Drumenagh Brae

Day out in Hillsborough

2010-11-13T10:35:00.000+01:00

Don't do it Valentino!

2010-03-13T20:48:00.001+01:00

This is a test post to check the photograph width in the new blog template. I hope 400px is the correct width.

Dirty Ducks

2010-03-10T17:44:00.003+01:00

Close up of Lulu

2010-03-06T08:56:00.007+01:00

This is a close up of Lulu one of our new Aylesbury ducks, she is very independent and a bit of a leader in our small flock of three. Lulu would often be the first out in the morning and she is also the most alert and on the look of for predators and us humans. More of a solitary girls, she tends to like her swims in the pool after Daisy and Jemima have finished.

Albino Hare?

2010-03-05T09:01:00.007+01:00

This time of year we are often greeted with Hares in the front field (Mad March Hares and all that), but this year we got a little surprise with a distinctly white looking hare.

Update on the Hares, I posted a sighting with the Hare Preservation Trust and they got back to me to suggest that it probably a 'piebald' a colour variation of the brown hare.

Ducks get temporary pond

2010-03-01T14:46:00.002+01:00

For about a week the ducks have been making do with a small tray of water. They seem to have been quite content, but as an interim step along the way we to a much larger pond, we are have 'borrowed' our nephews sandbox and installed it as a temporary pond. Needless to say that the ducks got quite excited when they figured out what it was. There were copious amounts of splashing and the water level dropped significantly. Entry and exits seem to be an issue, so there is a large brick inside the pool and a little ramp in for access. Next weekend I plan to dig the pool into the flower bed that the chickens have so efficiently decimated.

Meet Stella

2010-02-18T23:05:00.005+01:00

This is Stella, a Wyandotte hen, most likely a bantam. Stella is just over a year old and is the only hen that we are sure has been laying eggs at this stage. The others all being young pullets at the point of lay. We are eagerly awaiting our first egg from Stella, there are encouraging signs, but we suspect we may have to wait over a week or more for her to settle in.

Arrival of the dirty ducks

2010-02-15T22:51:00.024+01:00

This trio of Aylesbury ducks have been added in with the chickens. They are very skittish and rather noisy at the moment. We are not sure of how much human contact they are used to, but they are beginning to settle a little. They are relatively easy to distinguish from each other. So by way of introduction and with an explanation of distinguishing features, here goes. From left to right, far left is Daisy, she has a bill with some dark pigment, in the centre is Jemima, she has a lower carriage and a brighter orange bill. Finally on the far left is Lulu, with the paler bill. They came from a farm in Co. Armagh and were used to being in a large flock of 50 plus birds. Being is a large muddy field they came to us looking rather mucky.

New arrivals at Drumenagh Brae

2010-02-14T14:55:00.004+01:00

We had a few new arrivals at Drumenagh Brae this week. We choose two wyandotte hens and a rooster. I will introduce each in the new few posts. However, this is Valentino, named in honour of his arrival date, but also because my nephew is a huge road racing fan and his favourite rider is Valentino Rossi. Valentino has been working hard keeping the hens in line!

New home for chickens

2010-01-30T22:32:00.007+01:00

The chicken coop and run have beed assembled! We chatted on and off about getting chickens last year, but by the time we had made our decision, we concluded that it was too late in the year to really get ourselves organised. So this year we have started early, we chose this coop, which can house up to eight chickens. The run is quite small, but the idea is that they will not spend that much time in the run itself. It is more for safety at night. The ultimate plan is to add a electric fenced run with a 50 metre perimeter. I also have to add some wire mesh to the ground around the run to prevent any really determined foxes from digging their way in.

We know there is a local fox, as he/she is often spotted on the lane in the morning. We are hoping that there will be enough barriers to be an effective deterrent.

Winter in Ballyronan

2010-01-09T21:49:00.014+01:00

It's been a very harsh and long winter in Ballyronan, like elsewhere in the British Isles. After the flooding in November, the snow and the ice have followed. Ice like I have never seen it before, it has been really extreme. First of all the marina has frozen, and the ice has held for around two weeks.
I have been taking Jesse for a walk each day as I have been off work for a great Christmas holiday. Each day is a little different as there is a little bit of a thaw and the ice changes. I have been struck with the clarity of the sound when things are so cold. Beautiful!!

