Saturday, July 23, 2011

Third dimension

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









Saturday, July 16, 2011

Turnip House Courtyard: before and after

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




Gardens Like Rain!

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!

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

Monday, July 04, 2011

Celtic Jewellery

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

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





Sunday, July 03, 2011

A sweater for a Texas Longhorn Fan

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

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

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Hillsborough

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

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

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

Monday, June 27, 2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Sunset over the Mournes

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!

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?