Turnip House Blog

Rain Stops Play

2012-01-30T00:59:00.004Z

not going out in that!

Well today was wet and windy - it has rained for 24 hours now.
So no tree planting. Although the 140 that were planted yesterday will be well settled in!
Thanks to all those who were to come up and help today - the rest will keep for a few days!

Tree Planting Day 1

2012-01-28T17:51:00.002Z

Thanks so much to the crack teams of tree planters who came today to help put in the 194 trees that we picked up yesterday from the Clandeboye Estate.

the day dawns

snow on Bernagh, but only frost down here!

Charlie watching and waiting

getting organised

the first Oak tree goes in!

ready for action

a blackthorn hedge small - but perfectly formed!

planting the Hazel Grove

Charlie supervising as ever!

in the thick of it

We have planted a fantastic 140 trees!

Looking forward to tomorrow - full report and more pictures then!

Trees!

2012-01-24T11:15:00.004Z

Just Ordered 194 bare rooted native trees from the Conservation Volunteers

at Clandeboye

Picking them up on Friday

Anyone fancy tree planting this weekend? - free food and drink supplied!

A Fireplace

2012-01-21T15:21:00.000Z

The Gallery will need some heat, and an internal focus, so we decided to put in a wood burning stove like the one in the Turnip House Studio, but this time put in a fireplace to hold it

first of all a brick and concrete plinth

building the pillars

two headers from the door recycled to form the top

installing the flue

applying the render

finished

stove installed and dressed for Christmas!

The Gallery

2012-01-21T15:00:00.000Z

In keeping with our recycle philosophy or 'make do and mend' we are in the process of rehabilitating a barn at the back of the site.

first sight - not very promising!

When we first saw it it had lost some of the roof, and the walls were damaged, but after careful consideration, we could see that this could be a great space for display, teaching and tea room.

at least there was more of the roof this side

It makes no sense to spend a lot of effort and fuel demolishing this, creating a mountain of rubble for landfill, when with a bit of TLC and creativity it can serve our needs well.

The views are stunning as ever: up to Slievenaboley and the Windy Gap,

Slievenaboley; and cow

across the valley to the river and beyond,

the river in flood November 2010

and down the hill to the Majestic Mournes.

It's alignment means that for most of the year the rising sun will shine through the front windows, and the setting sun those at the back.
What's more, tidying this part of the site up would go a long way to improving the visual quality of the place.

Work In Progress. In pictures:

roof replaced, unsightly gable removed, toilet roofed

from further back

2012 To Do List!

2012-01-21T12:40:00.001Z

We're into our second New Year here in Benraw, and our thought are on what we plan to do this year.

Our Project continues to inspire, daunt, and delight in equal measure, and a morning 'tour of the estate' brings plenty of ideas, energy and enthusiasm to be getting on.

Here is a notional 'to do' list (from today's perspective anyway) for the next couple of months

Outside

complete vegetable garden - planting has already started!
clear the loose compost heap and remaining rubble
plant more trees - we're going to buy 130 native tree 'whips' from The Conservation Volunteers in Clandeboy
clear the American thorns from the front garden and seed more grass and lavender
start the greenhouse
create the composting toilet

Gallery

replace doors and windows
finish the floor
begin fit out
clear surroundings of rubble, etc.
create easy access

House

finish clear out of lower floor
conserve artefacts and furniture

Meanwhile, we are still open at the weekends, and other times by appointment, you're welcome to come and see what's happening.

So - watch this space - pictures to follow!

The Gift That Keeps on Giving!

2012-01-15T17:12:00.000Z

We've started the New Year with some Spring Cleaning - in the house.

One of the priorities for 2012 is the roof of the house - we need to stabilise the situation, so we can then be content that it is not going to deteriorate further.

First of all it will have to be emptied - we've made a start, and as ever, found more treasures.

light streams in through the back door and landing window

the passageway to 'the shop' and what will be our bedroom and en suite

the existing bathroom 'the best in the Townland' (in 1959!)

looking back into the kitchen

as good as new! after a bit of a dust

more to find in there!

time has not been kind to the range

a very fine airing cupboard - here will be the kitchen sink

a collection of motley furniture

the magnificent red tiled floor

hand made fire implements that we found by the range

We found a toasting fork, ash rake, and (in the centre of the picture) a pair of hand forged tongs.
We're lucky enough to have another pair like these - and they were used to tend a large open fire (like in our Trassey House) so perhaps there is a large fireplace behind the range?

could we find another like this??

Celtic Fusion

2012-01-15T13:52:00.002Z

Our dear old friend Annie from Black Dragon Crafts has commissioned a sweater from us.

Her idea was to blend two of our most popular designs into one:

the new creation hot off the press

It works really well - inspired - thanks Annie!

hanging up to dry in the workshop - to be ready for the post tomorrow

It should be with you in time for Showcase in Dublin at the weekend

Good Luck to all at the Show!

Castlewellan: Boxing Day 2011

2012-01-12T23:10:00.001Z

Perfect day for a walk around Castlewellan Lake - cold bright, exhilarating

I'm not too sure about this ...

