Posted in Bees, biodiversity, compost, Edible Gardens, Frugal Living, Garden, Inspiration, Ireland, Lifestyle, Organic Garden, Permaculture, polytunnel gardening, Seed-Saving, Self-Sufficiency, Sustainable Living, Tea, Wild Flowers Black Bees, Compost and Rocket Stoves Posted on July 5, 2013July 5, 2013 by Colette O'Neill Nasturtiums, Lobelia, Petunia, Sweet William, Perlagonium, Valerian and Night Scented Stock are jostling for space near the back door. Abundance reigns supreme in the gardens, as seen here in these lovely old-fashioned roses that lead the way up to the new orchard. Bees are in a frenzy over the Cotoneaster. This is a strange bee with a black bottom half. The black bit appears shiny. Do you have any idea what kind of bee this is? All this buzzing guarantees lots of food for the birds over winter! Another lovely bee working hard here at Bealtaine Cottage this evening. The evening is very still and warm…perfect for all the insects that work in the gardens. Lots of stone and wood piled up and ready for the workshop tomorrow. These beds are very abundant and productive, considering the shallow depth and intensive planting…the weather is promised good for tomorrow! Lysimachia Punctata is in full bloom. This cable table has sat in the garden for eight years…great garden furniture for free! The Redcurrants are almost ready to harvest. This is the new rose arch…first year and doing well. The Blackcurrants are ripening and will be ready for harvesting very soon. Sunflowers and lots of seeds getting ready for harvesting in the tunnel in these Potager raised beds. As I harvest the compost started last summer, a new compost heap is started. Friday evening at Bealtaine…the rocket stove is boiling the kettle for another pot of tea…could it get any better? I wonder what the equivalent saving on electricity this little contraption affords? Would this be equal to a few solar panels? Just a small matter of washing the cups…have a great weekend everyone! Share this:TwitterPinterestFacebookWhatsAppPocketLinkedInRedditPrintTumblrTelegramSkypeEmailLike this:Like Loading...