Flo has taken over Jack’s home…a girl after my own heart…and poor Jack, he looks so downtrodden!
As soon as he dares to exit the basket, Flo spreads out so as to deter Jack from even getting his paw back in!
I’ve been out looking at the hedgerow and the incredible growth so far this year.
I’ve made a short video that you can click on at the end of this blog.
It’s an observation on how to make the hedgerow deeper and a safe wildlife corridor, as that is what the present day hedge has evolved into.
Indeed, without hedgerows, wildlife are left incredibly exposed as they traverse the land from place to place.
Our own habitats are easy to protect and enhance, but there is nothing so beneficial to the health of the environment as the common hedgerow.
As I spin wool, the hedgerow on an Autumn morning, is spun over with silky threads and webs by spiders inhabiting within.
Last evening it was very warm and balmy, so, I opened the windows in all rooms throughout the cottage. The lamps were lit and I waited for the expected visitors…Moths…but there were none! Not one! I simply cannot understand it and am somewhat bewildered. I stepped outside and switched on the lamp on the west gable end of the cottage…but still, no Moths! So I went looking for the Bats that have always inhabited the eaves of the roof. I love to watch then swirl around the cottage through the night air, feasting in flight, but…none could be seen! What has happened?
So, here is today’s video…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaIYfdURBHo
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I have learnt so much from reading your blog. Your thinking and way of life is the way forward.. One day i hope to visit.
Thank you, Joanne.
I am the happiest and most liberated living this life…keeping open acres for all who are interested in enhancing their own lives through permaculture and self-sustainability.
April is a lovely month in which to visit!
Colx
My first time visiting, I love your blog. The spinning wheel in the corner drew my attention. Mine is now on the porch and I try to get spinning done every day in the cool of the morning. What are you spinning? I am spinning the dregs of a fleece. Can’t bare to throw away the parts that aren’t quite up to par so I dye them and spin them and make socks with the yarn. Because the wool is harsher they stand up well.
Carole Adams
Whispering Pines Farm
Welcome to Bealtaine Cottage, Carole!
You are very industrious…the socks sound wonderful…I will have a look at your blog!
At the moment I’m spinning some of the wool left over from last year as well as some Jacobs fleece given to me by a good friend up the mountain. I crochet hats with the fleece I spin, as, like you, I have a mixed bag of wool and the hats are better being that little bit firmer.
Colx
Today’s pictures of the Cottage are indeed lovely, and clearly point to the fact that your creativity is not solely confined to the garden and surrounding land!
The absence of Moths and Bats, as well as ever diminishing numbers of Butterflies in todays world is obviously a very serious matter for the ecosystem; shameful for those who have no concern for the environment and protection of these tiny creatures; and sad for humanity to be increasingly deprived of the joy and privilege of sharing our planet with them.
Thank you…
I wish there was more I could do for the environment…I would like to plant a forest! I am mindful of not controlling the land around me and I do believe that this is the key, for so many people are fearful of Nature and want to control her…that is what’s wrong! I pray that the Moths return! As for the Bats…I wish I knew what took them.
Colx
Oh if it were possible to sit and spin with you on a misty morning….enjoy. Lovely pictures today!
Hopefully Jack and Flo will ‘paws’ for thought and reach an amicable solution to their current domestic arrangements…..perhaps Missy could be persuaded to lend a helping ‘paw’ by offering temporary alternative accomodation in one of her many residences in the Bealtaine area!
It is funny to watch the domestic arrangements of animals and their little hierarchies! However, as Jack adores Flo, she will maintain the upper hand! Missy regards them both as idiots! Ha! Ha!
Colx
Good morning! Can you tell me when is the best time to plant the slips of fuschia? About how long should they be? Would you cut and plant willow at the same time? Thanks!
Fuschia and Willow will root in wet conditions, which are found primarily in the Autumn and Spring.
However, as I write, the land is sodden with heavy rain, so if the same prevails where you are then…plant!
The deeper one plants the better…so insert the cuttings as deep as possible and leave about a foot or so above ground, removing all but a few leaves.
Colx
Thank you . We are not as wet as you at present so i will hold off. It is a shame about the bats and moths. I do think though that there are more of some things some years and less of others. This year we are plagued with snails and ear wigs but we too are short on moths and butterflies. Not sure why because there are no mono crops here or any intense agriculture, but obviously we are not sealed off from the outside world. Best Wishes xxx