April in the Forest Garden

The first food arrives:

 Harvest when about 8" long

 peel away the outer layers

Tender young shoots from Phyllostachys Aurea and P.viridi-glaucescens can be eaten raw or cooked (boiled or stir fried) and have an asparagus flavour. About half of the new shoots can taken without weakening the plant. I have already harvested 60 canes for plant supports in early spring, these should be cut when 3 years old.Besides all this, these 2 bamboos are part of my windbreak and are very effective giving food shelter and plant supports and of course weaving material.Bamboo makes excellent charcoal which is also the base for making a yarn. Anyone for a bamboo bike:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15198952.Amazing!!!

Its Cherry blossom time

This is one of 8 trees in the FG which gaveI us super crops last year and I am hoping that the current cold and windy weather  doesn't damage the blossom.

The Bay tree is also in blossom and in no danger from the elements.

I am giving my first Open Day exclusively for members of Coppicewood College on Sat 19th May. You can become a member by contacting the College at coppicewood01@aol.com. Its a great Charity that teaches sustainable woodland management practice and green woodworking craft and its only £12 for single £18 for families.I will be demonstrating sustainable methods of managing the FG using a scythe, using cardboard mulch,making leaf mold and compost etc.

I Volunteer at the College's woodland in Cilgerran heres some of the action from a March Volunteers day. The plot has been cut and the large logs need to be cut into more manageable pieces for removal. We use a 2 handed cross cut saw which with good old human power makes light work of the ash log. thats  me on the left with colleage Ian Bowler doing his share. Note the tee shirts and shorts a reminder of the strange weather patterns of late.You can find out more at http://www.coppicewoodcollege.co.uk/ where a full listing of courses and activities can be found.

Till next time