A journal to reflect and add rationals and conclude by writing detailed personal evaluations of project work achieved.Natures Armour and embellishment explores natures casings and integral structures within wildlife and nature. Using natural patterns and textures,exploring natural life journeys of wildlife and forna gaining inspiration from geological elements.Secondary research via artifacts and interior and exterior Stately homes.
Intaglio is the family of printing and print making techniques in which the image is cut into the surface. Lines are sunken into the surface which holds the ink. It is the opposite to a relief print (Lino). The Vintage cast iron machine below is a press for printing I have been wanting to use this for some time and it is ideal for intaglio printing.
Original Puffin drawing from sketch book
Printing Press for intaglio print
sketch from sketch book used in design.
Single colour black Intaglio print.With Original sketch of whale above.
Intaglio Printing press used to create print. Intaglio print using plastic relief , aluminium can also be used.
Intaglio print with water colour added using really thin paper added on top.
This Intaglio print has also used water colour which is fused into paper as it is pressed. Paper needs to be dipped into water bath and then rolled between two thick water colour papers and pressed using roller.This takes the water out ,however the paper is still damp to go through press. I have added aqua shading to the intaglio print above. I will be re working this print reducing gap between birds and whales.I will also add more lettering around and make sure its the right way around. Next time I do the aqua shading i will add less paint. Method used for Intaglio : I chose to use a plastic sheet A5 specifically created for intaglio printing. This is any easy method as you can see your drawing behind and cut into the surface with a special intaglio tool. Dry point clear plastic means you can trace over drawings and then you can go straight into printing. However you do need to reverse lettering so it comes out the right way. Aluminium sheets can be used and are better for darker colours than lighter. Another method is the traditional etching technique using etching zinc metal which is more expensive, it also involves using chemicals and wax. Using wax on top of zinc you then scratch it off. Then it goes into acid to remove a layer of the surface. Ink used: Using Intaglio ink plus oil mix with a palette knife until mixed well.
Using a rubber square add a small amount of ink to intaglio etching, only ink what you have etched.
Using a piece of scrim fabric roll into a ball, push the ink down into the etching plate. Give it some pressure to push the ink into the etching.
Take some tissue paper and wipe away access ink.
Wet your paper in a water bath and dry between some thick paper using a roller.
Then put through press in between tissue paper and fabric(tissue underneath,then plate, then paper which you are printing on,then more tissue paper.
Lay fabric on top roll through press using press arm attached to large wheel.
New Intaglio Print
This is a re drawn intaglio plate ready for printing, next time I’m in the print room.
Initial drawings used for initial intaglio print.This print could be reduced in size and printed into exhibition tickets for final MA show.
Image showing ink that was carefully rubbed onto plate, then rubbed off and pushed into etching areas of plate.
Second print with a change in lay out removing unnecessary gaps and writing the right way round.
Stage 1 Lay intaglio inked plate on top of tissue
Stage 2 before printing place tissue paper, then paper
Podcast update on MA Design Project Ecology Evolution
I am adding a link so that I can be part of group tutorial which I am missing due to work commitments. It’s a short update in regard to my current project developments.
Podcast MA Journal update.
Life Cycle Assessment of products from raw material to product distribution, all products have an emissions count. I have chosen to consider these issues when creating my practical work for my MA.To maximize a low carbon footprint and even possibly a carbon neutral footprint for my printing I am creating my own eco conscious natural inks/dyes/paints.
Whale leeping out of the water. Given to me by my nephew , can use this image within my printing.
My project is about ecology issues connected to strategies to reduce carbon emissions and global warming. I am creating visuals linked to a Greenpeace campaign to increase the size of the Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary. Reducing our own carbon footprint is an individual response that collectively can reduce global warming and also plastic pollution within our oceans. I will be creating a Tote bag with a lino print on the outside with a lining involving a screen print. It will also have some detailing using up cycled recycled materials to add weight to the available choices of reclaiming and re using that can be achieved. I will be mixing contemporary techniques with traditional to morph together design choices. The outcome will be a campaign in the form of a product which can clearly reduce single use plastic use. In doing so will reduce plastic ocean pollution and in turn reduce global warming and save our natural ecology of the world and more specifically our oceans that congregate in the Antarctic.
I have been given this image to use so copyright is available for me to use this image. I am finding it a bit out of photographic choice to actually find Whales locally to photograph.
