March musings
After a few gloriously warm days, we are back to more March-like weather. Things were pretty steamy in my polytunnel, I have to admit that I was getting a little worried about the temperatures. I had to water quite a bit, and my water butts have emptied over the warm dry spell. I will have to look at more water storage in the future. I will be doing something like this using recycled plastic containers from The Refill Mill.
This month I ran a composting course early in the month. It was very well attended, and participants went away very positively motivated to start or continue turning garden and kitchen waste into food for their soil and plants. We had a really fun night with lots of discussion, and of course tea and cake.
I also helped out at an eco-friendly cleaning course at the Refill Mill - while I’m not famous for my cleaning, I was there to help with the science part. A very enjoyable evening, soon to be repeated - click here for details. I’ll be running a jam-jar flower class there on April 14th, keep an eye on Instagram for more details, or drop in to Eibhlin to book your place.
I was also involved in a lovely fundraiser at Lough Lene that raised more than €300 for Women’s Aid - I was delighted to bring some flowers for decoration and for sale. We did some yoga, dipped in the rather chilly water, ate lots of cake and had some great chats. A really wonderful sociable morning - we have had so few of those in the past 2 years.
Right now in the garden, the perennial plants are just starting to poke out some new growth here in the chilly midlands - no doubt those of you closer to the coast are further along. Of course there are loads of daffodils, muscari and hyacinths- beautiful scents also.
I’m loving these Muscari aka grape hyacinth set against the stone windowsills.
Here’s some crocuses opening up to the sunshine:
Loads of Anemone and Ranunculus in the polytunnel - here’s one. Lots more to come! I was going to crop this one, but you can see my first attempt at sourdough bagels in the background!
The war in Ukraine had just begun when I last wrote to you - and it’s still going on. I’m doing what I can to help, as I’m sure everyone is, but sometimes the awfulness of it gets too much. All that I can say is that when I feel helpless or overwhelmed, I get out in nature, and recharge my batteries so that I can get back to the rather horrible reality that we are currently living in. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. And here’s a song that keeps me going.
My Growing and Cooking with herbs class has been moved out till May 10th - if this date suits you better, click here to book your place. I’ll be featuring some edible flowers as well as herbs.
One of the yummy treats you will learn to make!
If you have made it this far, thanks for reading to the end! I’d love if you would leave a comment and start a conversation…