June Blooms
Parched earth followed by glorious rain.
Hello there lovely people, and welcome to all the new subscribers that have joined since the last newsletter.
So looking back at the last few newsletters, I don’t seem to have mentioned a very interesting course that I attended, organised by NOTS, the National Organic Training Skillnet. It was to learn about a different type of composting, that creates compost that is very rich in microorganisms - the Johnson-Su Bioreactor. Now, the one that they demonstrated on the day is about 6 feet across, and tall to boot, so not really something I’d have room for in my back garden, not to mention the amount of material needed to fill it.
They did indicate that it was possible to create a smaller one, so I had to try it out! The Bioreactor was developed in New Mexico, so they begin with dry materials, which they wet a bit before adding. That’s not so easy to find here - though the hot weather in May did help - but the chaff that Bell Lane give me is ideal - it’s dry, and there’s lots of it! We followed the process and filled up our mini bioreactor. We also added a few bags of autumn collected leaves, and some dry weeds, but it’s 95% chaff. Looks a bit like Weetabix when it’s wet.
It got hot, which is a good sign. I measures it at 46 C. The pole in the middle gets removed after a few days - that leaves a hole that lets air get to all parts.
Once it cooled down a bit I added worms. We need to wait for a year, keeping it moist, which shouldn’t be a problem. It has settled quite a bit. and pulled away from the outside. But that all seems normal.
The first week in July is Irish Flower Week - keep an eye on my instagram and the Flower Farmers of Ireland for competitions and events. The theme is “Irish Flower in the Home.” NOT in keeping with this theme, I’d like to show you some of my Irish Flowers at a wedding - the brief was for colourful and natural.
The cakes by Shauna, using lots of my pesticide and herbicide free flowers:
The boutonnieres:
A video of the beautiful bride and her bouquet.
Church arrangement:
Also, it being June, it was the Leaving Cert, and my youngest son was in the throes of it. I’m very happy that it’s finished now, but what an awful way to test young people on the totality of their knowledge. Next up is his driving test, fingers crossed we’ll have a house full of drivers real soon!
Just wanted to mention that I bought some BEAUTIFUL compost from Michael Dolan in Bunbrosna- if you are in the area, I would highly recommend him.
Early in the month we had a Jam jar flower night - here are some of the creations we made:
As always, participant creativity shines through - everyone gets the same instructions and materials, but make totally different and beautiful arrangements.
There’s another one of these coming on August 24th, still funded by Creative Westmeath, so at the very low price of €6.15. They book up quickly so if you are free, get booked in soon! And bring a friend. Or don’t - it will be a lovely fragrant creative and sociable event either way.
Some sympathy flowers that will leave no trace:
Tomorrow I’ll be spending the day decorating the Yoga Picnic with foliage and flowers, as part of their sustainable mission. On Sunday I have 2 workshops - talking about developing a sensory garden, and then a mandala workshop where we will play with flowers in a mindful way. Looking forward as always to spending time with people who appreciate natures beauty.
What’s next? Well there are more Creative Westmeath Funded courses coming up - Click here for details.
There’s Soapmaking in Athlone, 16th August - 2 places left
Just added:
Natural Skincare also in Athlone - September 14th, taught by Eibhlin.
Jam Jar Flowers in Mullingar , August 24th
and a Creative Workshop looking at Waste as a resource - July 12th in Mullingar. I’m excited about this new offering by Eibhlin - lets have some fun with the contents of your bin!
I’ll be selling bouquets at the Rare Plant Fair in Belvedere on July 22nd - maybe see you there?
Also, taking a bit of a holiday to Skibbereen - I’ll tell you all about that next month. Very excited about making something with Alison Ospina - a belated birthday present.
I was very lucky to be offered a ticket for Peter Gabriel (what an inspiration, he sure can move!) last weekend - an amazing experience. I don’t go to concerts, but I’m so happy to have made an exception, the entire experience was amazing, not to be forgotten in hurry. I particularly loved the visuals, and meeting some people I hadn’t seen in ages. In keeping with that I’ll have to leave you with one of his songs. I’m off now to bop around the garden!
