Alison Robinson

Got mine from Jacques Briant last year, and they are growing well- can't find them in the catalogue- maybe try http://www.graines-baumaux.fr/ Look under petits fruits/Groseilliers/ they have GROSEILLIER à MAQUEREAUX HINNONMAKI JAUNE fruits jaune foncé un peu vert, sucrés et parfumés, à la saveur légèrement abrictotée, grosse production en juillet. Très résistante aux maladies et au froid. 1 plante en pot de 2 litres. Réf : 8363 Prix : 9,90 €

Mine have germinated in a warm spot in a propagator with frequent misting of water- they seem to like it humid. They are slow to germinate, and to seem to like it quite warm. Perhaps try to find a propagator and try again. Good luck!

Hi- I love all kinds of plants in pots as they can be moved around to suit. For a shady spot, why not try hostas. Camelias don't mind being in a pot of ericaceous compost- and look great just now. Acers don't mind it in a pot too, and look quite nice all year. Bulbs shouldn't be overlooked either- daffodils, crocus, tulips for spring, then summer flowering bulbs for year round interest. Or maybe something striking like a phormium perhaps? Herbs in pots placed near the kitchen door. The cats like to curl up an my grasses in pots, as they do make very comfortable beds! I also have a large water-tight pot filled up with aquatic plants. As for veg- tomatoes are fine in a pot. Peppers, are fine. Potatoes can be grown in a dustbin or old tyres stacked up. Plants like swiss chard are fine in pots, and any legume supported with sticks will be happy in a pot. The possibilities are endless! Ali

Hi- congratulations on your purchase. If your ground is a bit 'poached' from having been used as pasture, then using a 'ride on mower' to tackle it may be a little optimistic. You don't want to ruin your nice new mower on lumpy ground. If you want to use this land as a lawn, you may need to do some initial preparatory work, starting with harrows then rolling it. When it's flat, you can then think about a mower. I would suggest a twin cylinder mulching mower- with that amout of grass, collecting the grass can be very time consuming. Mulching will help to keep your grass healthy and green, even in the hot weather. If this ground is to be more of a 'natural space', you may prefer to invest in a compact/micro tractor with a finishing mower or pasture topper attachment. Happy mowing! Ali

We have had Railway sleepers from our local Point Vert/ Agrial. Traverses de chemin fer are readily available, prices ranging from 10€ to 17€ depending on quality- depends on what they are being used for. Hubby is a landscape gardener and uses them a lot in the gardens he creates. Plants have never died as a result of coming into contact with the railway sleepers- however I don't think the same should be said if using them near to edible produce. [+o(] [:D]

Now keeping 6 pigs as pets- they sure find that quirky!

I am going to plant King Edwards this year as the family love roasters and baked potatoes. I have ordered seeds potatoes from http://www.graines-baumaux.fr/ . I did grow Desiree and Charlotte last year- not sure what happened with the Charlottes but they only stay firm if I steam them- if boiled thay go very floury. I do have very clay soil, does that make a difference to spuds- certainly does with carrots! The Desiree were fine, good alrounders and easily found in Agrial and Pointe Verte.

I really rely on 'Grow your own Vegetables' by Joy Larkcom. Packed full of common-sense tips and promotes organic growing principles. She also has added sections on planning your veg plot and 'Mind the Gap' section on how to ensure a year round supply of green stuff. Alison