Blooming Green

Have you been watching Monty Don's My Dream Farm?

Did you watch this evening's episode?

If so you might be interested to know that Blooming Green has a blog

you'll find it here: http://bloominggreenflowers.blogspot.com/

Update on Chickens Need Your Help

From my in box :

"Great news!Yesterday the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers rejected Poland's attempt to delay the Europe-wide ban on barren battery cages. As a result, the ban is still due to come into force as planned in 2012.Thank you to the 10,214 dedicated supporters who lobbied the UK government by sending emails, post cards and letters - once again, you have shown that we can get things done for farm animals when speaking with a united voice. This latest campaign also reiterates the need to be vigilant about the threats that remain, even when victories such as the forthcoming battery cage ban have been gained. Whatever the challenge, Chicken Out! and Compassion in World Farming will continue to take decisive action until the battery cage ban is fully implemented across Europe.Thank you for your support; we share this victory with you.Rosie, Siân, Hayley and CarolineOn behalf ofThe Chicken Out! TeamCompassion in World Farming"

Cold nights - Vintage Gardening Books

These cold nights are perfect for the armchair gardener,

what nicer way to spend the evening than sitting in front of a fire browsing a

1925 vintage gardening book

like The Complete Amateur Gardener

full of lovely illustrations and practical advice.

Chickens need your help

The following message is from the Chicken Out team, please read it and act upon it to help prevent the suffering caused by battery farming chickens.

Help protect the 2012 battery cage ban!

The EU barren battery cage ban is under threat, and we need your help to lobby Defra to protect it.Barren battery cages present serious animal welfare problems and prevent hens from carrying out their natural behaviours, such as dust-bathing and perching. Yet, last week, Poland proposed a delay to the EU ban on conventional battery cages to 2017. This would allow Member States to continue keeping hens in these cages for a further five years.The EU Agricultural Council will address this proposal when they meet on 22 February and Jim Fitzpatrick MP, the Defra Minister responsible for animal welfare, will be present. We need him to vigorously oppose Poland’s suggestion and for the Council to reject it.Help us oppose the Polish government’s proposal. The EU Agricultural Council meets on 22 February so, if you’ve not already done so, please click here today to urge Jim Fitzpatrick to protect the ban.