Pheasants taking in the view

2009-12-04T22:06:00.012+01:00

The pheasants are very regular visitors now. They come twice a day for the wheat in a large feeder that is devoted to them. They also pick up the other seed that comes from wild bird feeders. Mostly they walk about in groups of four or five, but sometimes they will all be together and you will get a large group of twelve or more. Its a great time of year for watching them as they are so easy to spot. In March and April the males will separate and start fighting, the females will also disappear off until they reappear later in the summer with little ones.

Flooding around Lough Neagh

2009-11-22T09:50:00.000+01:00

Lough Neagh from my limited experience seems like a fairly consistent place. Yes it is the largest body of water in the British Isles and sometimes it's more like an inland sea, with foul weather and serious waves, but the shore feels like it remains the same. Not this year with strong easterly winds and a long wet spell the Lough just filled up and burst the shore (despite it's size and man made controls for water level). It remained like this for a good week, with paths swept ways, trees uprooted and picnic table removed. It was so high that the marina walkways disappeared preventing access to boats in Ballyronan.

A visit to the Brough of Birsay

2009-08-18T19:19:00.002+01:00

We crossed the causeway at low tide to this tidal island to visit the remains of both Pictish and Norse settlements, including St. Peter's Kirk. It was a pleasant late morning and we decided the walk to the far side of the Brough, this brought us to the lighthouse and some amazing views of the cliff face. This was a great place for watching some nesting Shag.

We returned to the village of Birsay for a bite of lunch and then a quick visit to the Earls Palace, the ruins are in the centre of The Palace village of Birsay and are kept by Historic Scotland. The palace was built in the late 16th century by 'Black Patie' - the unpopular Earl Robert Stewart

Around Plettenburg

2009-02-15T23:00:00.001+01:00

We decided to go to the beach today, it was a real scorcher one of the best days we have had since being on the coast. So it was sea, sun and ice cream for most of the morning. It was great craic just taking it easy and watching the world go by. These boat trips operated off the beach. They were pushed out by tractor, then when the trip was over, they can racing back into score and full pelt and just slid to a stop half way up the beach.

Late afternoon, early evening we went for a little explore around the area, it has tonnes of beautiful sand dunes and as many beautiful beach front homes. Its full of families and it has a great atmosphere. We will be moving on to Hermanus tomorrow with most of the day on the road.

Plettenberg Hotel

2009-02-14T22:20:00.031+01:00

Arrived at the Plettenberg hotel today for a few nights, this was a real treat after a very long days travelling, made longer by constant detours due to road works. It really is a beautiful coastline here, it has a strange mixture of the ruggedness of the west coast of Ireland, the westernisation and all mod cons of the USA and the sophistication of the south of France. Needless to say we really like it.

We took a little time to relax by the pool, an infinity pool at that, the weather was a little cool and windy, but still enough heat and sun to make for a very pleasant afternoon.

This picture with the seagulls gives you a good idea what the infinity pool is like. Our bedroom patio doors opened onto a small enclosed seating area, that in turn opened out into the pool area. So we were really chuffed with that.

Given that it was Valentines day, it added to the occasion. That evening we spend a little time hunting for a recommended pizza place, but with no luck. (turned out our map was wrong). We ended up in a Mozambique restaurant and it was a real treat, we went for the sea food platter for two and it was beautiful.

Indian Ocean and Cape St Francis

2009-02-14T20:03:00.008+01:00

Moving on from the Addo area today. Lots of townships in Port Elizabeth on the way through and then moved on down to the coast. It was a beautiful, if windy day, today. Spent a little time driving through some of the seaside towns on the way to Cape St. Francis.

St Francis itself is a manicured, chocolate box, sea side town with a brand spanking new marina, but not much character. We enjoyed the little wander around, but definitely a place well beyond our means. And the most well disguised little shanty town on the edge of the town for those that service the holiday homes.

We stopped for a simple lunch at a little coffee shop down by the cape and the light house. There was a little penguin sanctuary there for penguins injured during their travels around the cape. It wasn't a touristy place and the penguins are nursed back to health and released again.

Brother and Sister

2009-02-13T23:00:00.005+01:00

Another treat from our day in Addo, two lions having a siesta in the afternoon. This pair are brother and sister and offspring of the first truly wild lions introduced to Addo National Park. We were very lucky to see these two, its usually 3 weeks between sightings.

Addo Elephant Park (Part 2)

2009-02-13T22:00:00.000+01:00

Can't resist posting a little video of our lunch time entertainment.

