Selfsufficientish.com

It seems strange theres not a section for flowers, shrubs, trees etc? They are important.

Nobody answered this did they? Perhaps that is the answer - most people on this forum aren't into the non-edibles.

I am though, and prefer my flowering plants to the edible ones. So if you have any questions just post them somewhere like the section on growing stuff!

Hi
Of course we mustn't forget the benefit that the non-edibles can bring in terms of attracting wildlife or repelling undesirables.

Also, in good ssish fashion, flowers - fresh and dried - can always be swapped for something else or given as presents.

Zoe

Exactly we'd have no veg if it wasn't for good pollinators.

I like Borage and Dill.

well borage and dill are not pointless..

but I do flowers and pointless stuff too - there are usually room for one or two and then they often have other uses. Roses for rose petal wine, marigolds to protect other plants, nasturtiums to eat..... willow structure for willow to weave, and the rest.. like our lawn, and other flowers.. are just for nice.

marigolds are also good for making healing skin cream (some where on the BBC gardeners world website)

Hmm, been pondering on this one, sorry have not posted about it yet.

I think that perhaps the wildlife section being 'bolted' onto the wild food section is not the best idea. Perhaps we could have a everything else that grows section. Called -

Everything else - Wildlife, flowers, trees and shrubs.

How would that sound?

Sounds like a good idea to me, Andy.

OK by me too!

Ya took the words right out of mouth!

Was going to suggest it get attached somewhere, we all must have other plants etc, I have them because I enjoy them. As much as we want to be sef-suffientish we all need a place to relax at the end of the day, otherwise whats the point.

We have 5 1/5 acres, most of it is paddocks for the animals, some is for growing veg and the rest is for us to relax in and enjoy, I wouldn't dream of having it any other way!

Great idea

RED: Rose petal wine recipe please? Sounds delicious!!

ok - but not actually made this one yet - have drunk one made by my granddad though, and it was good.
this recipe is from 'Fruity Passions' by Margaret Vaughan

4 pints fragrant rose petals (make sure roses have not been sprayed)
8 pints water
juice 2 lemons
jiuce 2 oranges
3 lb sugar
wine yeast

put petals in fermintation bucket and cover with boiling water. leave to steep for 4 days. strain into demijohn, add juice sugar and water to make up to 8 pints. start the yeast and add. seal with airlock - leave to work itself out. Siphon into clean demijohn, seal with bung and leave to mature for 7-8 months.


I think I enjoy the roses in situ too much to pick that many

Looks good, thankyou!