Welcome, Spring

After a cold very snowy start to the year, there are hints of a turn in the season - about time seeing as it's nearly May!

We've been out making the most of the good days - as have all the livestock:

working on the vegetable plot

mowed the lawn for the first time this year!

Chickens, and John weeding the new 'Asparagus Bed'

Elaine has been preparing for planting out the legumes started off in the greenhouse

we are very pleased with this!

lovely bulbs given to us by Frances (Charlie looks on!)

finally - our daffodils are out

as is Furby

Charlie joins us for a walk round the garden

catching the evening sun

it's so good to see the lambs - life again!

our small, but perfectly formed cherry in full bloom - it survived the winter,  thank goodness

ready to go!

chickens, sheep and lambs in the sunshine

cherry blossom time

but there is still snow on the Mournes

the currant bushes in front of the gallery are well into leaf

as are the raspberry canes - salvaged from the front garden and a relic of Annie Stevenson's  prowess

two chickens taking the waters

mind you... not sure all that weather has gone away yet!

perfection

Today at the Turnip House

We're open every Saturday and Sunday these days (and during the week, by appointment). 

St. Patrick's weekend was our busiest so far this year, great craic, lots of chat, and a 'full house' at times. It was brilliant.

The next weekend we were snowed in (or out!) and saw nobody. Easter was better, but the weather was still not great, and many  did not venture up to the wintry hills. Don't blame them.

Today was wonderful! lots of visitors from the off, a 'Happy Birthday' song and cake; old friends calling round to the Gallery, some for the first time;  - and a felt workshop with our great pals Caroline, Paul and Georgie.

Busy all day makes us happy bunnies. 

Going for a lie down now. 

But not until you've seen the amazing work created today!

Megaliths by Paul - stunning sky!

'Earthenware' bowl - By Paul

Charlie - and his  his own, unique contribution!

Jewellery pouch and sub-pouches - by Georgie

Abstract with flowers - by Caroline

Abstract with flowers - detail

Earthenware close-up

beautiful jewellery pouch

Dolmen close-up

The Creators. Thanks for a wonderful day!

Music with Rachel Austin

music  to die for!

We're very excited about tomorrow night - our first music night, hosting the great talent that is Rachel Austin:

Rachel Austin stretches the borders of indie folk and grungy jazz, reflecting the influences of both her childhood home in the mountains of Virginia and her current home in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

We've been clearing the car park of snow for the last three days in anticipation!

at last we have space again!

very exciting!

see you there!