Castlewellan Lake

Elaine Eleanor Kate Lauren & James (and some of Charlie)

Kate Eleanor & John (ditto dog)

Happy Family!

Family: Christmas 2011

2012-01-12T23:00:00.003Z

What a privilege: to have all our family round us for Christmas!

Kate & Eleanor, James and Lauren, and us two.

Whilst the weather was unseasonal (or more typical for this western island) the atmosphere was warm and cosy in the Mobile Home and our Christmas Grotto - what will next Easter be the New Gallery - more to follow on that adventure!

And at least no travel disruptions got in the way of a brilliant family time:

Christmas Day breakfast - Lauren Eleanor & James

The Christmas Grotto: fire's lit and Santa has been!

Eleanor at work

Eleanor & Elaine

Santa's stockings

Charlie - worn out already

The Train Set - not seen for two years -

- and new wagons to play with!

Boxing Day

perfect for a walk

Rowallane

2012-01-12T19:55:00.003Z

It's been so long since I posted! feels quite remiss - I've had lost of posts (and pics) in my head but events conspired to never let me get down to it.
So here's a few of the remembered ones put down out of time, just to get us up to date

Rowallane Yuletide Market

It's past the Yuletide season I know, but the main aim of this post is to show how much this outstanding garden shines - even in the depths of winter.

mysterious forms

Charlie alert as ever!

bursting with new life

more sculpture / folly

strangely sinister!

resting up!

the mossy wall

everywhere - depth and proportion

the courtyard buildings

the top of the walled garden

still much colour - in December

frosty

walled garden perspective

frosty

Yuletide Market scene

warming by the fire

the Walled Garden

Bulbs breaking through

and just where is he off to?

the Courtyard entrance

Rowallane Garden is owned by the National Trust, and open every day - well worth a visit any time of year

Stormy Seas

2011-12-06T23:06:00.001Z

during a brief trip to Newcastle last week we were lucky enough to see some great high seas

The Little Sisters: Busking outside King's College

2011-11-30T22:36:00.000Z

The Little Sisters: Busking outside King's College:

Kate & Eleanor, deep in the Christmas Spirit; singing for charity in Cambridge on Saturday

'via Blog this'

Welcome to The Lagan Lutherie School

2011-11-25T19:51:00.000Z

For all those who have always wanted to create their own musical instrument, check out this fantastic place

Welcome to The Lagan Lutherie School:

'via Blog this'

Craft Fairs

2011-11-25T09:04:00.001Z

'tis the Season. We'll be busy at Craft Fairs for the next few weeks.

It's a great time of year, in the build up to Christmas, both because it's good to get out and about, meeting old friends and and new, and as it's our best trading time (hopefully!)

A good Craft Fair is a great place to shop:

locally produced goods
made by real people who you can meet
individual, often unique items
things that are aesthetically pleasing
a better atmosphere than the soulless shopping malls
less hassle with getting there and parking
often in inspiring locations

Here's our schedule:

26th & 27th November Carlingford Old Barn Market from 12.00 noon
1st December Slieve Donard Newcastle in aid of Cancer Research 12 - 8 pm
3rd December Downpatrick Race Course in aid of Mainstay DRP from 10 am
4th December Carlingford Old Barn Market from 12.00 noon
10th & 11th December Rowallane National Trust Gardens Yuletide Market 12 - 5pm

These dates we will not be at the Workshop, but if you want to visit, please get in touch!

Felting Weekend

2011-11-21T17:40:00.001Z

Had our November Felt workshop on Saturday - some old hands and newcomers - not that you'd be able to tell them apart by the quality of the work!

The Red Baron at large!

Looks vaguely Wagnerian - in a psychedelic way!

can you tell what it is yet?

spec-tacular!

Wow! Mushrooms

dreamy wall panels - ethereal and vibrant at the same time

appletree by moonlight- more than a touch of Gauguin here

from another angle

Happy Felters!

Much banter, fun and creativity went on..... thanks for a great day!

Weather Data for October

2011-11-17T13:28:00.001Z

Well, plenty of weather again here today (rain & storms!)put me to thinking that I'd not mentioned the weather data archive on our website recently

It was the same in October:

the full report can be found on the met.ie website

Starlings and Kites

2011-11-12T17:18:00.001Z

A beautiful day today - feels like a different planet to yesterday (gales and downpours) I stood out at dusk to look for murmurations of starlings going by.

unusual clouds as the sun went down

There were a few flocks passing by,

and I saw a Red Kite on the horizon, probably heading home too .

Out of focus I know, but still captures the grace

complete with Starlings!

And was rewarded by a pretty good sunset

from pastels ....

to vivids, all in a few minutes - a Benraw Sunset

Outback Chic

2011-11-12T12:30:00.001Z

We've renewed the roof on what will become The Gallery - a bigger space where we can hold larger workshops, have a bigger tea room, and have space for display.

A very exciting prospect - needs holes for doors and windows, doors, windows, floor,s water and electricity all by Easter 2012!