Addo Elephant National Park

2009-02-13T20:50:00.005+01:00

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Without a doubt the absolute highlight of our holiday. We hoped we might get to see animals in the wild, we even dared to hope that we would get to see them close enough to take a decent picture to remember the experience. Never did we dream that we would get this close, for so long with these amazing animals.

Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. And their Addo has only just begun. with plans to expand the 164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha mega-park.

One thing we didn't expect was how big these elephants are, but also how they can just appear and disappear from the bush. You would think an animal so big would be conspicuous, but no, you can be in the land rover and the elephants can be a few metres away at the edge of the road happily feeding in the bush and you can be none the wiser.

Our guide was great, really patient and in no panic to get anywhere, I'm sure we spent a good hour just watching them come and go, in and out of the bush, whole families, mothers, sisters and babies. It was going so well that she suggested that we have our picnic lunch, so if you can imagine sitting watching elephants playing in a watering hole with a glass of wine and a lovely picnic lunch then you go an idea why this was the highlight of our trip.

Tooth & Claw Safari at Schotia Private Game Reserve

2009-02-12T20:48:00.010+01:00

After a lazy morning we took a drive over to Addo to get the lie of the land and book ourselves in for a game drive at the park the next day. On our way out we spotted two elephants from the highway working their way through the bush. (photo's of elephants to follow in later posts). Then off we went to Schotia for our tooth and claw safari.

Schotia is a private game reserve and they pride themselves on taking visitors as close as possible to get the best viewing of rhino, hippo, giraffe, wilderbeast and the king of the beasts, lion! Needless to say it was very exciting and there are far too many pictures to clutter up this blog. So I have added a few of our highlights. It was a dull wet day for most of the game drive, which meant we were cool and the animals we active (mostly).

It was an afternoon and early evening guided game drive in an open Land Rover with a short refreshments stop at the halfway point.

After an amazing experience we had a great dinner with a German couple sitting around an open fire. A short, spotlit night drive after dinner completed a really great day.

Hitgeheim Country Lodge

2009-02-11T20:46:00.007+01:00

After a journey, that we thought would never end, we made it to Hitgeheim Country Lodge our home for the next three nights in the Addo area. On the way there between Willowmere and Baroe, the R329 felt surreal. It reduced to a single lane concrete highway which was a little disconcerting, it slowed us down and at that stage we had no idea how long it would be like that. We really felt off the beaten track at this point. As we approached Addo a more developed air returned.

Hitgeheim Country Lodge is situated on an eco-reserve in the heart of the malaria-free Sundays River Valley, only minutes from the Addo Elephant National Park. The Sundays valley is famous for its fruit and in particular citrus fruit. Lemon trees everywhere and their scent is in the air too. On arrival we were warmly welcomed into this place of peace and tranquility by Archie our host.

Our room is a stylishly appointed chalet with a luxurious bathroom, outdoor shower (indoor one too) and a private wooden decks with breathtaking views over tranquil citrus orchards and the sweeping country side. The early morning and evening are lovely to look out over the Sundays River below from the veranda of our chalet.

We plan to safari in Addo Elephant National Park supposedly some of the best elephant viewing in the world, we might also arrange a visit to one of the near-by ‘Big 5’ private game reserves.

After our long journey it was lovely to have a drink on the veranda as the day gives way to the silence of a vast African night, followed by one of the best dinners of our trip.

Vervet monkey

2009-02-10T20:41:00.004+01:00

These guys were always on the road, near rivers and streams that we crossed. Great fun to watch and try to catch on camera. The Vervet monkey is a member of the guenon family of monkeys, one of the most common and widely spread in Africa . Characteristics of guenons are their long arms, legs, and tails; small, round heads; and short faces with whiskers. Specific characteristics of the Vervet are its black face, black feet, and black tipped tail; mottled grey fur with white fur on its belly; and pale blue skin.

Vervets are found throughout Africa, from Senegal to Sudan and all the way to the southern tip of Africa. They are adapted to practically all wooded habitats except for rain forest and their preferred habitat is Acacia tree woodland along lakes, rivers and streams. Vervets primarily dwell on the ground but take shelter from predators and sleep in trees. They are relatively slow runners and therefore cannot afford to travel far from the safety of trees.

More Info http://www.vervet.za.org/

Question: Why did the tortoise cross the road?

