INORCHARDS

  SEEDS   by J A J Richardson 2009   Seeds sit at the roots of cultivation and propagation. At the base of every plant, and the beginning of every clone, sits a seed. In Nature mechanisms of seed dispersal, seed dormancy, and seed development are a habitual affair, governed by the seasons and individual micro-climates. As Horticulturalists the scenario is not always so simple. Cultivated seeds tend to come in paper packets, the origin and treatment of which often remains unknown by the grower. These seeds are after-all procreated by hand. A basic understanding about seed physiology and morphology therefore sits at the foundations of gardening success. In this report we shall take a brief look at mechanisms of of Seed Dispersal, Seed Dormancy, and Seed Development.   Seed Mechanisms   Many of the mechanisms behind the sowing of seed are often taken for granted by Horticulturalists. It is normally accepted that seeds are seeds (much and much the same); that one seed-lin

A few notes on Puma / Cougar / Mountain Lions ...  Photo : Glatzer 2006 FIRST SIGHTING :  One late evening three friends and myself were travelling back from Tilton on the Hill towards Oadby, in Leicestershire. Upon approaching a main road junction we spotted a very large animal in a field beside the lane. As the car stopped in a gateway, I was able to shine a torch directly onto the fawn/grey coat of the creature revealing its outline - which crouched down lower and remained completely motionless. After instructing the Driver to quickly drive the car round the corner to the next open gateway, we watched in amazement as the Cougar jumped up and bounded off into the darkness of the field.  Having since owned a 46kg Bullmastiff , I would estimate this Mountain Lion, holding similar proportions, although being longer, taller and more agile, must have weighed in the region of 60kg. In the weeks following I was able to track the prints of a Puma  from Houghton on the Hill to Bushby during t

  Muntjac Deer  Muntjac ( Muntiacus reevesi ) were originally introduced from South East Asia to Woburn Abbey Estate in Bedfordshire during the 1800s. The secretive little deer are prolific breeders and have since spread across the majority of England into Wales and more recently Scotland. The Muntjac deer has no fixed breeding season or rut. The doe (female) can give birth to fawn (young) and may conceive in any month of the year. The majority of adult doe are constantly pregnant during there 8-12 year lifespan in the wild. The buck (male) may pair-up with a female during courtship, and in rare cases remain close to the doe and fawn for a period of several months. Otherwise the doe raises her fawn alone in a protected and secluded area. Typical features of the Muntjac deer include secretion glands on the eye sockets, inner legs and forehead. Muntjac use these scent glands to mark and identify territory between competing adults. Notably the front legs are shorter than their back legs w

Chanko Nabe / Sumo Soup By J A J Richardson  Chanko Nabe is a traditional Japanese Stew most famously associated with Sumo Wrestlers - hence it's colloquial name "Sumo Soup". Preferring a high protein calorie rich diet between training sessions and afternoon naps - it is the role of the junior Stable-Hands to prepare a filling Chanko Nabe for the Senior Wrestlers and Guests at lunch time - habitually served with large quantities of rice and cups of sake (rice wine) or beer.    Professional Ranking Sumo players will likewise make Chanko Nabe at home from a variety of their most favourite market bought ingredients. The following is therefore a real "no rules recipie" - which incorporates tradition with the availability of fresh vegetables, shellfish and meat. Specialist ingredients including Straw Mushrooms, Squid Balls, and Wantons filled with Shrimp or Water Chestnuts or Pork are best procured from any Local Chinese Supermarket; which often stock Japanese stocks

EXPERIMENTING WITH HOMEMADE SOAP MAKING FOR OURSELVES IN 2017, WE DECIDED TO GET MORE PROACTIVE ON THE SOAP MAKING FRONT INTO 2020. INITIAL EXPERIMENTS WITH VARIOUS ESSENTIAL OILS & NATURAL INGREDIENTS PRODUCED SEVERAL LARGE BARS OF SOAP, THAT ALTHOUGH CUMBERSOME AND MIS-SHAPED WERE PERFECT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE and SHARING WITH FRIENDS. GOSHA SOAP HAMPER  EARLY IN 2021 WE STARTED TO WORK TOWARDS A MORE COMFORTABLE SHAPE & SIZE OF SOAP - WHILST CONTINUING TO EXPERIMENT WITH VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND NATURALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS AND FRAGRANCES FROM OUR HOME GARDEN & KITCHEN.  ST JOHN'S WORT, ROSE PETAL & MADAME - GOSHA SOAP  HOLISTICALLY WE ALWAYS WANTED TO ADD CERTAIN HERBS AND FLOWERS FROM THE HOME GARDEN & ALLOTMENT - THOSE WE SPECIFICALLY GROW WITH THE MOST SUITABLE THERAPEUTIC , DETOXING, MEDICINAL PROPERTIES & EFFECTS. AS A SKIN CARE THERAPY THAT STANDS OUT - BASED ON OUR OWN LIFESTYLE & AUTHENTICITY.   Forget Me Not Sea Salt & Ber

Muntjac Deer Survey 2012 Brocks Hill Country Park by J A J Richardson The aim of this report was to record the activity of Muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi) at Brocks Hill Country Park. Studies of Sign (visible tracks) and Spore (associated activity) were undertaken between the period of 1st January 2011 and the 1st January 2012. The study area  covered Brocks Hill Country Park ; approximately ranging from Wigston Road Oadby in the north, to Mere Lane Glen Gorse to the south. It was important not to disturb local flora and fauna including any Muntjac during this process. Note: All reference points are taken from the Brocks Hill County Park visitors map. Sign There were clear sign (hoof slots) of an adult Muntjac approaching Brocks Hill Country Park from the south along a field track towards the Wind Turbine (13). This track lead into the Wild Flower Area (5), then onto the Rotary Club of Oadby Wood (11). This track was followed-up into Winter Wood (17), where the track crossed the Hay M