A useful side effect, part of our 'make do and mend' culture, the old tin sheet has made a very secure 'skirt' for the caravan. It felt really stable in last night's storm.

Outback Chic - crude but functional; there's insulation behind that as well.
Will look much tidier after a lick of paint

Before:

old roof stripped off and walls built up

New roof; old gable taken down, composting toilet roofed as well!

The High Line Major Step Forward: All Stakeholders Pledge to Complete the High Line at the Rail Yards | The High Line

2011-11-10T19:53:00.000Z

Major Step Forward: All Stakeholders Pledge to Complete the High Line at the Rail Yards | The High Line:

'via Blog this'

Don't know if you're following the development of the High Line in New York, but we think this is exciting stuff:

At Legananny Dolmen

2011-11-07T11:52:00.003Z

Had a great time last week - James and Lauren over for the first time since February - really good to catch up!

at Legananny Dolmen - two miles from The Turnip House

the Mournes are majestic from here

simply magnificent

one of the finest Dolmens in Ireland!

Turnip House Courtyard; October

2011-10-16T17:54:00.002+01:00

a beautiful October morning - a hint of chill in the air mellowed by the warm sunshine

this is a panorama of the Turnip House Courtyard, still some spots of colour and life!

Evening

a perfect end to the day

A New Product: pebble purses

2011-10-13T18:25:00.000+01:00

As well as much creative destruction going on about the place, we've been working on new products in the workshop, we took some on their first 'outing' today:

made by the wet felt process (see the psychedelic guineapig post) they are lovingly crafted by hand and each one is unique

the first collection

colours so far: rainbow ink

sunburst

mocha

aqua

rainbow sky

deep purple

These perfect little purses for young and old can now be purchased from Painted Earth in Newcastle
- thanks Linda!

Demolition!

2011-10-11T11:02:00.000+01:00

That old gable end just had to go - was a major eyesore, and no use now one of the garage walls had fallen down!

at last a Meccano set for grownups!

Our first construction!

I think we'll take it from the top

going....

going..

a lot easier than we'd thought

That will do until the roofer comes

The Month of Roofs

2011-10-08T18:03:00.002+01:00

with any luck, October and November will see big changes to the character of the old buildings. Plans are afoot to renew the roofs on the main outbuildings - planned to the the gallery, and the House.

The House is a major undertaking, requiring much planning, materials and expertise, but hopefully we're nearly ready to start!. More of that later.

The Gallery will have a replacement corrugated iron or 'tin' roof. We have the materials, and work is due to start next week!

As ever, there is as much pre work as actual work. Today the sun is out (well for a couple of hours anyway!, so we are setting about clearing the area below the walls, for access and to preserve two beautiful railway sleepers.

what a job! believe it or not this has already been substantially cleared after the sad loss of a fine slate roof
(it blew down just before we got it) - not one slate has been found whole

the garage workbench- two fine railway sleepers probably from
Belfast and County Down Railway which was only 2 miles down the hill

still poised for action!

good omen

some 'rescued' artefacts - many more to come

Small Gems - Treasure Hunt 1959

2011-10-04T10:57:00.002+01:00

In a small suitcase up in the top room, we found a collection of things -

a pair of slippers,
Last of the Mohicans the book by James Fenimore Cooper
The Easter Rebellion a book by Max Caulfield
some Christmas wrapping paper
3 sheets of paper detailing a treasure Hunt from 1959

little treasures

very well thumbed - and much repaired, this book is still in print.
Max Caulfield was a founder member and head of news at ITN

Leitrim Presbyterian Church Treasure Hunt 11th June 1959

Starting near Leitrim ranging some 58 miles, as far as Killough and Ardglass, this treasure hunt (by car) started at 7.30pm and ended 3 hours later 10.30pm, no doubt followed by refreshments, a long evening!

entry fee 5 shillings - at least!

carefully researched - and in rhyme

wouldn't it be great fun to try this now?

We will transcribe it some time and giver it a whirl - I wonder what landmarks are gone and what still stands?

The Room Upstairs - more pictures

2011-10-02T21:39:00.000+01:00

More pictures form our latest adventure! We've never been in this room despite being here for a year - it was too unsafe to get into it - the water from the holes in the roof have rotten all the way from top to bottom, leaving a gaping hole in the floor. Thanks to some scaffolding boards and an acro prop we were able to bridge the gap.

This room was not a bedroom in it's later years (back in the 1970's) but an office (so we were told by the family) , there is a table chairs fantastic dresser and tons of documents - bills, Vat returns and things like that.

this will again become a great room!

Mostly dry, although there are some disturbing cracks over the doorway - just wonder how far up they go? Time and care will tell!

downstairs - the vital acro prop!

upstairs - a bridge too far for Charlie?

wonderful cane table

books, documents, slippers!

an interesting piece - one of a pair on the dresser

just how far up this collapse goes will be a critical question

looking out into the front garden

the central table, with documents, wallpaper rolls, an old print...

a very unique candle holder

the fine dresser - still in great condition

beautiful carvings - but of what era?