2009-02-10T20:37:00.009+01:00

Answer: Because they are all doing it.
We just couldn't believe how many of these guys there were on the road. On big wide open roads where we hardly passed another car for hours, the only other road users seemed to be these guys. From small ones the size of your hand to large ones the size of a small rucksack. So great to seem them out in their natural habitat (or crossing between it at least).

Swartberg Pass

2009-02-10T20:32:00.005+01:00

Prince Albert (where we had a lovely lunch at the Swartbery hotel) lies at the entrance to the 27km Swartberg Pass, considered one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world: an untarred road winds to the summit 1 583 metres above sea level in steep zig-zags and sudden switchbacks, with breath-taking views at every turn. I have to say that our hearts were in our mouths most of the way. Untarred and a little hairy in places, one of those 'are we mad doing this' moments. It did cut a lot of mileage for us today though.

The entrance is through a narrow Cape sandstone kloof where the eye is drawn upwards by the convoluted rock faces to the sparkling sky above. The only sounds are bubbling water, the wind in the trees and birdsong. Several picnic sites near the river provide tranquil spots to stop and absorb the peace and splendour.

As you drive on you gain your first sight of the valleys and peaks of the Swartberg Pass. The natural characteristics of the Pass are magnificent as are the man-made features. This was Thomas Bain's last engineering masterpiece. His construction philosophy, which has stood the test of time was: "Good hat and good boots".

Ostrich Farms

2009-02-10T20:31:00.003+01:00

There are lots of working ostrich farms in in and around Oudtshoorn in fact its famous for them and they really are everywhere. Exciting and a little strange a first until you realise that they are like our cattle back home. Then once you think you have gotten used to them you drive past a field of little baby ones, absolutely class!

They really have attitude too, we got the impression that they would not be adverse to having a go!

Cango Caves

2009-02-10T20:30:00.004+01:00

About 9km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lies the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo - the Cango Caves. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. A little like a really large Marble Arch Caves back home.

A little open!

2009-02-09T21:51:00.004+01:00

We stayed in a little B&B in Oudtshoorn called Villa Rustique and had a great stay here and met a couple from Bangor of all things. One thing we found a little wierd though. Our bathroom was a little open to the rest of the room and you could happilly sit on the loo and be overlooked from the bedroom, a window behind and the two doors into the room.

On a more usual note we had a great meal in Jermima's in town and had a lovely Kudu steak (wild antelope), my first of many on our trip.

The road to Oudtshoorn

2009-02-09T20:26:00.004+01:00

Heading to Oudtshoorn today around 250 miles, through the mountains. We are going to drive Route 62 most of the way. Its also known as the mountain route and it should prove to be a gorgeous drive.

We stopped in Montagu for lunch today is a small cafe/ B&B which was pleasant because it was a small family run business with kids, a dog and a few cats. Reminded me of ourselves really. We had planned to visit the hot springs in Montagu, but the hotel was damaged in floods. Just as well really because we really didn't have the time.

Boschendal

2009-02-08T20:22:00.006+01:00

Boschendal is nestled in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Cape wine lands , one of South Africa 's original wine farms. We decided to make this our first stop on our first full day. With a wine making tradition spanning over 300 years, Boschendal Wine Estate offers wine tasting!

Boschendal estate is a destination in its own right and draws inspiration from a rich heritage dating back to when its French Huguenot founders recognized this property's enormous potential for wine growing. We took a very informal, but very informative tour around the estate and its winery and learn a bit more about wine making. Just enough to peak our interest in tasting some of the wine made there. I don't think I was quite prepared for the scale of this place, but it was still very beautiful.

The estate is encircled by the Groot Drakenstein and Simonsberg Mountains , Boschendal is less than an hour's drive from Cape Town . It has beautiful grounds, graceful tree lined gardens and charming historical buildings and wine tasting!

I can't remember exactly how many wines we tasted, but for something like £3 we had a very enjoyable afternoon tasting about 12 different varieties.

Franschhoek Country House

2009-02-07T20:22:00.000+01:00

After picking up the hire car and finding our way out of Cape Town airport. It was off to the wine lands. Franschhoek. First impression are fantastic, we drove through Stellenbosch on our way. I wasn't really sure what to expect because I hadn't done that much research, but I was surprised by how many mountains there were and spectacular they looked in the summer evening light.