"The eperdemic of our time is the lie of believing we have no ethical obligation to our planetary home "Theodore Roesak".
I have recently watched a documentary on Net flicks called "Ten Billion" from the Ten Billion years Documentary series. What it does is explains what is happening to our planets eco system. How our planets resources are depleting and what this means . It explains how climate change is destroying eco systems across the globe. While watching the first documentary I took notes and transcribed most of it as I was watching.
One thing I did not know which is the case for most people currently living on the planet is what the complexities of pollution, climate change and species extinctions really means and how much time do we have to change in order to put right all the pollution and destruction that is occurring at this current time in history. I have found the following transcribe very interesting and it helped me understand in clear non academic language what is happening and how we all can make changes, even if they are currently small changes understanding individual impacts is really important. The following paragraphs which is transcribed from the movie Ten Billion directed by Peter Webber writer and stared by Stephen Emmott clearly points out what is happening to our planet and what will happen to our planet moving forward. Stephen Emmott explains in detail the science and the economics for why it is important for each and everyone of us to consider our own unique carbon foot print and make changes no matter how small or large to help reduce carbon emissions to create a draw down state known as zero emissions level. A neutral balance of oxygen development and carbon emissions.
One aspect of natural habituate loss is in the complexities of biodiversity.
Biodiversity
Loss of eco systems services is a threat to our survival and also other living species. Food production and the consumption of meat effect our biodiversity eco systems. Too much loss of biodiversity means our climate will become more and more unstable. 30% of all green house gases comes from food production. Increasing population means that we need a new a new food revolution. A new green revolution without chemical fertilizers/pesticides.
The need for more chemicals means too much water used. Buying food through chemicals uses increases in green house gases. Seven billion people live on our planet, water use within products has a hidden water value(what it takes in water to produce something).
For example it uses water to produce food. 9,000 litres of water to produce one chicken for food. 2,700 litres to create a bar of chocolate. 9,000 litres to produce a pair of pyjamas. This is completely unsustainable.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are accelerating climate change. We need to use other forms of energy. Big corporate companies are digging in the Atlantic this is viable due to climate change because the Antarctic is no longer covered in a thick layer of ice. Transport is also a problem due to climate change. cars cost approx £8,000. The real cost to the eco system is all the components are shipped, natural resources are used to mixed to create different products. All this is costly, environmental degradation, mining natural resources depleting bio diversity.
Antarctica
70% of our sea ice is already been lost over the last 30 years. 600 tons of ice per year is being lost to the sea. Methane is being expelled in mass quantities which was previously frozen. Methane is many times more potent than carbon monoxide which is accelerating climate change even faster, creating serious problems.
All data formed so far is not predicting the real level of climate change and destruction that is immanent so far. All vegetation is being exposed to more carbon dioxide than ever before.
The Global Carbon Cycle
Plants, oceans,soils absorb 50% of our carbon dioxide emissions C02 .This maybe coming to an end due to human modification, every single component of the global cycle, deforestation, urbanization,food production, agriculture and changes in the chemical and ecological composition of our oceans.Ocean eradication and de-oxygenation.
Where are we heading?
What kind of challenges do we face due to our growing population. 40% of land is already being used for food. By 2050 the population is set to double. Cheap land is found via deforestation in order to feed the demand for food. This is an area as big as the United States of America(increases of our population to 10 billion people)
Fossil fuels/Pollution/Black carbon
Climate change is reducing our capacity to create food, the weather and soil degradation, pollution, plus loss of cattle 10,000s. Russia has previously had to place an embargo on grain which lead to fast increases in food prices in Asia and Africa creating food riots. Which ended in the Arab spring/civil and international conflict.
Military and Climate Change
The Military across the globe are now going to climate change conferences and meetings in order to calculate were possible wars could occur. This is because climate change creates adverse conditions for humans and political instability arises and conflicts erupt.
Water Supplies Reduced
Water stored in glaziers and snow is declining, projected to decline by at least enough to effect 6% of the population in china, Ethiopia ,India and Pakistan
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Safe Increases
2% increase or less anything else will create a tipping point that will send our planet into serious catastrophe disasters and biodiversity will reduce. Areas like Bangladesh will be lost to climate change rising ocean levels. 2% increase in global or less anymore will create a catastrophic injury to our planet. 4%-6% increase in global temperature will create a tipping point that will send our planet into catastrophic disasters and biodiversity will reduce. Areas like Bangladesh will be lost to climate change, rising oceans.