The Final Room Upstairs

2011-10-02T17:59:00.002+01:00

thanks to scaffolding boards and an acro prop very kindly donated by Paul, we've just been into the last room in the house - too unsafe to go into without artificial support!

Here's a first look - more to follow....

feel a little bit like Howard Carter!

Elaine's Drama Classes Have a New Name

2011-09-27T14:18:00.000+01:00

Class Act Drama Academy

Elaine's Drama Classes have a new name but the same great teacher!

every Wednesday in Downpatrick
every Thursday in Newcastle

Telephone 028 9146 4337 for more details or contact Elaine directly

At Class Act Drama Academy we teach not only performance skills but also essential life skills. Our students develop at their own pace whether they are superstars in the making or in need of a confidence boost. Our all-inclusive curriculum offers each and every student the chance to shine in all areas of work covered in class.

'via Blog this'

Weather Data for August

2011-09-25T14:26:00.003+01:00

Another month of fairly gloomy weather -
If you want to be cheered up, look away now!

If not you can download: weather data for August here

Met Eireann say: Cool and Dry with below average sunshine

The Arctic's near-record sea ice low – big picture | Environment | guardian.co.uk

2011-09-24T14:35:00.000+01:00

The Arctic's near-record sea ice low – big picture | Environment | guardian.co.uk:

A stunningly beautiful photograph - heightened by it's awesome import

'via Blog this'

Product development - and psychedelic guinea pigs!

2011-09-19T19:32:00.002+01:00

With a mind to the Winter season, and our ever present quest for new designs, we spent a happy day today creating new products - from fibre felt.
The workshops have been such a success this summer, and a happy spin off is all the creative ideas generated.

Here's a pictorial snapshot of one development including the vital "psychedelic guinea pig"

Making Felt Purses

the layers of loose fibre wrapped around the former
- does resemble a guinea pig no?

We want to make the purse 'in the round' so the first stage is to wrap the fibres - in colours of your choice around a former (bubble wrap in this case)

the many careful stages of agitation in more bubble wrap - with plenty of soapy water

more like a drowned rat now!
but you can see the fibres moving together

once it is pretty firmed up we made a cut across for the opening

after a good deal more working it is ready for finishing off

a few more

in the pipeline

Once we've perfected the process, and added the zips, look out for them at a craft fair near you!

Cambridge

2011-09-11T13:03:00.000+01:00

We're back from Cambridge now, a great trip all round.

We're settling in to the changed landscape of our lives as just the two of us again. This is what we wanted, but with having Eleanor and Kate around us for almost a year, through thick and thin, challenges, adventures and achievements, it's going to take some getting used to.

Leaving Dublin - to clearer skies!

farewell to the storm!

Cambridge in all it's glory - a quiet street behind Clare College

a glimpse to the inner sanctum - Clare College

rebellion - Cambridge style!

punting on the Cam on a hot September day

Jesus Green

Eleanor exploring

what a wonderful thing exercise is!

heading home - to blue skies over Dublin (not for long though!)

To Cambridge

2011-09-01T15:56:00.000+01:00

A Big Day: Elaine Kate & Eleanor are off to Cambridge today for Kate to start her new life at Lucy Cavendish College - fantastic, much hard work, plotting and planning has gone into this - it will be a brilliant, life changing experience for them both - very well deserved and a real credit to Kate. Good Luck!

Charlie and I are off over tomorrow by boat- with all the stuff!

Furby and Charlie relaxing yesterday - aren't they just a delight?

An early start today - but the sun on Spellack was reward enough

a perfect morning (now that the school holidays are over)

The delphiniums still have a lot more to show

Now to pack the car - "It's OK like this" says Charlie

"But where am I going to go?" (in the front!)

The Mourne Wall

2011-08-29T17:24:00.001+01:00

Early evening sunlight highlights the Mourne Wall as it strides over the High Mournes:

Slieve Donard; Slieve Commedagh; Slieve Corragh; Slievenaglogh

There's an interesting article in Wikipedia; here's the first paragraph:

The Mourne Wall is a wall which was constructed to enclose a reservoir's catchment area in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland. It was built between 1904 and 1922 by the Belfast Water Commissioners to enclose the water catchment in the Mournes.
The wall was crafted from natural granite stone using traditional dry stone walling techniques. On average the wall is about 1.5 metres high and 0.8 to 0.9 metres thick. It is 22 miles (35 km) long and passes over fifteen mountains

Lost and Found

2011-08-27T11:39:00.000+01:00

It's now nearly the end of August, and the front garden - formerly an oasis of cottage flowers, has given up many of it's secrets to us.

We cleared much of the tree like structures (most of it still to be cut into manageable sizes!) and left the cleared ground to see what came up. We've not been disappointed!

the magnificent Lupin - dormant for over 30 years?

A sunflower - probably dropped by a bird!

close up

looks like this sunflower was selected for abundance of seed rather than size of flower

www.Castlewellan.org Your resource for history, lore, and people of Castlewellan.

