Growing mushrooms at home is an engaging hobby that requires minimal equipment. They thrive in humid, dark environments, feeding on organic matter. Beginners can start with easy varieties like oyster or lion’s mane using various methods. Proper conditions and avoiding common mistakes can lead to successful mushroom cultivation, enhancing your culinary experience.… Read More Growing Mushrooms: A Beginner’s Guide to Home Cultivation
The author began cultivating pink oyster mushrooms out of curiosity, discovering the joy and complexity in mushroom growing. Each type of mushroom, from pink to enoki, presents unique requirements and relationships. This process turned into a rewarding collaboration with living systems, with plans to share detailed insights on various mushroom varieties and cultivation rituals.… Read More Growing Mushrooms: Pink Oyster A Gentle Ritual of Colour & Care
Image Credit: Charlotte Cowell Unsplash I’m fascinated by this way of designing — not just for how it looks, but for how it feels. Biophilic design is more than a trend. It’s a return. A quiet remembrance of the textures, colours, and rhythms that have always supported us: sunlight filtering through leaves, the hush of… Read More Biophillic Design: A Return to What Grounds Us
Ley lines — the mysterious alignments believed to connect ancient sacred sites across landscapes — continue to fascinate people across the world. These invisible energy paths are said to link megalithic monuments, churches, standing stones, and natural features in a straight line, carrying powerful earth energies. One traditional method believed to detect ley lines is… Read More dowsing for ley lines: ancient practice, modern curiosity
Ley lines, those enigmatic, straight alignments connecting ancient sites—have long fascinated historians, mystics, and curious minds alike. In Hyde and the broader Greater Manchester region, these lines weave a tapestry of history, myth, and mystery that continues to captivate. What Are Ley Lines? The concept of ley lines was introduced by Alfred Watkins in the… Read More ley lines in hyde and the surrounding area: exploring ancient alignments and local lore
Natural dyes, derived from plants, flowers, and fruits, can be foraged sustainably from local gardens, parks, and fields. Spring and summer are ideal seasons for this. To extract dyes, chop plant materials, simmer in water, and soak fabrics. Responsible foraging practices help connect with nature while utilising free resources.… Read More Natural Dyes: Spring and Summer Foraging
Kelp powder, is derived from dried and ground kelp seaweed, and is a powerhouse of nutrients and versatility. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it has found applications in industries ranging from health and beauty to gardening and animal care. Here is an in-depth look at how kelp powder can be used across various… Read More Exploring the Uses and Benefits of Kelp Powder
Autumn and winter are optimal for gathering natural dye plants in the UK. Various trees, berries, and roots yield vibrant colours suitable for dyeing. Key foraged items include blackberries, elderberries, and oak galls, along with technique tips like using mordants for brighter hues and practicing sustainable foraging for preservation.… Read More Natural Dyes: Autumn & Winter Foraging
Rachel Bakewell 