Catastrophic Tipping point of Global Climate Change
This is already happening with the effects of serious weather changes. Alterations in global carbon cycles, eco systems degradation's , mass extinctions, increasing demands of water food and energy needs.
Currently the world is failing to do anything about it.
Technology is one way to find a solution. Technologize are way out of the problem is not going to be enough. Green energy technology is unlikely to be the main way out of climate change, this will take decades to implement.
Nuclear power seems to be currently the only answer, the problem is it's too expensive and voters don't like it.
Dealing with water shortages via changing sea water into fresh water is one solution, these however are not being processes. Geo energy maybe one solution, putting massive umbrellas into orbital environment to block out the Suns-rays this is not technically possible presently.
Behavior Change
Radical governmental action,however this would make politicians unfavorable,so therefore what happens is failure diplomacy.However some governments are implementing bans on plastic straws and single use plastics, so there is a glimmer of hope.
Biodiversity loss Initiative
All our failings across 20 years of words and inaction, exploiting theories about whether climate change is true or not.
Solution Climate Change
Governments exploitation of public opinion and scientific uncertainty, this is beyond doubt. The need for data in regard to what will happen and what will impact and indicating how much it will cost.In order to get behind action. Climate models will always fluctuate, public opinion is being exploited via politicians not being well informed is part of the problem, unprecedented effects on our planet that maybe unsolvable.West and the North of the planet are over consuming products, food and energy.Population decreasing via having less children is an important way to reduce climate change, if we continue at our current rate, there will be 28 Billion people on earth.
Potentially We Can Change
We can potentially change the devastation that we are in by changing our habits, it is a planetary emergency to avoid a global catastrophe . However many scientists believe change will never happen as the world is run via monetary values.
For example if we knew that a as-trod was hitting the planet and that 70% of our planet living environment would be destroyed we would act. However the problem is ourselves the human culture that drives pollution, does not seem to be changing fast enough.Therefore its every bodies individual responsibility to but litter in the bin, recycle effectively,consume less and strive to be carbon neutral.(transcribed from Ten Billion:the movie: Director Peter Webber :Writer and star Stephen Emmott)
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Life Style Choices :Traditionalist Design In the next coming months I am going to be looking at and developing making my own inks for screen printing. In order to reduce the emission count of product developments I design and also to enrich the availability of organic inks and dyes.
This process is defined by a need to effectively make a difference within product design and making practices.
Previous handcrafted designer knitwear manufacturing within my career has defined my design choices within the following statements ”Part of a new generation of eco-friendly designer clothing using natural materials and ethical working practices for all our production, for a better world”. The life cycle assessment from raw material to product distribution sale and end placement is necessary to evaluate in order to assess how the future of our planet can be protected. A sustainable way of living to reduce emissions is possible, the technology is available. We all have a responsibility to live responsibly and take action to reduce our own individual carbon footprint. Becoming a strong force in numbers within our own actions to stabilize our planet emissions to control climate change.
A coastal image taken on the Balearic Islands.2017.While relaxing on holiday I noticed the rich hues and pastels of natural forna. I easy why to distinguish what is happening to our environment due to plastics and over population and urban expansion of our costal regions is to look back in time and see the visual changes that have taken place within our own life spans. i was born in the 1960's when plastic were not used as much as they are today. Our costal town and small fishing villages were still very traditional were urbanisation was still in its development stage. I have managed to digitise and edit some footage taken by my father in the 1960's showing our coast line and how they were much more rural and unspoilt. the clips are below.
Saint Ives Cornwall 1960's with my family.
Formby near Sefton Lancashire my families historical home.
Plastics are currently littering our oceans to a level we’re there are rubbish dumps in our seas, one in the Pacific and one in the Atlantic. The Pacific plastic rubbish dump is like an island and it’s the size of two British Isles.Its an in imagenable scale. It is distroying wildlife and the Ocean acidity which links to plant life distraction. All adding to extreme climate change due to climate warming. It’s time for each and everyone of use changes our lifestyle choices to remove unnecessary single use plastics. Rekindle Traditional Processes.