2011-08-26T01:17:00.000+01:00

Whilst browsing Google for information around home I found this site:
www. Castlewellan.org

"Your resource for history, lore, and people of Castlewellan."

the front page

A fantastic authoritative lyrical journey into the recent and distant history of Castlewellan, all presented in over 30 pages of stories anecdotes pictures and poems.

Not to be missed - and this treasure can be downloaded as a PDF document from the site.

Thank You Patsy Mullen!

Weather Data for July

2011-08-24T21:52:00.000+01:00

Better late than never I guess!
You can get the data for July recorded by our weather station here at the Turnip House in Excel format by clicking the link here or to the right of this page.

Edited 'highlights (!) of July's Met Éireann summary:

Dublin Airport reported its coolest July in 46 years with a mean air
temperature of 13.8°C

Grass minimum temperatures recorded in the south were unusually low for July, with Valentia Observatory and Cork Airport recording grass minimums of 1.6°C and 1.5°C, their lowest grass minimum temperatures since 1940 and 1980, respectively

Click here for the full Met Éireann report

Autumn Sunset over The Mournes

2011-08-21T20:26:00.000+01:00

A beautiful August Day ends perfectly

Butterflies

2011-08-20T12:51:00.000+01:00

The sun and the surprising profusion of flowers has done wonders for our butterfly population!

Peacock on the buddleja "the butterfly bush"

the butterfly trap

Red Admiral

Peacock

Tortoiseshell

tortoiseshell

Felting Workshops

2011-08-20T12:08:00.000+01:00

Two more successful Felt workshops this week.

Thanks to Harriet, Jennifer, Eileen & Sheila for some great craic and fantastic creative energy!

35 Year Old Lupin

2011-08-15T11:25:00.001+01:00

After clearing much of the front garden over winter, a single lupin leaf appeared in the spring.

purple on purple

It has blossomed into this magnificent specimen. We have not put any lupins in here, so chances are it's a dormant legacy from when the garden was in it's heyday, 35 years ago!

Tropaeolum speciosum sometimes known as the 'flame flower' lives up to it's name

Here's a reminder of the garden in the 1970's :

Clouds Over the Western Mournes

2011-08-14T20:49:00.000+01:00

Carlingford Oyster Festival

2011-08-13T20:17:00.000+01:00

If you want a really good time - and brilliant oysters, get yourself down to the "gastronomic paradise of medieval Carlingford" tomorrow 14th August for the Oyster Festival

http://www.carlingford.ie/images/stories/PDF/oyster-festival1.pdf

Turnip House be there at the craft fair on Tholsel Street (we're also open at home)

Flowers and Fruit

2011-08-12T11:01:00.000+01:00

Had a fantastic day on Tuesday!

Claire brought us our first eating apple tree, and armed with bucket loads of enthusiasm, helped us create another flowerbed and (at last!) start on the fruit garden.

March 2011 - stones and nettles!

Stage 1 complete! the flowerbed is made. All the stones came out of this space

Claire's Tree

The Planting Ceremony

"I'm Happy!"

Our new Fruit Trees against the Mountains

Planted out with 13 Black Hollyhocks and 47 Sunflowers (a bit wee at the moment, but things grow!)

Garden Flowers

2011-08-05T16:08:00.000+01:00

We didn't think that the Turnip House Yard would look so colourful this season, but it's coming on great - there is a reason for rain as we've noted before!

crocosmia

flower of the summer - argyranthemum

the flowers open a dark yellow, and gradually fade to white, giving hundreds of creamy tones in the one plant

Charlie on his lawn!

These buddleia (and the lilies) were only planted this April, they now reach the top of the wall

less exciting, but still beautiful

intense pelargonum flowers

another one

the crocosmia flame as the field slips down to the river

Two Evenings in August

2011-08-04T16:20:00.000+01:00

August came in hot and steamy - not like in the South East of England still less New England! but by our standards as close to the bayou as Benraw is likely to get!

We have had two perfect evenings - rainbowed skies and cloud-wreathed mountains

great portents

August opens in style

lowering skies set off the sunshine

the far seat, with hay field beyond

the mountains wreathed in mist

Slieve Bearnagh

cutting the hay in the evening sunshine

Satellite eye on Earth: July 2011 - in pictures | Environment | guardian.co.uk

2011-08-01T14:31:00.002+01:00

It's amazing what's up there much of it looking down on us - check out these monthly collections of photographs from space. So intrinsically beautiful, and also informative:

Satellite eye on Earth: July 2011 - in pictures | Environment | guardian.co.uk

In the same stable are the Earth From Above pictures by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Whoops!

2011-07-30T16:49:00.000+01:00

In a mad moment (we get more than our fair share of these!) we decided to take the old water tank down today - it is a spectacular blot on the landscape and highly visible from our vantage point in the mobile home!

in all it's glory!

first we have to cut the pipes off

this could be tricky

we're going to try and pull it down, without collapsing the well, or pulling down the gable!

one big heave should do it!

success

look what I did!

roadrunner is under there somewhere

it was quite a thump - must have been half a ton of soil in there

so heavy it crushed this galvanised pipe

beautifully preserved pipework

a Red Kite drops by

More Felting!