We stayed in the Franschoek Country House which was just a fantastic start to our holiday. We were greeted with the the most amazing thunder storm and very hot and humid weather. After the storm it was just perfect.

Off to South Africa

2009-02-07T19:42:00.004+01:00

So we finally got there and we are off to South Africa. After the autumn we had and a really busy Christmas it was great to going off on a winter holiday. Apart from the manic rushing around in work just before the end of the financial year, it was a bit weird to being going away at this time. Going to the southern hemisphere we were traveling from the middle of winter to the middle of summer. It was a little difficult to get our heads around the sort of packing we needed.

All that said we coped admirably, having booked ourselves into the virgin lounge for the outward trip. We several hours of great craic, great food and quite a few cocktails.

Pheasants; new record!

2009-01-31T10:03:00.000+01:00

Quick photo of a male pheasant in the hedge row at the bottom of the garden. I counted 15 pheasants in the front garden this morning, that's a new record!

Sunday Walk

2009-01-25T20:39:00.001+01:00

Alison and I went for a little walk today in Ballyronan, about one mile down the road. Our neice and nephew joined us and we walked through the woods, over the raised paths and then on to the little light house at the edge of the marina, before going to the park. It was great to feel well enough to go out and enjoy the outdoors rather that just grin and bear it on the way to work.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Lough Neagh and Morne Mountains Sunrise

2009-01-16T15:05:00.001+01:00

Early morning photo from the sunroom with a little zoom. You can see Lough Neagh, the Dromara Hills (left) and Mourne Mountains (right)

Tree Sparrow Developments

2009-01-10T22:03:00.000+01:00

The pilot project we have been taking part in with RSPB has now finished. We have been feeding the sparrows wheat for two years. Now that we have firmly established that there is a colony of Tree Sparrows we have been selected as a demonstration feeding site. This means that the sparrows get an upgrade from wheat to high quality caged bird seed. All that said I am determined to get some quality pictures of these lovely wee birds. It can be a real challenge with all the chaff finches we have. I got a picture on one up close to prove again we have them. Stay posted for more pictures of them.

Pheasants on the move!

2008-12-28T12:24:00.003+01:00

Landing Coal Tit

2008-12-22T15:25:00.001+01:00

Coal tit

I have been experimenting with taking some pictures of the local birds. I have really wanted to get some up close pictures. I haven't managed to get the focus right with the movement, but it is not until you try to get some pictures that you realize how fast these little birds move.

Great Tit

2008-12-21T15:10:00.002+01:00

I took a little time this week in the garden to try and get some better photographs of the birds that fill our garden at this time of year. I have take pictures in the past using the telescope from the house and my old work digital camera. The problem was these photographs are often not great quality, usually dull and grainy. So after filling the bird feeders this weekend I took the stool out into the garden and sat a few yards away from the feeders. At first no birds came anywhere near the feeders then, after about fifteen minutes, a few tits decided I wasn’t must of a threat and they started to visit was I sat there. I managed to get a few great shots of a Great tit and a coal tit. I plan to sit out a few more times over the holidays to see if I can get some really good shots of the Tree Sparrows and all the various finches that we have visiting at the moment. This is a photo of a Great Tit feeding at the bird feeder.

Trail of Destruction 4

2008-12-21T15:04:00.003+01:00

Soaring Buzzards

2008-12-16T15:07:00.000+01:00

I have always wanted to get a good photograph of the buzzards that live and soar on the hill behind us. This I am sad to say is the closest that I have managed to get. By the time I get the camera, they always manage to move a few fields away. They started in our front field and were soaring on the updrafts from the wind on the hillside, they were pretty high up by the time I got the camera. But this photo shows there distinctive silhouette. There are three at present, although we had four during the summer. Maybe one day soon I will get a close up shot

Trail of Destruction 3

2008-12-16T15:02:00.000+01:00

Mangled Garia

Trail of Destruction 2

2008-12-16T15:01:00.000+01:00

Evidence of four legged vandals

Trail of Destruction

2008-12-16T15:00:00.002+01:00

We woke up this morning to the sight of six or seven cows in our front garden. Ok to answer all those frequently asked questions. No we don’t have a cattle grid, and no we didn’t close the gate that night. Simply our gate was open and the other gate from the field was left open during the night we were paid a visit by some four legged vandals. So in one night we lost a fairly smooth lawn and we now have divots that look like they have been made by giants using shot puts as golf ball. We had two flower beds well and truly trampled. We had a Garia pretty much shredded by hoofs; we lost a little conifer, had some damage to some roses and lost the edging on the flower bed. Finally we lost the cotoneaster tree that was looking so good; it was stripped of most of its leaves and broken in two. Fairly dramatic nights work by the cows to ruin a couple of years work and growth in the garden.

