Books & DVDs
Biodynamics In Practice
Biodynamics In PracticeBiodynamics seeks the holistic and interrelated health of the diverse creatures and beings composing a farm, including human beings and the wider, surrounding community. It is not just a "method" but a whole approach to life - one which could have far-reaching benefits for the health of the soil, plants, animals and human beings across the globe...'
Born from a series of eight lectures delivered by scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924, the movement for biodynamic agriculture today encompasses many hundreds of farms and millions of consumers worldwide. Much has been written about biodynamics' unique perspectives on farming, nutrition, the world of nature and the wider cosmos. But how does it work in practise? What is it like to run a farm based on its principles? England's Tablehurst and Plaw Hatch farms form a co-operative venture in which the local community plays a crucial role. As successful, commercial enterprises with high outputs, they have a growing reputation for the excellence of their produce. Through interviews, commentary and dozens of full colour photos, Biodynamics in Practise gives a guided tour of the farms from the viewpoint of a sympathetic visitor. It illustrates how biodynamic farms work, how they differ from conventional and organic farms, and why that difference is important. In short and accessible vignettes, the book looks at many aspects of farm life, including animal rearing and welfare - cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry - crop growth, dairy and cheesemaking, and even bee-keeping and caring for people with special needs. It also gives an introduction to biodynamics itself and brief histories of both farms.
Farms are sometimes regarded simply as food-producing factories, but this book shows that they can be much more, offering spiritually-sustaining focal points of community cohesion and participation.
Sufficient
Sufficient is a book to inspire, educate and encourage a process of change towards a simple, gentle and sustainable way of living. Many of us want to make a shift in our lives by slowing down and consuming less, embracing artisan foods and championing human-scale organic growing methods as safe, compassionate and pleasurable. This book is a guide to starting that process, however and wherever you currently live in the world. "Sufficient" is a passionate approach to understanding why changes need to be made and how they can be achieved in a fun and life-enhancing way. It is a new concept, the central aim of which is to encourage the practice of sustainability, taking it from its niche following and bringing it into the mainstream consciousness via a practical every day manual.
Click here to buy Sufficient from Amazon.co.uk
Trees That Shape The World
Trees are our link between earth and sky; they symbolize strength, protection and longevity; they are vital in maintaining the balance of climate and fragile ecosystems of our planet. Trees provide us with building materials, fuel, food, medicine, shade and protection from the elements. And yet recently we have begun to take them for granted, to undervalue them and, in many cases, to destroy them. This book demonstrates the extraordinary impact trees have had and must continue to have on the earths landscape and the culture of its people. Each of the six chapters represents a different climate zone and investigates the trees that inhabit it: how they interact within the natural landscape; where they stand in relationship with man; how they should feature in the future industrially, culturally and sociologically. In a stunning mixture of fascinating yet authoritative text and superb photographs, each chapter also includes features on iconic trees of vital importance to the landscape or to man.
Click here to buy Trees That Shape The World from Amazon.co.uk
The Kitchen Gardens at Heligan: Lost Gardening Principles Rediscovered
The productive gardens are one of the chief glories of the gardens at Heligan. Originally created to make the house they served self-sufficient they have, since their restoration under the guidance of Tim Smit and latterly Tom Petherick, literally become a seed bed of best practice, taking the best of past traditions and modern scientific knowledge. In this book he tells how the garden was run in its Victorian and Edwardian heyday and it is also packed with traditional and cutting-edge advice, hints, tips and secrets on how best to keep flowers, fruit and vegetables in good fettle. It is a must-have for any gardener.
Heligan: A Portrait of the Lost Gardens
This is a book that had to be written and must be read. It's not just a really well produced picture book - though Melanie Eclare's photographs are sumptuous, evocative and make the most beautiful use of that strange magical Cornish light. It's a book that weaves Tom Petherick's family history with other threads of time that drew him to bring life back to the Lost Garden. Yet, for sheer gardening professionalism, you should read this too. The author's training and knowledge of organic (or more natural) gardening is disseminated through the book, giving great tips for anyone hoping to wrest control of other unruly gardens. Every visitor to Heligan is welcomed and embraced, from young to ancient, to living and spirit - and even the Mr. McGregor rabbits!
Click here to buy Heligan: A Portrait of the Lost Gardens from Amazon.co.uk
DVDs
DVD'S Presented by Tom
Secrets Behind England's Finest Gardens. 4 box set DVD including The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Alnwick Garden, The Abbey Garden, Tresco and Newby Hall.
Sissinghurst. A Year in the Growing (The National Trust)
The National Trust's Finest Gardens Through The Year 12 box How To Garden Series. 12 DVD's on differing aspects of horticulture.
All DVD's available from www.dancing-bee.com
All copy and images used in this site are either the property of Tom Petherick or licenced from the copyright holders.
original site design by rubken.net. Developed and hosted by devweb design
