Growing Lemongrass in the UK (and cold climates)

Lemongrass growing in a container

So, can you grow lemongrass in colder climates like the UK?  The answer is yes, you can!  A couple of years ago, we embarked upon an experiment to try to grow lemongrass in the UK.  This is the result.

Should I Grow Bitter Melon?

The strong, bitter flavour of the Bitter Melon or Bitter Gourd (Ku Gua, Fu Gua) is almost certainly an acquired taste.  As a child growing up in Malaysia, I can remember avoiding it at all costs, thinking that it was the most horrid vegetable on the planet and one best left for the grown-ups.  And then, a few years ago, I returned to Malaysia as one of those "grown-ups" and whilst at a restaurant, observed with much curiosity how popular bitter gourd dishes were with diners all around me.  I decided to give it another go, and to my surprise, actually really enjoyed the bitter edge that this vegetable had to offer.  Perhaps my taste buds had finally grown up?

Pretty in Pink Rhubarb for crumbles in the winter...

Of all the plants that are growing in the garden, our rhubarb is the one that requires the least effort.  For the amount of attention we give to it (which is virtually none at all), it certainly does give a lot in return. 

About two and a half years ago, we bought a "Timperley Early" variety rhubarb and put it into the ground.  Its more than tripled in size since then and has been most productive.  The only drawback is that it does need quite a large bit of space to grow in.  But since it is a perennial plant, it will come back year after year producing lots of delightful (and pretty!) stalks, so we think its a sacrifice worth making.

A Too-cute Field Vole Rescue

 

A couple of Sundays ago, we awoke to find this poor little guy trapped in one of our window sills down in the basement level.  At the time, I thought it was a mouse, but I've since done some research (in other words, googling) and have narrowed it down to "field vole".  A vole, it seems, is similar to a mouse, but with smaller ears and eyes, and a shorter tail.