Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
Country Homes & Interiors|August 2024
The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance

The pungent scent of alliums is wafting out from the shed, and I can barely squeeze through the door with the crates I have stacked high, laden with this year's curing garlic, shallot and onion harvest. At moments like these, I wish for Inspector Gadget arms, as my snips are perched just out of reach at the far end of the shed.

'I think we should build an outdoor crop drying station, I call out to Andrew, while mid-split over the crates.

'Let's finish the chicken coop first,' he responds, amusement lacing his tone.

'Ha, got them!' I exclaim to no one in particular.

With my trusty snips in hand, I delve into the first crate overflowing with bulbs of hardneck garlic, with their large cloves and easy-to-peel skins. We've savoured the garlic scapes (the long green shoots that grow from the top of the bulbs) lightly sautéed with fish and as the base of pesto for the past couple of weeks. Though hardneck varieties don't store as well as soft necks, their rich flavour makes them worth growing. After three weeks of curing in the dry, warm shade of the shed, the stems and outer skins are papery perfection. I swiftly lop off the stalks and brush off any dried soil before carefully placing them in a wire basket.

The softneck garlic is next, perfect for braiding, a task that always fills me with a sense of accomplishment. I leave the stalks intact and plait them as I did my daughter's hair. Hanging up a few braids of garlic and onions each year never fails to evoke immense satisfaction.

Esta historia es de la edición August 2024 de Country Homes & Interiors.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición August 2024 de Country Homes & Interiors.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORSVer todo
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
Country Homes & Interiors

Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance

The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2024
Cabin fever
Country Homes & Interiors

Cabin fever

Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
'Building boats has become my passion'
Country Homes & Interiors

'Building boats has become my passion'

Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2024
Cover-up job
Country Homes & Interiors

Cover-up job

Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2024
Flights of fancy
Country Homes & Interiors

Flights of fancy

Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
TRUE BLUE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRUE BLUE

A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home

time-read
5 minutos  |
August 2024
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Country Homes & Interiors

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2024
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
Country Homes & Interiors

A GARDEN GLOW-UP

As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting

time-read
2 minutos  |
August 2024
TRÈS BELLE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRÈS BELLE

Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024
HOME AT LAST
Country Homes & Interiors

HOME AT LAST

Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2024