2011-07-29T17:42:00.001+01:00

The second felting session of the week, and more adventures into the magic that is wool fibre

Some really creative panel work today - looking like a fusion of paint, tapestry and clay!

magnificent!

looks like an Elm Burr!

Pots

Felt Workshop 26 July

2011-07-26T17:45:00.000+01:00

Elaine hosted another great Felt Workshop today, with four friends from North Down coming south for the day.

The weather was spectacular and we had visits from 4 Red Kites at the same time!

creative mix!

Despite the distractions, great work was done with a really amazing collection produced.

colours galore

familiarisation pieces

sumptuous flowers

work to be proud of

you can feel the heat in this one!

beautiful dreamy tones

vibrant spectacle case

lovely swirly handles!

Weather Data for June

2011-07-26T15:13:00.001+01:00

Follow the link to the right to download weather data for the year so far, month by month, collected from our weather station here at the Turnip House or click here.

June was predominately COLD - with less that half the days getting above 15 degrees C

see the MetEirann report here:

‪ExcelIsFun's Channel‬‏ - YouTube

2011-07-24T17:23:00.001+01:00

Found this really great site for those who know just how great Excel is.....

but don't know how to unleash it's awesome power!

‪ExcelIsFun's Channel‬‏ - YouTube

screen shot of Excel How to videos

The Big Butterfly Count

2011-07-24T15:56:00.001+01:00

Today it is once again warm and sunny

So we're out in the garden doing the

It's a great reason to stand about in the sunshine! give it a try!
There is a great identification chart on the site: http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

be careful to make sure that it rotates and shrinks the image when you print it. It didn't for me the first 2 times!

Furby

2011-07-24T13:16:00.001+01:00

Furby the Cat

Third dimension

2011-07-23T15:12:00.000+01:00

Time to add some height to the garden - not least because

a) we need some wind breaks (we're not a mile form the Windy Gap for nothing!) and
b) Elaine has 26 runner bean plants to plant!

In keeping with our reuse recycle plans, we're using bits and pieces salvaged from the farm to add interest. They are fascinating artefacts in themselves, and they 'belong' here.

there are a number of gates that could do with a new purpose, and plenty of metal - corrugated tin, wire mesh poles etc.

green beans - very tasty, but still involves double digging!

Ready to plant out

Concrete reinforcement rods - great stakes

Raw materials

almost ready

the finished framework

Planted Out

One of our many gates - staked out at the top of what will be the 'green lane'

The start of the trail

Turnip House Courtyard: before and after

2011-07-16T16:42:00.000+01:00

Thought you might like to see another before and after picture:

Gardens Like Rain!

2011-07-16T14:48:00.000+01:00

We had brilliant surprise when we got back - the lawn man had laid our turf! It looks great, and not only did he do an excellent job of fitting it around the stones (Don claims he used to be a carpet fitter!) He came up every night we were away to check that it had enough water- fantastic service and professionalism.

No need to worry about watering today!

we're proud owners of a real lawn!

an abundance of blooms

sun glints

Tropaeolum speciosum like a red waterfall in the front garden

stormy weather on Donard

Our 'Dobbies' flowerbed is thriving!

We're Back!

2011-07-16T14:24:00.000+01:00

Well, after a marathon trip round the more interesting parts of the English motorway system we#re now back home.

It was great to do and see all the things that we did - catching up with friends and relations, sorting out many logistical necessaries for Kate as she gets ready for Cambridge in September, and grooving to some excellent music at Littleborough Music Festival

BUT .. it's great to be back

Sailing By - the distant Mournes from just off the Isle of Man

Belfast; Samson & Goliath, the cranes against the sky

Celtic Jewellery

2011-07-04T16:11:00.000+01:00

further to my musings earlier, last night we had a visit from Frances, who brought us more of her beautiful delicate Celtic earrings - perfect gifts or souvenirs:

We have a really nice collection of them now, great

pretty shiny things!

scattered over the barbecue slab!

Turnip House Celtic designs

2011-07-04T12:18:00.001+01:00

People have been asking about the designs that we put on our sweaters and hats.

When we started knitting 24 years ago, we were always motivated by the patterns on the garments whether 'traditional' Fair Isle, our own bright poster art creations or the ornament of the Celtic peoples and their predecessors here on the Western edge of Europe.

Celtic ornament is one of the world's great artistic legacies. It can be found on stone carving wood, metal ,leather and stone, adorning practical and precious objects.

Many of the motifs are with us still transmogrified by modern interpretation. We are doing something similar

Over time, we have specialised in these six designs, but new ones move in and out of focus from time to time.

the origin and inspiration of our most popular designs

A sweater for a Texas Longhorn Fan

2011-07-03T16:08:00.001+01:00

We had a visit from some really nice people over from the US, and they ordered a Triscele sweater.

