Back Farming

In response to:Back in London

2007-09-27T13:42:22+02:00

very introspective and in the end very rewarding to see the point of view of a carrot cruncher. I would agree on the stillness. My dad who often comes to stay in my town often cannot sleep until the second noght after the noise of london

In response to:The rainiest rainy day job

2007-07-20T15:47:12+02:00

Well I hope August is brighter, we will have some, a crop is just starting and we have some ever bearers that should continue into September, plus autumn raspberries that should go on to the first frosts.

In response to:The rainiest rainy day job

2007-07-20T15:45:09+02:00

Just checked and yes we still have the ARP tin it was on a shelf where we don't bother to clear out any more. I believe the threat of air raids in Shepton Beauchamp has subsided over the years and is currently at a status of 'who would bother'. Mind you it is an ARP first aid kit and I am sure 1940s medical kit would be really useful these days. I may well put up a photo if I get the chance...

In response to:The rainiest rainy day job

2007-07-20T15:20:02+02:00

Hi mate, I hear that August may be a bit brighter. Will you still have any strawberries at that point?

In response to:The rainiest rainy day job

2007-07-20T14:13:52+02:00

You forgot to mention the air raid wardens kit! Or is it not there anymore?
c

In response to:Goodbye to the cheap tarts

2007-06-28T20:57:51+02:00

Tim, you've got me convinced. Have never heard anyone wax so lyrical & so convincingly about raspberries. Well done. Your blog is ace! Sooz xx

In response to:Creating a Buzz

2007-06-22T13:34:49+02:00

Thanks for the recipe Tim, Kingston-Black-Pimms will be first on the party list for the whole summer. Hurrah!

In response to:Hot off the Press Part II

2007-06-08T14:36:33+02:00

Open day sounds good, hope you get labels for it, are you doing the trail and being teacher timmy for the day??!!

Just one thing.....on the LEAF site the farm appears in the east of england region.....

c

In response to:Hot off the Press Part II

2007-06-06T15:20:01+02:00

Bees were promised..?

In response to:Hot off the press

2007-05-31T22:33:40+02:00

Are you sure you need to talk about this it is our fault your still in the League 1...

In response to:Hot off the press

2007-05-29T23:12:36+02:00

we need to talk about this football thing. As an erstwhile Forest fan I had no idea you were a Yeovil fan!

In response to:Hot off the press

2007-05-29T14:50:38+02:00

Thanks for the comments on here and emailed direct to me. It confirms what I thought middle left, I have asked them to change the font on the www.manorfarmshop.com or procide me with an editable version I can change in Photoshop.

In response to:Hot off the press

2007-05-25T18:17:29+02:00

I really like the sketchy strawberry as it has better visual impact, if you are going for a plain font then I think it would suit a much bolder typeface or like cw says have the web address in a more conventional typeface and keep love strawberries in the other font.

What about a nice clean rounded font such as arial rounded - have a look at innocent smoothies http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/ for some good clean font usage fun!!

In response to:Hot off the press

2007-05-25T16:08:40+02:00

Really like the top left - the black outline gives good definition and works on the eye. You might find that altering the typeface to a slightly less 'swirly' one for the website address will make it look cleaner and enable you to keep the 'Love Strawberries' in that style.

While I'm giving my 2p's worth, it may work to take the brand name size up ever so slightly and reduce the size of the website.

Food for thought anyway - sounds like a fun project though!

In response to:Change of Menu

2007-05-25T12:21:58+02:00

An interesting thought Phil. Well honey is affected by the flowers that the bees have collected the nectar, but not to the extent that jam will be made.

In response to:Change of Menu

2007-05-25T12:08:46+02:00

Well they are now a bit wary of people after we have had a few pot shots, with luck I will have a pigeon dinner soon.

In response to:Change of Menu

2007-05-25T12:07:16+02:00

Well bees are not the only insect to pollinate strawberries, certain types of flies will also pollinate, althought set and size of fruit may not be as great as with bees. Strawberries will also self pollinate with wind a small amount. Don't think you can train flies though Hallsworth. There might well be a bit more about encouraging bees in some later posts so watch this space.

In response to:Just Landed

2007-05-25T11:55:22+02:00

Probably not worth saving them we have probably got enough mostly from junk dvds sent through the mail etc. But thanks for the thought.

In response to:Change of Menu

2007-05-23T16:46:58+02:00

I've heard that if you keep bee hives in strawberry fields you get jam instead of honey. I'm hoping you could test this theory and post your results.

In response to:Change of Menu

2007-05-23T16:32:25+02:00

Tim

Great blog.

As an amateur strawberry grower myself, what are your professional top tips for ensuring a good healthy crop? There are not many bees in our areas, but I've heard that flies can be trained to pollinate plants, is this correct?

In response to:Change of Menu

2007-05-22T22:07:51+02:00

I reckon it might be the pigeons why don't you try shooting them that'll learn em!!!

In response to:Just Landed

2007-05-19T00:08:44+02:00

Great update....first time I heard about the hanging cd tactic!

In response to:Just Landed

2007-05-18T14:18:40+02:00

I hadn't actually - but i have now..... after much hassle on their website and 10 phone calls with my new friend stuart at macmillan! They are now adding an edit/remove basket button because of little old me! A box of 100 Should be with you Tuesday. c

In response to:Just Landed

2007-05-18T14:11:37+02:00

Good idea for recycling CDs shall I save them for you?

In response to:Just Landed

2007-05-18T11:35:10+02:00

Ha ha most likely. There was some healthy debate on an irrigation pipe yesterday. Think that you have already ordered the Macmillan pins for us is that right?

In response to:Just Landed

2007-05-18T11:14:50+02:00

Good luck with the blogging! You sound in good spirits.....o its just a matter of time before we get some ranting frustrations on here i think! c. ps here's an idea for you for the shop: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/pinup/get/moneywithpins.htm