Traditional processes link to non chemical processes with a lower carbon emission than industrial chemical process production. Visual traditional design can link to low carbon emissions through longevity using natural resources that have a longer life span. Adding to much modernity can reduce a product life cycle. Making comparisons to times gone by and the yearning to return to a more idyllic life style choice. Is something many of us wish for and appreciate. Reflecting back towards the past visually encourages a knowledge of how our natural world used to be like,understanding were our planets wildlife heritage has started from and developed can give us insight to were we have arrived at today.
Exploring our surroundings and finding historical methods that have slowly been eradicated through commercial developments,advertising and a faster pace of life were money passing hands instead of swapping local produce and sharing has changed our society make up.
The Royal Families Commitment to Climate Change Issues.
The Royal family including the Queen and Prince Charles and his sons have been campaigning for environmental issues across the global for decades. The Queen has launched her Tree Canopy Trust were by she has pledged to plant numerous amounts of new forests across the globe. Charles and his sons have been campaigning for environmental issues also for many decades.
A recent book I have been reading has a printed letter from Prince Charles giving more detail in regard for his views and ambitions for the reversal of green house gases. The book is called Drawdown The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed To Reverse Global Warming Edited by Paul Hawken published by Penguin Books. Anyone who is wanting to understand global warming needs to read this.
His passion for raising awareness for the issues has obviously rubbed off on his sons, with Prince Charles and Prince Harry joining forces to attend the future king’s International Sustainability Unit’s meeting in February this year.
Prince Charles spoke at length about the threat coral reef faces and the impact climate change will have on future generations.
“It is a common phrase now that rather than borrowing our present from future generations, we are stealing it.,” the Prince said at the event.
“Well, the speed of the ecological marine cataclysm that we have engendered is such that not only will our children be faced with the monochrome legacy of the graveyard of destroyed reefs and the collapse of marine biodiversity, but the majority of us alive today will stand witness to the process.”
Prince Charles delivers a speech about the ‘nightmare’ of plastic waste in January (Getty)
Last year, Prince William warned that overpopulation is ruining the natural environment by putting wildlife under ‘enormous pressure’.
The prince is also patron of The Tusk Trust, which aims to protect African wildlife.
“We are going to have to work much harder, and think much deeper, if we are to ensure that human beings and the other species of animal with which we share this planet can continue to co-exist,” the prince told an audience at The Roundhouse in London, according to Business Insider.
(https://uk.style.yahoo.com/prince-harry-reveals-teased-school-habit-prince-charles-taught-102500517.html5.00pm accessed on 6.11.18)
The fabric below has been printed from the Memaki printer initially I worked on Photoshop and used layers to create an image of a whale tale swimming in the clouds. The fabric is a strong canvas ideal for furnishings. I have printed 3 of these and I am going to add a traditional screen print on top using lettering. The other print I might embellish with Crystal to look like agate to add Opulence and glamour. I could also look at using embroidery.
Photograph used for background,taken on an iPhone while flying in a jet.
Printed letters using old vintage blocks
Letters used for printing.
I have used a traditional screen print to add the lettering after firstly printing them small using traditional anologue cast letters to add interest and almost graffiti edge.
The original image of the Whale was taken by Jiri Razac for Green Peace. I am using the fin tail of a whale to create a lino print for a tote bag to help promote a reduction in single use plastics. The fin needs to be changed to an image that is not copy righted if it were to be a product for sale.At the moment it is a speculative image which could be used as a campaign banner to help with Green Peace campaigning to save the Antarctic from man-made destruction through pollution and climate change. Meeting 27.11.18 Criteria meeting MA educational course work strategy : After a meeting with lecturers and a small group of students, it was discussed that I should develop my tote bags using lino print imagery and also my ecology printing inks and dyes project in order to reduce emissions in the process. Even though I love photographic fabric printing i have two problems with it,one I don't have access to my own Whale photography and two the inks are not organic and machinery is being used which also increases my carbon footprint.I am trying to bring this to a minimum level and would hope that other people would wish to do similar. Therefore the outcome of the meeting is to concentrate on one or two areas and cut back my project brief to accommodate enough detailed development to progress through an MA level; of work. I will need to draw up working drawings on illustrator and create fashion illustrations with directional storyboards etc using Photoshop and in design. The other feedback was to develop my lino print and consider a campaign slogan.
Metallic printing.
