Amaranth tastes as good as it looks | James Wong

Sow this beautiful and fast-growing plant for your own plentiful supply of ‘Indonesian spinach’

We all have little quirks that drive the people around us crazy. And I think it’s fair to say, if you ask anyone around me, that I have more than most. One of my many “things” is the compulsion to visit a supermarket (or even better, an allotment) whenever I am in a new country. I find the whole experience fascinating. Far more than any museum, tour of monuments or obligatory selfie spot, these teach you about the real day-to-day lives of the people who live there. It might exasperate my friends and family, but I am always picking up ideas to bring home too. So here is my latest find, picked up during a trip to Indonesia…

Driving past paddy fields and coconut palms, one of the other key plants that really stood out to me was one that is far less iconic but equally common: amaranth. Reaching up to 6ft high in big, green clumps, fountains of these leaves grow everywhere. A quick look at any local market will show you why, too – it’s the “Indonesian spinach” that’s on every menu.

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Amaranth tastes as good as it looks | James Wong

Sow this beautiful and fast-growing plant for your own plentiful supply of ‘Indonesian spinach’

We all have little quirks that drive the people around us crazy. And I think it’s fair to say, if you ask anyone around me, that I have more than most. One of my many “things” is the compulsion to visit a supermarket (or even better, an allotment) whenever I am in a new country. I find the whole experience fascinating. Far more than any museum, tour of monuments or obligatory selfie spot, these teach you about the real day-to-day lives of the people who live there. It might exasperate my friends and family, but I am always picking up ideas to bring home too. So here is my latest find, picked up during a trip to Indonesia…

Driving past paddy fields and coconut palms, one of the other key plants that really stood out to me was one that is far less iconic but equally common: amaranth. Reaching up to 6ft high in big, green clumps, fountains of these leaves grow everywhere. A quick look at any local market will show you why, too – it’s the “Indonesian spinach” that’s on every menu.

Continue reading...

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Why love and gardening always grow together | Allan Jenkins

When it comes to showing you care, there are so many more ways to let them know than with a bunch of roses

Valentine’s week. Red roses incoming, but what to talk about when we talk about love? I am not here to tell you not to buy roses (well I am, but in bushes in season please). I thought instead to explore my love for gardening, how it happened. How, although I am attracted to its essential solitary nature, it can be enhanced when I am sharing its pleasure with someone.

With Mary, who lets us grow on part of Plot 29. For my simple joy of working alongside her, without much time for chat, though humping manure helps, a little heavy lifting. And her quiet companionship.

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Why love and gardening always grow together | Allan Jenkins

When it comes to showing you care, there are so many more ways to let them know than with a bunch of roses

Valentine’s week. Red roses incoming, but what to talk about when we talk about love? I am not here to tell you not to buy roses (well I am, but in bushes in season please). I thought instead to explore my love for gardening, how it happened. How, although I am attracted to its essential solitary nature, it can be enhanced when I am sharing its pleasure with someone.

With Mary, who lets us grow on part of Plot 29. For my simple joy of working alongside her, without much time for chat, though humping manure helps, a little heavy lifting. And her quiet companionship.

Continue reading...

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A guide to buying property abroad: Seven top tips Nottingham Estate Agents

Are you thinking about buying a dream holiday home? Not sure where to begin? OnTheMarket reveals seven top tips to get you started. Buying a property overseas is a major decision. It’s important to do as much research as possible and to seek independent advice. You’ll also need to bear in mind that the legal […]

The post A guide to buying property abroad: Seven top tips appeared first on OnTheMarket.com blog.

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The bright stuff: a guide to interior lighting

Ceiling pendants and floor lamps, dimmable LEDs and coloured bulbs… Nothing changes the mood of a room quicker than a new lighting makeover

Lighting can be used in many ways to transform and illuminate a home. It’s mood-altering and life-enhancing, and whether you’re looking to cast a cosy glow or light up your living space, it’s often the quickest way to refresh a room without lifting a paint brush. Even a stand-alone floor or table lamp can provide direct pools of light and a welcome glow where it’s needed.

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The bright stuff: a guide to interior lighting

Ceiling pendants and floor lamps, dimmable LEDs and coloured bulbs… Nothing changes the mood of a room quicker than a new lighting makeover

Lighting can be used in many ways to transform and illuminate a home. It’s mood-altering and life-enhancing, and whether you’re looking to cast a cosy glow or light up your living space, it’s often the quickest way to refresh a room without lifting a paint brush. Even a stand-alone floor or table lamp can provide direct pools of light and a welcome glow where it’s needed.

Continue reading...

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