The birds are safe, but maybe not wholly scarfs

2008-12-11T19:49:00.001+01:00

The great white hunter Smudge after a day of... well sleeping!!!!!

Song Thrush

2008-12-04T19:51:00.001+01:00

We have a few regular visitors, this little Song Thrush is bouncing across the garden most mornings.

Mulch in place

2008-12-02T18:22:00.003+01:00

Finishing the job that we started on Saturday and getting the mulch down on the main flower bed in the garden. Hoping this will give us a head start next year.

Frolicking Pheasants

2008-12-01T13:07:00.001+01:00

They are busy having a bit craic on the garden chasing one another.

Sunrise

2008-11-30T13:10:00.002+01:00

Another wonderful sunrise.

I hate creeping buttercup

2008-11-29T14:36:00.006+01:00

As I said, we spent yesterday weeding and I am now experiencing the day after, the sore back that always creeps up on me is the certainty that I hate creeping buttercup. It is the one weed alongside ragwort that I hate the most. Ragwort is a pain because it's in the fields around here, but just as it starts to flower it is relatively easy to pull up. Creeping buttercup lives up to its name and creeps everywhere. I hate it especially when it creeps under plants I really love or roses. Just have to capitalize on all the good work and mulch the flower bed now the hard work has been done. Thanks to Alison for helping get the job done in one day. I have a feeling without her that it would have been a two day job over one week with the hand she gave.

You can find out more about it on this great little easy to use site about common weeds.

Sunrise

2008-11-21T13:13:00.003+01:00

At Drumenagh we usually have one of two frosty mornings, one with fog and one without. This is one of the clear days were the sun shines through and makes everything look magical. Its quite a contrast from the foggy days, were you feel like you are living under a blanket even at 12 noon.

Jessie

2008-11-17T13:05:00.001+01:00

This is one of our next door neighbours. She lives in the field next door. I think this is one of Jessie the ponies favourite times of year. With all the windfall apples about, she usually manages to get a wee treat most days.

Frosty Pheasants

2008-11-14T13:06:00.001+01:00

Back home and the weather is getting cold with frosts most nights. This means that the pheasants are a lot more visible during the day as they go about looking for food.

Fermanagh Escape

2008-11-11T13:02:00.002+01:00

Managed to dodge the wintery showers today and took a lovely drive through the lakeland, passed this wonderful wind farm. I think these places are great. I acknowledge what people say about them being an eyesore, but in the grand scheme of things I would rather they were there, than not.

Fermanagh Escape

2008-11-10T12:56:00.001+01:00

Meet the janus figure from Boa Island in Co. Fermanagh. We are off on a well deserved break staying at the Manor House Hotel. It will only be for two nights, but boy are we ready for it it has been a roller coaster year.

Silk Tassel Bush

2008-11-08T12:30:00.001+01:00

When most other things in the garden seem to be shutting down for the winter, the silk tassle bush (Garrya) starts to shine and then put on a show.

Berries for the birds

2008-11-06T12:37:00.001+01:00

We are now feeding the birds in the garden. This starts at one fill of wild bird seed a week, then up to two a week towards the end of November and gets up to every other day around Christmas time. The birds are always so much more visible when the leaves are off the trees.

Resident Heron?

2008-11-02T12:47:00.001+01:00

We are receiving regular visits from a Heron at the moment. Most mornings he/she seems to be poking around in the front field. We are only a mile from the shore of Lough Neagh and about three miles from the river Moyola so it may be local. I am always surprised by how large a bird they are. They look fantastic in flight as well.

Snow in the cornus

2008-10-29T12:42:00.001+01:00

Another one of Alison's photos, all the leaves are gone from the cornus and now replaced by snow.

Winter has arrived

2008-10-28T12:43:00.001+01:00

Winter has arrived at Drumenagh, Alison took the photo as I was battling my way to work. I got stuck on the Glenshane Pass, the highest point on the main A6 (road between Belfast and L'Derry), just wish I had the camera with me that day. There are some lunatic drivers out there. The snow was nearly melted by the time I arrive home, but Alison managed to get a few photos.

