It has been some time…
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ~ Henry James
Just as the rosebuds are swelling, early Summer makes an appearance. It has been a long cold Winter and Spring.
Euphorbia has brightened the veranda with its vivid lime green.
And finally, finally the garden stirs into full life.
“Green was the silence, wet was the light,
the month of June trembled like a butterfly.”
~ Pablo Neruda
“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”
~ Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine.
Garden visitors have left and the warmth of a sunny afternoon is all my own once more.
Quince is now fully open in the sun against the warm wood of the barn wall.
“it’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine … it’s summertime!” ~ Kenny Chesney
Cotoneaster and Birch grow to create shelter by the front door.
Primroses prolong their blooms in the shady banks along the driveway.
Bunting heralds a welcome to garden visitors…every day of May…
And there’s Jack, curious as always to pick up the scent of visitors…
The golden Goddess now has her sacred Owls nearby…one day Owls will move into Bealtaine…one day…
Dandelions create a food path for the bees at the top of the driveway.
Blessings of early Summer be yours XXX Colette, Jack, SammyBear and Beauty XXXX
A Cottage and Three Acres
Please email Colette if you would like a particular inscription in your book. From a desolate cottage set in 3 acres of monoculture sadness, to a vibrant, thriving food forest of life…the journey back to Eden over 13 years… Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€29.00
In Search of The Goddess Rising
This is the second book in the Goddess Permaculture series from Colette O’Neill at Bealtaine Cottage, Ireland. In this book I explore the ancient landscape, mythology, literature and life around Bealtaine Cottage… in search of the Great Goddess. The price of the book includes all postage and packing to wherever you live in the world! Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€27.00
Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter
A little Yuletide book filled with colour photographs, recipes, reflections, lore, poetry and mirth to guide you through the wonderful days ahead. Fifty pages of sheer delight from Bealtaine Cottage to you. The book is fully bound and can be posted direct as a gift. Price includes P&P worldwide. Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€18.00
Special Offer: Goddess Book and Midwinter Book
In Search of the Goddess Rising and The Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter…can be purchased together for for €36.00 which includes P&P Worldwide. Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€36.00
Magical Mythical Map of Bealtaine Cottage and Gardens
Beautiful map created by the artist David Gascoigne, especially for Bealtaine Cottage. The picture shows one side of the map…it is printed on both sides, see the photos on this page. The price includes all Postage and Packing to wherever you live in the world! Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€15.00
Always Inspiring! No matter how many times I review these photographs it always moves me. 🦋
So alive! Blessings on you. Colette.
Thank you Colette, you are my inspiration. I have started my own little corner of suburban permaculture. When I am in my garden I can feel our great Mother encouraging me.
Thank you for opening my eyes and my heart.
The driveway with it’s short growth is amazing to the contrast of the abundances.
The driveway and it’s short grass down the middle is amazing in contrast to the abundance of growth everywhere. All vehicles entering your place must be grateful.
Absolutely breathtaking!
All that lovely lush greening. Thank you, as always, for sharing, Colette – so very inspiring. I’m following your lead and doing similar in my garden: lots of planting and mulching, creating habitat and providing shelter, water and food sources for birds, bees, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, lizards, grasshoppers, crickets, cicadas and the occasional field mouse. I feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland sometimes, as must you! 🙂
Sounds fantastic…
Gorgeous photos, Colette, as usual 🙂 xx
How I love Bealtaine Cottage! On our walks around the cottage and gardens via the internet, I almost feel as though I’m right there with you, Jack, and sometimes Sammy Bear or Beauty. As always, thank you so very much for brightening my days, and for reminding me to honour Mother Earth, and to always have faith in her resilience. xoVal
That was a beautiful post Colette thank you . Summer Blessings to you , Jack , Sammy Bear and Beauty xxxx
Blessings to you XXX Colette
What a beautifully prolific homestead…it’s been a few years since I’ve seen pictures of Beltaine Cottage…my how it’s grown! So inspiring.
Dear Ms O’Neil, your pictures, words and quotes struck such a chord with me this morning. Thank you for your post and dedication to Mother Nature, the source of all life on our planet. I understand your reverence and love of nature, for without her we are extinct. I am an artist that derives my inspiration from nature, specifically trees that I have fallen in love with. I just read that it has been “discovered “ that trees have a heartbeat, something I already knew.
Thank you for your posts, it means so much to know that like minds exist.
Ellis Heyer
Dear Mr. O’Neill, thank you for sharing the photos and poetry of summer in your beautiful godess setting.!! You have always inspired me to think how I can individually make a difference in this
world! I’m delighted to see the beauty of your summer garden!🌻🐝🌈🌹