Working in the tunnel this morning I heard the first Cuckoo of the year calling from the hill behind Bealtaine. This is extraordinarily early to hear the Cuckoo…usually in May, or at the earliest, very late April…the seasons are coming earlier here in Ireland.
The flowers on the first Wild Orchid of the year are opening. I noticed a second Orchid beginning to open further along the bank.
Biodiversity is more than an elastoplast sticking plaster on the skin of Gaia…it is the CURE!
I would go so far as to say that it has been the introduction of biodiversity here on the 3 acres of Bealtaine Smallholding that has allowed such incredible harvest of food to manifest.
Permaculture plantings aim to create and sustain as many food webs as possible, as this gives stability and strength to the environment.
The structure of an ecosystem is represented by food webs and the more cmplex the ecosystem, the greater the stability. It is unfortunate that even Organic farms are not home to complex enough ecosystems, as many of the crops are grown in a monoculture, uniform row, type way.
Wow Colette, that is a gorgeous crop of apple blossoms. I really believe that true wealth is being able to walk out and pick an apple from one’s own tree..! (Maybe that’s why there is a variety growing in my next door neighbour’s garden called ‘Wealthy’?
your blog is one of the highlights of my week. Thank you for these pictures of true extravagance! Of the best kind H ♥
Helen, it’s delightful to hear from you! So glad you like the blog! I love living it! It’s certainly true that the promise of fruit is in the blossom that is dripping on the trees…so much to look forward to. Abundance is free, whoopee!
Blessings, Colette
I so love orchids. there is just something about their beauty!
Complete perfection in miniature, especially these wild ones, simple and beautiful!