Glorious Maple

2008-10-27T12:39:00.001+01:00

This is the glorious maple in full glory at 'stones throw'.

A dog's life

2008-10-24T22:23:00.001+02:00

Not everyone works hard in the garden!

Autumn toadstool

2008-10-22T12:41:00.002+02:00

I think this is a shaggy cap or lawyers whig mushroom. We have a few in the main lawn. Since it is a relatively new lawn I am told this is to be expected as newly turned earth often produces these mushrooms. I wasn't confident to have a go at eating it, maybe next year.

Autumn fruit apples

2008-10-21T12:32:00.001+02:00

Still leaves on the fruit trees, but they are about to go. There is a reasonable crop of apples now in this our third year. I am going to have to read up on how to prune fruit trees and then I know I am going to have to read it again, because I can't seem to figure it out. I wish someone would invent pruning glasses. You would simply select the plant/ tree you were about to prune, then put on the glasses and it would highlight the stems/branches that you cut. Surely an invention like that would make its way onto dragon's den.

Autumn Cornus

2008-10-18T09:33:00.001+02:00

The cornus is in the process of dropping its leaves at the moment, giving us some lovely autumn colours in the garden. It will keep this display for a week or more until we get a windy night, then it will have lost all its leaves and the bright red stems will greet us again for the winter.

New corner beds

2008-10-14T22:06:00.001+02:00

In addition to the cyclamen we have also planted up the new corner bed. We decided to go for all year interest at this stage with a few variegated phormium, some heuchera and a couple of carpet like conifers. It doesn't feel very imaginative, but I don't want much hassle from these beds as I want to spend more time with the vegetables. You can see the small edge I have to add to finish them off.

New cyclamen planted

2008-10-12T09:58:00.002+02:00

Finishing up the new raised beds, well nearly. I have a small wooden edge to add, but I decided to get on with the planting, so I have added a few cyclamen to add a little winter colour.

Leeks earthed up

2008-10-10T12:34:00.001+02:00

Closing up the vegetable beds a little early this year, very early in fact. Some of the leaves are falling and I want things tidy before they are down. With the new B&B running, the new play park and new seating area I found I was a little short of time for the veg. No worries, I will use this time to prepare for next year. I have the other beds dug over and I have added some manure and compost and lime to the various beds that need them. Then I have them covered up with some weed suppressing fabric. All this I hope will make things easier next spring. The only bed I have left is the one full of leeks. I have them 'earthed up' They are each surrounded by cut offs from old plastic pipes and then filled in with sand. It keeps them nice and white which is the way we like them.

Male Pheasant

2008-09-18T13:03:00.000+02:00

We have a cock pheasant that is 'escorting' a considerable number of hen pheasants around the garden at present. While they are shy and stay close the the hedge, this gent is all show and walks as close to the house as it is possible to get while staying in the garden. They move fairly steadily so he was nearly past by the time I got the camera, but Alison's new 10x zoom makes things easier.

Peacock Orchid

2008-09-12T12:33:00.001+02:00

Late this year, I think because of the poor summer. The peacock orchids have arrived and it is good to see them. They are bright and colourful and just a little showy.

Fuchsias in full flower

2008-09-10T12:36:00.001+02:00

As usual we get a few really nice summer days in September. The Fuchsias we planted up are really flourishing and giving a great display. Think we would like a few more for next season.

Saying Farewell to Lanzarote

2008-09-07T18:32:00.001+02:00

Last day in Lanzarote, can't believe a week has gone so fast. This was our first experience of all inclusive and it was a very positive experience. Especially the cocktails.

Lanzarote couple

2008-09-05T18:22:00.001+02:00

Feeling a bit more relaxed towards the end of the week. This is us out for an early evening stroll before dinner.

Jameos del Agua

2008-09-04T18:19:00.002+02:00

The second part of Jameos del Agua is this amazing pool built into the volcanic cave system. Originally designed for the King of Spain its a real place of contrasts.

White Crabs

2008-09-04T15:20:00.003+02:00

This is the first cave at Jameos del Aqua. This cave contains a small salt water lake, that is constantly feed from the nearby sea and provides a home for a very rare species of little, white albino crabs, usually found only in depths below 1000 metres at the bottom of the sea. Hard work to get a picture of these little critters. They are only the size of a very small coin (a 5 pence piece or a dime). A very peaceful place.