Letters used to print initial slogan “Save”. I have then photographed my sketch book and added the lettering via a layer using photoshop. I have then printed it out and enlarged accordingly and added to a screen print screen. The bronze lettering has been foiled onto fabric using glue through the screen and then the foil has been placed on and heat sealed using a heat press machine.
Screen print with baby feet print from my daughter feet.
Printing onto fabric
Dip dyed printed fabric.
Screen print onto cotton fabric showing screen
print.Fabric needs pressing.
Vintage haberdashery elements in the form of star studs adding a bit of 70’s clamour. Sequins are not particularly strong and maybe a different sequin would be better. However I have been up cycling things Ihave already had in my home.
Project Deadlines are always difficult to negotiate, never let it be said that I have ever mis interpreted a deadline previously. It is however one thing i have done a lot of this doesn't mean I am that good at meeting them. However one thing is clear bringing a deadline forward from the actual deadline is always a good plan. I have a hand in deadline which I actually thought was June. Totally my fault as this was in the handbook somewhere.
Fabric design created on photoshop, width to fit fabric roll repeating every 60cms. The main point due to the fact that I am using University equipment and the deadline incorporates a Christmas holiday. I need to assume all the CAD printing , screen printing and Lino printing is done by December. The ink development also needs to be achieved, therefore what I am doing is completing tasks that I have written into my Masters Degree at the moment. I have the CAD fabric machine booked for the end of this week, however I may have to cancel as I need to work in order to pay important bills. Main areas I need to develop is my Wall Art Muriel which I am wanting to develop into fabric using the fat swatch scaling which is approx 24in x 18 inch (shell imagery). I am also wanting some photographic CAD fabric development which I have designed some large scale prints ideal for cushions and large repeat boutique style curtain fabrics or seating covering etc. The lino print for a tote bag to reduce single use plastics and promote global ocean sanctuaries including Antarctica ocean sanctuary is presently being created. The hand printed screen printing wall paper needs to be created however current design concepts are kelp and coral repeat pattern gong horizontal with space between patterns. In one or two tonal colours using indigo colours.
Equipment used.
I have chosen to use water colour as a medium as its light and airy to use. The image to the right shows my palettes,having recently added new colours last year. These particlar paints are very dense and create strong colours which I dilute with white Gouche to refine the colours to my colour range. India ink and an old ink pen is also part of my creative practice. Indian ink is colour fast, so when I add water colour the outline doesn't wash away. I am also trying a drippy paint technique to add a bit of direction of glamour and fashion boutique trend. Below is an idea I am developing for Antarctica Ocean Sanctuary campaign. Image below is my first attempt of a whale. This piece could be improved by adding less paint and also I believe the fins are too small. I would also like to see the giles of the whale more.The whale also blends in to the earth background. This could be changed by making the whale black and white. It also needs re drawing.
First concept of whale illustration.
I am wanting to add colour using thin water colour, however I need to be careful I don't over paint it. I have been inspired by outher artists who use this drippy paint idea.I may also need to try out different types of whales to find one I prefere to use in my muriel. One area which I found a bit difficult was the stretching of my paper because the brown gum tap kept drying and coming away from the art board. I am not quite sure how to correct this . I could try a smaller piece of paper. Mean while I have bought some thicker water colour paper that doesn't need stretching as it is thick enough to apply paint without it crinkling
Possible design idea for CAD print onto fabric.
The image to the left has been created via cut and paste, it would be translated onto a photoshop development for fabric and wall paper. The music background is a hymn called Palms.The shell is a Nautilus pompilius Linne. This is a mollusc which has connections to the early part of our planets natural development.It has sealed chambers within that are arranged in a spiral, each being larger than the proceeding one. In terms of evolution its links to early life forms. It has visually extraordinary patter nation and is linked to the golden rule of design the theory.
Photoshop image for Wall Mural using Jiri Razac Whale tail for GreenPeace.
The image to the left is a photoshop development I have created for a wall Mural idea. I have taken a whale image taken out the background and added a sky image. I have put the Whale fin to the right of the image to encourage looking to the right then up to the sun in the clouds. The image is a rhetorical image that suggests that whales may possible only life in the sky as spirits as the sea is becoming to polluted and dangerous for them.
Sketch Book and paint brushes.
Its time to recognize that we all need to be aware of our own single identity carbon footprint and cognitively attach this to the bigger gigitons footprint that the human race is creating. Every little thing matters a small reduction in everyone's general carbon emissions equals a larger amount across the globe. I could add some information around the whale tail to incorporate information. Other messages can added to swing tickets giving up to date informative knowledge to increase awareness of climate change to a bigger audience.
