Archive | July, 2012
My Herb Garden
29 Jul
I grow lots of herbs in the gardens at Bealtaine Cottage, picking freely wherever I walk along the paths.
Herbs grow very easily in the Irish climate, as the fairly constant temperature agrees with the plants.
Herbs have a variety of uses that include culinary and medicinal.
The crossover line is blurred, as much of what we cook with does so much good and is easily integrated with everyday food.
Think of Garlic for example, or Parsley, both great for the blood!
Herbs can also be used in spiritual practice too, usually through the method of burning to release scent and as a cleansing or purification ritual.
Many herbs release anti-bacterial oils into the air, thus cleansing, so again, the crossover line is easily blurred, as herbal oils released into the air can have a tremendously uplifted effect upon the senses.
This can also be in the form of strewing underfoot, as was the practice during medieval times, to combat pungent smells and general sickness.
Here at Bealtaine Cottage I grow over fifty different herbs, including perennials such as Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary, Fennel, Lemon Balm and Mint.
The list goes on to include: Chervil; Angelica; Borage; Catnip and Chives.
Include in this list, Dill, Elderflower and Garlic. Lavender, Lovage and Salad Burnet.
Parsley is a good permaculture herb, coming up each year and growing steadily for two years as a biennial plant.
Most herbs self-seed easily.
Feverfew and Borage, once introduced to your garden will grow always.
Some perennial herbs are shrubs, such as Rosemary, Sage and Lemon Verbena, or trees, such as Bay laurel, all growing healthily here.
Oregano grows virtually wild here as does the strongest mint you will ever smell or taste, which grows in the Bog Garden as Water Mint.
Willow Herb is another wild addition and even the Valerian around the cottage looks after itself.
Inserting willow to make arches that will support the developing crop of Pumpkins and Butternut squash.
Many herbs are enjoying the space left in between the squash, such as Nasturtium and Thyme.
The production in these newly established raised beds has been phenomenal!
Growing herbs will give an easy and beneficial garden anywhere.
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Magical Driftwood and Happy Cats
As the weekend draws in, the clock tells me it’s time to make dinner and settle in for the evening…it’s Friday evening!
The day has been wet and grey and much of my work has taken place in and around the cottage.
Days like today are welcome though, as it allows a little bit of a slow-down and a time for reflection and making plans.
I have decided to tile the kitchen floor, using broken tiles from the local tile shop, Carrick Tiles.
It is a long task, but the best approach is to a little each day and try not to work too long, as this can inhibit the desire to return to the task the following day!
Missy has kept warm beside the stove. This is the longest period of time without a visit to the vet.
It appears that keeping really warm by the stove eases her symptoms.
Doesn’t she look well?
Some friends visited last weekend and Nick brought me this lovely mirror he made using driftwood. There is something so beautiful about driftwood.
Even the scent of this wood evokes the ocean.
It is magical to live this close to the Atlantic Ocean…about a 45 minute drive to Rosses Point.
I’m happy to tell you all that the “We Will Not Comply” petition now has over 4,200 signatures…not bad for a mere 8 days. If you would like to add your name then here’s the link…
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/We_Will_Not_Comply/?cCgoWbb
Have a good weekend everyone!
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