In the colors of the Texas Longhorns . Just washed & pressed it today, and I must say, hanging out in the sunshine it looks well.

It's amazing how the Triscele, a 5,000 year old rock ornamentation, can still appeal today.

washed, pressed and hanging out to dry in the sunshine

July At Last

2011-07-03T11:59:00.000+01:00

July has come in - bringing a hint of Summer, We've been enjoying the fruits of our labours and getting out in the garden.

butterflies are appearing. Thanks to Kate for capturing this one

Charlie- prime candidate for the most relaxed dog on the planet - but not the most elegant!

an evening treat!

Eleanor out to grass

the mountains reflected in our big mirror

sewing up in the shade

doors wide open - wonderful

the hanging basket that we got form the Secret Garden, Hillsborough

Hillsborough

2011-06-29T23:06:00.000+01:00

As we mentioned yesterday, had a lovely day out with Eleanor yesterday - she is now nine months old - hard to believe that means we've been here for that time!

ready for action!

Hillsborough Fort

the church from within the ramparts

Hillsborough Church

I'm loving this day out!

go for it

Eleanor at 9 months

The International Space Station and the Docked Space Shuttle Endeavour

2011-06-29T01:19:00.001+01:00

The International Space Station and the Docked Space Shuttle Endeavour, a photo by europeanspaceagency on Flickr.

It's sad to think that the Space Shuttle will soon be no more - consigned to museums.

Sounds like the green contradiction it is I know, but having been weaned at my Father's side on the Science Fiction Book Club, it's hard not to be seduced by the courage, romance and optimism of Space exploration.

The Secret Garden, Hillsbrough

2011-06-29T00:33:00.000+01:00

We were out with Eleanor today, went around Hillsborough Castle and Fort - lovely.

Find of the week however was the Secret Garden in Hillsborough.

a truly enormous walled garden - one of many here!

As it says on the Hillsborough Village Website:

One of Hillsborough's best-kept secrets is the aptly named Secret Garden. Situated in what was once the kitchen garden of Hillsborough Castle. This delightful little Cafe is a real treat. Run by staff and trainees from Praxis their home made soups are a pleasure. Sandwiches and Paninis made fresh to order. Home made scones and cakes compliment the taste experience. All this combined with reasonable prices make this the place to stop for tea, coffee or lunch

We spent some time wandering the gardens, had really good coffee tea and scones, and enjoyed the welcome and service from the friendly staff - and came home with a very striking hanging basket!

Check out the Praxis Care website for more on what they do

Top 10 outdoor UK pools and lidos - Yahoo! Travel UK

2011-06-27T22:12:00.000+01:00

Top 10 outdoor UK pools and lidos - Yahoo! Travel UK

All those who love The Rock Pool in Newcastle will be delighted to hear that we've made top 10 in the UK!

It will be open in July - and well worth a visit

Sunset Over Slievenaboley 27 June 2011

2011-06-27T21:48:00.000+01:00

Sunset over the Mournes

2011-06-25T20:32:00.000+01:00

The Mourne Wall casts strong shadows in the light of the setting sun. The first time we've had a sunny sunset since the Solstice

the wall from Slieve Bernagh down to the Hare's Gap

splendid!

Tractors Galore!

2011-06-25T19:00:00.000+01:00

Last week it was vintage cars in Mount Stewart.
Today the theme continued with around 150 tractors passing our gates on the Marie Curie Tractor Run!
The line of tractors was a sight to behold, it must have been 3 miles long.
We hope much money was raised for this great charity who provide vital care to those most in need of our help.
Congratulations to all who put in the hard work and made it the success that it was!

In the lead - Marie Curie truck

a beautiful grey Fergie

some old hands!

big and bold

a rare one

I'm loving this!

and they just keep on coming

the apprentice!

still running - along the Lighthouse road across the valley

a rake of blue Fords

so long

tail enders

that was fantastic - when can I get one?

Before and After

2011-06-25T13:23:00.000+01:00

I was printing out a before and after shot of the Turnip House so thought I'd put it here too:

taken when we were just scouting around - didn't notice the turnip cutter lying against the wall to the left

Before

taken this morning the turnip cutter is still there!

After

Down The Garden Path

2011-06-24T10:23:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the flail last week, and a proper grown up lawnmower that we acquired form Wilson's of Annsborough, the garden paths are shaping up,

Here is a quick journey in pictures:

top of the hill, in the Turnip House Courtyard

the path leads off from the lawn

down past the thorn trees

a choice of path

distant glimpses, with foxgloves

down to the bogland

the far seat

the view from the seat : Slievenaboley

on past the river

moving up again

along the middle of the garden

the grasslands

looking back

the far seat below Donard

the Picnic Lawn - soon to host it's first croquet match - watch this space!

back to the Turnip House - coffee is waiting!

The benefits of rain!