Finding the Most Ecological Way of Printing . While printing I have noticed how much ink is used, it didn't take long before I realized I needed an alternative to bought chemical based dyes. Previously I have used naturally dyed yarns so it made sense to create my own inks. Using the natural environment around me to create colours is something that inspires me. We all have a need new processes that will reduce climate warming by reducing carbon emissions. Creating your own natural dyes and inks prevents this, it also reduces the use of packaging and the use of some transport emissions if you buy products. One other reason is that I am hoping the process will be less expensive.
Farmland restoration and regenerative agriculture is part of a multitude of different processes that can reduce global warming by reducing emissions. Conservation agriculture which includes non tillage using organic fertilizers can reduce carbon emissions.Claiming back land which is currently laying to waste can also help emission outlay.
I have been spending time weeding and pruning back trees ready for a better grope of apples and other fruits including a hidden raspberry crop I have found under weeds.I have also uncovered a small pond ideal for small invertebrates that can reduce small greenfly etc that can damage crops. Garlic can be planted using specially grown garlic cloves similar to seed potatoes which are easy to plant by dissecting individual gloves and planting 1 inch below soil. Sowing from seed is a process I am developing as I believe it is the most economic. Any money I am spending I am logging so I can access costs annually. Potentially a significant amount of global emissions, pollution and plastic waste can be reduced via a collective carbon footprint. Some small changes in lifestyle can help our plant rejuvenate and start to repair the damage that is currently occurring.
Eating Apple tree probably a Golden delicious variety
Chicken Shed with run to develop.
Conservation Agriculture
There are a multitude of different approaches that can be developed to reduce climate change and in turn reduce emissions. Climate change science is developing new techniques and ideas continually, new advances in science in recent times have added much needed responses and solutions for our planet. Some of the most important solutions include renewable energy, forest protection better management of soil ans also marine conservation.Draw down is a terminology which is being used which can not only describe a reduction in emissions but can also add a reversing narrative as well. Reversing climate change to a position that is neutral giving our planet the best possible change of conservation survival.
18.11.18 Update image of Allotment.
Plenty of work as been achieved, however still plenty to do. Fish pond has been filled with water however unfortunately it has a leak. It will need a new liner. Burned a lot of rubbish during Bomb fire week and found a hidden raided bed. Currently I have digging up compost from my back garden and I am filling raised beds. I was given a number of old window frames which I am going to make into glass covered raised beds. I have also started growing beans on window ledges.
January 2019 Digging has began.
The soil is currently soft and ideal time to lay a pathway and plan growing beds.
Seeds planted, test running a small amount.
Sunflowers
Woad shoots.
Larger area of soil dug, not much to go.
The soil has had some deep weed roots, brock the prongs on my fork.
This area is destined for potatoes and onions. The seed potatoes are bought.Decided to buy early potatoes so I could plant early. Get this veg growing show on the road.
May 2019 update. Broad beans are on their way, flowering quite nicely. It's important to watch for black fly on these plants.
Potato crop is on its way.
Purple onions these will be ready in October.
Courgette plant. These should bare a lot of courgettes. I am needing to weed quite a lot and I am considering a striker with a battery as their is no electricity at the allotment. Seedlings Pottingout.
Once your seeds have grown in small pots, the next thing is to thin out and re pot. It’s not always necessary, however for fine seeds you get little seedlings which need there own space. The hand made pots made from newspaper makes this a lot easier as you can open them up and reveal the seedlings and roots without damageing. Separating small seedlings into individual pots using hand made newspaper pots.
Delicate hands are needed for this process. Pulling apart seedlings with care.
I have been using my new generator that runs on unleaded petrol. The ideal suituation would be to use solar power, however I need quite A high ratio of electricity and therefore have purchased this small portable generator from eBay. I have needed to strim back all the green areas as they became really over grown a good 3 ft of grass and nettles. I have been using an electric rotavator as doing by hand was too difficult.
Currently I am waiting for seedlings to grow a little more before planting out carrots, Swiss rainbow chars and spinach. New seedlings that have been separated and planted individually in hand made eco conscious upcycled newspaper pots that will decompose naturally allowing seedlings roots to grow outwards.
