar, muscovado sugar, onions… and a medley… Continue reading Recipe: Rhubarb chutney

Recipe: duck & blackberry salad

Combining duck with asparagus, quail’s eggs and a rich jus makes this dish a particularly special affair. And blackberries add a certain British flavour to the salad, not only as fresh berries on the plate, but also cooked into the red wine jus. Mouthwatering! Ingredients (serves 2) Method Perfection on a plate! This recipe comes… Continue reading Recipe: duck & blackberry salad

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