Broadening my horizons...

A few weeks ago I visited the RISC roof garden. It's a fascinating place and I can recommend their guided tours if you're in the Reading area (next open 12/13 Sept). From there I bought an intriguing little herb called Stevia. The leaves are extremely (shockingly!) sweet and it can be used in place of sugar - apparently it's much healthier too. However it's controversial (mainly for complicated political reasons) and has historically been banned in many areas...!
Another species they're growing that I'd like to try is Oxalis tuberosa or Oca. It has an edible tuber that won't succumb to the dreaded blight! If the leaves taste like those of its relative Wood Sorrel that's an added bonus :)

100% homegrown lunch :)

Today's harvest

I've been away for a few days and blight has struck! I've rescued my remaining potatoes but I think the tomatoes are doomed :(

Coiled baskets

I made these two little baskets from raffia. I'd seen the technique on Ray Mears' TV programmes and thought it didn't look too difficult. They turned out OK - although it's really tricky to build the edges up at the correct angle (the one on the right was my first attempt and wasn't supposed to be that shape)!

My next plan is to try this with home-made nettle cordage...

I'm such a geek :)