2011-06-24T10:00:00.000+01:00

since we're now well into flaming June, and the rain keeps on coming, it's time to console ourselves with it's good side - that's why we're The Emerald Isle; it really is the stuff of life, and we can sit and watch the rain, imagining our well filling up! It has not run dry.

inside, looking out - nothing else for it, will have to do some knitting!

the mountains glistening with water

it's really good for the plants

we planted these back in March, they now reward us with an intense splash of colour at the door of the workshop

Summer Solstice Sunshine

2011-06-21T14:28:00.000+01:00

Torrential rain all night and drizzle this morning - not much to wake up to on the longest day!

Still, just after noon GMT we were blessed with sunshine, enabling us to mark on the shadow of Tom's Stone almost at it's zenith.

This is the highest the sun will reach this year.

We are going to create our own sundial to mark the time of day, and season of the year.

the shortest shadow - on the shortest day!

marked with a metal spike

no mountains today

Tom's Stone - where it was found, and lifted up by our good neighbour Tom (we couldn't lift it!)

Don't think that our dial will ever be a complex as this!

check out the Queen's College Cambridge sundial

Vehicles of Yesteryear at Mount Stewart

2011-06-21T14:09:00.000+01:00

Had a great time at Mount Stewart on Sunday, busy - and dry!

Much admired all the cars - real classics much loved.

It is on every year - Highly recommended!

arranged in front of the Grand entrance

lovely colour!

that's an unusual configuration

a BEM

ditto

clean lines

plenty of crowds

immaculate

Morris Traveller - the best!

Our effort was rewarded by plenty of customers and new contacts

Making Sweaters

2011-06-18T15:27:00.000+01:00

We are at Mount Stewart again on Sunday 19th of June

(and so the workshop will be CLOSED, sorry)

for the Vehicles of yesteryear event.

we've been making sweaters and felt bags all week - great fun, especially as it's kept us out of the rain!

'themed' sweaters

hanging up to dry in the washroom

as the rain finally stopped on Friday night, the mountains were wreathed in mist.

Weather Data for May

2011-06-16T17:26:00.002+01:00

Well it's half way through June I know, but for Bloomsday, I thought I'd offer you
May's weather statistics for here in Benraw.

A very different picture to April!

Met Éireann states:

Depressions over the Atlantic were the main influence on Ireland’s weather during the month of May, giving generally unsettled weather across the country with very strong winds at times. The start of the month was relatively warm and dry, with almost all of the highest temperatures for the month recorded in the first week. These maximum temperatures were some of the lowest May maxima recorded in recent years, however; Mullingar’s highest value of only 17.3°C was its lowest for May since 1972.

Check the link on the right to access them any time

fruits of the land

2011-06-14T17:33:00.000+01:00

After our friend Jan thought at the weekend that the large patch of ground near the lawn was our potato patch. In fact it is a load of nettles - it was finally time to act!

the nettle patch - not a pretty sight

We had sown a box of 'red flowers' on the bare earth in May, but a combination of chickens and stony ground left no trace of them. The nettles however, thrived as ever.

So we decided to dig up those nettles and make a formal bed. An afternoon's work perhaps - think again

Firstly, the nettles have been there for about 20 years, and were not giving up easily.

Secondly this is the tip of an enormous pile of stones, left when the threshing barn was bulldozed, before our time.

This made for a stubborn combination, requiring much brute force, using the stone spike (a long very heavy iron pole used for levering out the stones - many thanks to Frank for the lend of it!) leaving aching muscles and a distinct 'going off gardening' moment.

That was yesterday, after a glass of wine and a nights sleep, the more positive aspects appeared: they are lovely stones, and make a perfect edge.

more than 35 stones were dug out

it's stones all the way down!

they are useful though

At garden centre prices we've earned ourselves about £200!

Based on that bit of false accounting, we went off plant shopping!

we bought:

astilbe
hypericum
dahlia
hebe
cosmos
osteospermum
erysimum

and planted of our own:

pyrethra
dog wood
physocarpus
pyracantha

All in place - 25 plants, better when they get big

the chickens were great assistants - eating all the grubs

By the end of day two we were done, all the plant we put in are perennials and shrubs, so every year they will (hopefully) give us increasing displays.

much better now

The Picnic Lawn

2011-06-10T22:25:00.000+01:00

The forecast was set fair for this morning, so we planned to mow the 'lawn' (it's getting there!) and create paths around the field.

Went down to our good friends Duggan Plant Hire in Maghera looking for a mower and a brush cutter. When we said what we were doing, the guy said "what about a flail?" Once seen - it was a no brainer!

all tooled up and ready to go!

Not very green to get in all this petrol guzzling hardware, but we have to start somewhere, and aim to reduce our inputs as and when we can.

the lawn is smoother already!

wait till you see what this beast can do!

over 4 feet of nettles - first cut

the garden paths take shape

incredible munching power!

After nine months of walking the field, we've begun to mark out the shape of things to come. All at once it now becomes a place, not just a field. Areas delineated by the paths now suggest themselves, as tree glade, wild flower meadow or fruit garden.

Now we feel we really have begun the garden project. Here's to the next 20 years!

new ground for the chickens

we've now got six layers ....

and a magnificent cockerel!