It was love at first sight! We’ve been discussing getting a dog for ages, but now I’m thinking maybe we should get chickens instead. And possibly this German Langshan Bantam? What better than a productive (as well as gorgeous) pet? Speaking to Andy at Chicken Street has reassured me that this miniature breed will be very happy in the space we have to offer it in North London, but living near the corner of our street, I may have to stop and consider surrounding neighbours, and I haven’t quite mentioned my latest passion to my other half either….
So it may be (quite) a while yet, but there’s no harm in looking is there?
I was delighted to give a talk yesterday at The Edible Garden Show about our veg growing project and my book, and had a great day seeing what this Coventry show had to offer with fellow N. Londoner and veg enthusiast, Owen. There were plenty of seed stands and I picked up a couple of packs of James Wong‘s unusual veg to experiment with on the Sutton’s stand, whilst Owen found the squash seeds of his dreams on the Sea Spring Seeds stand.
I was also looking to see if steel-toed rubber clogs existed (they don’t!), when these tasty Midline Grubs boots caught my eye. They’ve got a great tread and a charming foldable neoprene leg, but sadly no steel toes. At a special show price of £55.00, still a tad on the expensive side (or is that just me?), but on my wish-list none-the less!
After three years at its Midland’s home, the show will be moving down to Alexandra Palace in North London next year to a bigger hall. I do hope the livestock will come with it too, as it was a real treat to see these gorgeous creatures and talk to the experts in the smallholder marquee. And more independent and specialist nurseries and seed companies, as well as the big boys, would be wonderful too.
If edibles are your thing, there’s still plenty of time to catch the show this weekend in Stoneleigh Park (9.30am -4.30pm Sat and Sun 16 and 17th March), and there’s a plethora of talks to entice you from Alys Fowler and James Wong to Bob Flowerdew and Tom Moggach. Enjoy!
p.s. If chickens are also your thing, have a read of Charlotte’s fab review of ‘A good egg-A Year of Recipes From an Urban Hen-Keeper’ by Genevieve Taylor
