Brash McKelvie – Being watched on the scales isn’t fun

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie sets foot onto the scales. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved – a paragon of virtue and a…

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They’re gardening on top of the world

Gardening on Orkney may be an uphill struggle, but Euan and Fiona Smith’s 150-year-old walled garden shows it is worth the effort. However, it presents challenges that would daunt even the most enthusiastic of gardeners. Beautiful as the islands are, the constant battle with the wind and rain, plus the lack of shelter, makes it…

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Tips to make the most of your garden in March

Spring is on its way – the longer daylight hours and warmer soils make for a busy time for the vegetable gardener as the majority of vegetable seeds are sown early in the year. But, do remember not to get sowing too soon as the weather here can still be very cold and frosty. As…

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Brash McKelvie – Dealing with a weighty matter

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie was in for a shock when they went to the chemist. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved –…

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Six Scottish finalists in Britain in Bloom event

Six Scottish finalists are competing in this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom competition with communities across the UK increasingly recognising the value of green spaces to people and the planet. Now in its 56th year, 70 competition finalists will be going all-out to showcase their horticultural skills, community and environmental efforts. Finalists are put forward…

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Brash McKelvie – The delight of a vegan dinner invite

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie has an unwanted invitation to dinner. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved – a paragon of virtue and…

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Brash McKelvie – The chicken that sat on a goose egg

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie has found some unexpected new arrivals in the woodshed. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved – a paragon…

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A spring fling in celebration of the daffodil

Throw off the winter blues with a visit to Rossie, the art and science-inspired garden packed with colour and creativity. Caroline Thomson is passionate about her work in preserving the heritage collection of Backhouse daffodils at Rossie Arts Garden in Fife with her husband Andrew. An artist and sculptor, who is a direct descendent of…

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Brash McKelvie – There’s a rat in my shed. What am I going to do?

Scottish Field’s online columnist Brash McKelvie has found some unexpected new arrivals in the woodshed. Here are the cast of characters that share the vicissitudes of life: Scragend – a Rhode Island Red of indeterminate age and foul nature. Shitting Cat – does exactly what it says on the tin. The Beloved – a paragon…

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Gardener says snowdrops help beat the winter blues

One of Scotland’s leading gardeners has urged Scots to get out and enjoy the first signs of spring at this year’s Snowdrop Festival, which takes place from this weekend until 11 March. Brian Cunningham, head gardener at Scone Palace and BBC Beechgrove Garden presenter, is looking forward to welcoming the public to enjoy the freshly…

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