We are celebrating another new Stroudco producer this week – taking our total to 83 local food and drink producers! Helen Pitel is selling delicious salad bags and beautiful bunches of flowers cut fresh from her garden on the outskirts of Stroud.

Helen says “I’m a passionate gardener, with a particular love of growing flowers and food. Sharing this passion for plants and the world of nature has become my life’s work.

I originally trained with a degree in Agriculture and Forestry and started work in the intensive agricultural industry (a case of ‘sleeping with the enemy’ I suppose). Subsequently I have veered towards organic horticulture and the amazing things which happen in gardens. What could be more important than growing food? And what could be more satisfying than growing flowers?

I spent my gap year at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, where I was first introduced to ‘no-dig’ gardening, organics, raised beds, composting on a grand scale and other extraordinarily wacky ideas. A stint at ‘Naturewise’ in London opened my eyes to the world of Permaculture which has become a strong thread in everything I do. My own gardens are always decidedly on the ‘natural’ side of gardening. Journalist Adam Caplin dubbed me the ‘Wild Woman of Cricklewood’ when describing my garden in London.”

Helen works with another Stroudco producer, Seb Buckton to run Permaculture workshops which are great fun, well lead and attract some very interesting people . For more details of these courses go to www.commonedge.org.uk or phone Seb on 07557 508025. To read more about Helen’s work go to her blog at eathay.wordpress.com