2016 is a year of transformation for Bealtaine Cottage.
Changes are being put into place this month in preparation for the year ahead.
Last year was the busiest year ever for visitors to the cottage…I lost count somewhere around June and with almost every day welcoming new visitors, work on my writing and gardening began to suffer as a consequence.
I was guilty of what many enthusiastic people are guilty of…spreading myself too thinly! Already I have many requests from would-be visitors, so have made the decision to take a year off from opening the gardens.
There is so much work to be done, as I have plans to create new beds and paths around the three acres. Talk about work…I haven’t even had time to move my Lemon tree in from the veranda! Thank goodness it’s been a mild Winter!
The Kale I planted into the old wheelbarrow has made good strides in growing through January! As the days lengthen the growth will increase and I look forward to harvesting leaves of Kale very soon!
For those wishing to visit, the garden gate will not be permanently closed…
Sunday May 1st is Bealtaine Day, a very special day in the gardening year for lovers of all things Celtic and Mother Earth!
May 1st is the first day of Summer in the Celtic Wheel and Bealtaine Cottage will be hosting an OPEN DAY of celebration!
Unlike the photograph taken today, the gardens will be awash with colour, as well as the hum of bees and the sweet scents of herbs and flowers!
I will also organize another Open day or two as the Summer progresses.
Time is of the essence for me, as I attempt to fit in so many aspects of my life!
Bealtaine Cottage is home to me and I have come to realize that it is also home in a spiritual way to so many others…that is why my writing and photographing of this little place must come first.
Out of metamorphosis comes new, better and stronger.
Seeds are available from Bealtaine Cottage…all grown, open-pollinated and saved here!
For an up to date selection, click on
https://bealtainecottage.com/seeds-for-sale/
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https://bealtainecottage.com/bealtaine-cottage-good-life/
Blessings for a happy weekend XXX Colette at Bealtaine Cottage, Ireland.
Summer began to melt into Autumn at Bealtaine Cottage amidst a flurry of bees and butterflies, more than ever witnessed in the permaculture gardens.
Harvesting began and the kitchen was a place of jam jars and bottles, all waiting to be filled and labelled.
The glut of blackcurrants became wine, jam and chutney, with even more added to the freezer.
Open days and workshops seen a steady stream of visitors to the cottage and gardens.
Kindling for the winter stoves continued to be collected and stored in the barn.
And the Potager beds kept growing!
The recipe for Blackcurrant Chutney was added to a blog post that had runaway success!
Valerian flowered…
Roses bloomed…
And all around, flowers showed off with total abandon!
I collected seeds…
and more seeds…
Drying and labelling in every container I had to spare!
Seedheads were stored for winter flower arrangements.
As the boys played in the Fairy Wood.
It was a magical time for all!
Summer never really went away, for the wine of that season kept bubbling with life.
And the harvest continued…
As potatoes were lifted…
And misty mornings began to appear.
Cobwebs shimmied in the morning breeze…
As the light and shadows began to change.
My son got married and I designed and made the flower arrangements, on a lovely day with my new daughter’s mother, here at Bealtaine.
Everyone came to the west of Ireland for a three day wedding in a 500 year old castle. Here I am with my eldest daughter.
And when all was over, the harvest continued.
And the cottage fell silent…
But not for long, as friends delivered cardboard for mulching…
And helped with the harvest.
Lords and Ladies made an Autumn appearance in the Fairy Wood.
And the cottage and gardens were opened for a special fundraiser in aid of Leitrim Animal Welfare.
Raising a magnificent sum of money for a wonderful charity.
Autumn continued into Winter…
And logs were stacked in readiness for the stove.
The days darkened as Midwinter approached…
And candlelight illuminated the dark days.
Bringing cheer to the silent grey…
And soft light into the Midwinter Cottage.
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So few do, but if you choose to make a small donation, then Bless You!
