Drought is no longer a problem as the land in sodden with rain, but it’s not all bad!
Not that it bothers Missy in the slightest!
In fact it’s a glorious summer for the plants and Nature, as the abundance of midsummer flows through a permaculture landscape.
I am uploading today’s video as I type and thinking about the lands that have little or no rain.
It can be tremendously difficult for growers in drought conditions and I am mindful of a the wonderful work being done by by permaculture teachers all over the world as they help people design their way back to abundance.
Indeed, this is the vital message I continue to learn as I do the same…designing the best landscapes in my continual adaptation to the chaos that is climate change.
In the example here at Bealtaine Cottage, that means using stone to make raised beds closer to the cottage and in the warmth of a south-facing aspect.
It also means ensuring both east and west sides of the smallholding are kept exceedingly sheltered, for, indeed, I have noticed that the winds have blown hard from the east over recent days and heavy rains.
Usually they come in from the west and the Atlantic Ocean.
Over recent days I have been on the forage for all the crops that are free in the hedgerows and across the land.
Elderflowers are at their most scented peak and I recall similar wet conditions last year when I went in search of an Elderflower harvest.
It is interesting to keep a record of weather rather than relying on external sources.
Local knowledge is intrinsic to making plans for the next year!
On todays diary of photographs you can see the raised bed, now less than 3 weeks old and already yieding a harvest, as well as the 2nd bed currently completed and being filled with compost.
On today’s video diary you can see the most recent compost heap uncovered and the progress of the latest compost heap under construction.
Today the sky is heavy and grey, but summer rolls on and is quite marvellous.
The Earth exudes the most wonderful summer scents and the birds sing…life is good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q67PdS7QWT0
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Your beautiful land is awe-inspiring as is your use of cats as mantelpiece ornaments!
Missy is the queen of Bealtaine Cottage…as you can see. Everywhere is her throne!
Colx
Spectacular pics of the flowers and the green everywhere, but especially love the photo of Missy on top of your mantle! She looks so good!
She is one of those high maintenance models…always posing!
I too loved the photo of Missy – and think that her name suits her admirably! ‘Missy’ suggests a mischievious streak, tempered with a certain aloofness. A free feline spirit, wrapped in a luxurious auburn coat, looking every inch the mistress of all she surveys!
That made me laugh out-loud!