Welcome

Welcome to a walk on the wild site.

If I said that no pun was intended, I would be lying through my teeth.

This is my first shot at a website, and it is certainly a wild shot. Target shooting was never my forte, so please move women, children and beloved pets back several paces.

It is certainly wild, though. Not the website - this embryo website is intended to be cosy, comfortable and above all helpful. No, it is wild outside here from September to June in a good year. But in the brief summer we have in Caithness, it is incomparable. On a calm day, with the sun shining, and the clear air, there is no better place on earth. On such days, I dare to have a glass of parsnip wine in the garden. And if the wind gets up, and bites through three thermal layers and a cheap waterproof jacket, I can always retire to the polytunnel.

Anyone who thinks a polytunnel is only for growing out-of-season crops has never lived on the edge of the Pentland Firth. Here on the north coast of Caithness, a polytunnel is for sitting in during summer, pretending you are outside. You can even have a barbie in a polytunnel, so long as you keep a close eye on the charcoal. Just damp it down from time to time, to avoid melting the plastic.

And when I say barbie, I mean BBQ. Having Barbie in a polytunnel is the prerogative of Ken.

Let me just (c) that idea right now. Could be worth $$$$.

This website was inspired by a letter in the April 2008 issue of Country Smallholding magazine, which I will quote in full.

Growing Up North

I'd just like to say how good it is to read an article from someone growing food crops in the north of Scotland. Since relocating from Kent to Banffshire last year, I've noticed the lack of growing advice/information/experience appropriate to this very different area of Britain across radio, TV and print. More from Mike Clark, please.   Sheila Finnis, via email.

Thank you, Sheila.

It's not all my own work. I feel obliged to acknowledge the assistance of my hairy pal, Jake-the-Dog, who has contributed one page, and is aggressively trying to contribute more.

Latest update - I hear Newton Hill is closed to the public. Castlehill Community Woodland doesn't have such problems. So check out Against All Odds and Flags Around the World.

Mike Clark is a gardener first, and a gardening writer and photographer second, living, working and surviving on the far north coast of Scotland. His articles and photographs have appeared in a number of gardening and smallholding magazines, including Country Smallholding and Organic Gardening.

Email - mail@gardeninginagale.com

All text and photos (c) Mike Clark                     

Buy Playstation Games