MIRADOR DEL RIO

2008-09-03T15:19:00.000+02:00

Out on our travels to the north eastern corner of Lanzarote for a view over to the small island of La Graciosa. This is Mirador del Rio a stunning little bar build into an old military fort. Some of the bluest seas we have every seen.

Timanfiya National Park

2008-09-02T15:18:00.003+02:00

A day out on our holidays today to the amazing Timanfiya national park, a land of stunning volcanos.

Arrive Lanzarote

2008-09-01T15:15:00.002+02:00

We are ready so ready for our holidays this year. Working at our own jobs and running the B&B while enjoyable is exhausting. So it is great to get away for a break to the sun, all the more special since our summer was so dull and wet. We stayed in Playa Blanca on the south eastern corner of Lanzarote. This is our hotel which was just by the sea with some amazing views over to Furteventura.

Visiting Duck

2008-08-25T21:27:00.000+02:00

We had a visitor today, we think it was a young duckling that lost its way. We are very close to a few large ponds were we know ducks breed. It stayed about for around an hour and then went on its way.

Castlewellan Forest Park

2008-08-16T15:13:00.000+02:00

Last day of our little break, on the road home really. We took a little time to visit Castlewellan forest park to take in the millennium maze there. I must say that it took us a little longer than we planned. But it was fun and the view over the Mourne mountains were worth it.

Lobster Night

2008-08-15T15:12:00.000+02:00

Our little break turned to be a little more special than we thought. We discovered a special lobster night at the Mourne Seafood Bar Cafe. This is Alison's lobster thermador which I can assure she savoured. I enjoyed some lobster linguine. We can thoroughly recommend a visit.

Tullymore Forest Stepping Stones

2008-08-14T15:10:00.002+02:00

Time for a much needed break and when the opportunity arrises why not? This summers weather has been awful, but we were lucky with some dry days for an brief overnight in Newcastle.

This is us on a day trip to Tullymore forest park.

Play park finished

2008-08-10T12:35:00.001+02:00

Just a little painting to do now, but the play park is finished. It took a lot of energy and was a major distraction from the garden proper this year.

More developments in the play park

2008-08-05T22:13:00.002+02:00

Another photo to show the next stage of progress on the play park. We expect to get the additional play tiles tomorrow, so this is pretty much all that we have now laid. I have also started to stain the park itself which will be a few evenings work provided it stays dry. Only thing is that the weather forcast for the next few days is awful.

Sunflower shines

2008-08-04T22:11:00.000+02:00

Well its a typical British summer with very little sun shinning, but at least the sunflowers are out.

Path progress

2008-08-03T22:09:00.000+02:00

Just a quick photo today to show progress on the path.

Blackcurrents

2008-08-02T22:02:00.000+02:00

I moved our blackcurrants when they were dormant in the early spring because I learned that they would be happy in the shade. This was to make room for some other fruit bushes that preferred the sun. And I am pleased to report that the blackcurrants are happily providing fruit this year. Happy Days!

Progress update in playpark

2008-08-01T22:39:00.000+02:00

Slow but steady progress on the play park. The kerb edge is in, the binding is down on the ground, the blinding is compacted, the sand is on top of the blinding and the fabric is laid on top of the sand. Finally, the play tiles are laid. Just happens that we haven't enough play tiles to cover the area we need to. (Ronnie Alison's brother is doing this work just in case you thought I was being industrious or something)

Buddleia

2008-07-31T15:16:00.002+02:00

Our buddleia is in flower again now, it is a good bit taller than last year and it has thickened up a bit too. I will give it it’s first good trim this year to make sure that it doesn’t get too leggy. But it is a nice splash of colour in the purple bed.

Sunbathing

2008-07-30T15:16:00.001+02:00

Smudge our resident lazy feline has rediscovered the sun and has moved outdoors. She has found the perfect spot and is now a regular sun worshipper. Your eye just catches this blazing wide patch down on the stones in the purple bed in the garden.

As if she didn’t do enough digging in the garden

2008-07-29T15:15:00.003+02:00

Socks the more energetic of our two feline residents has given up on manual digging in the garden and has progressed to mechanised methods. Maybe this is why I find so many of the beds disturbed and dug over in the garden.

New surface for play equipment underway

2008-07-28T15:13:00.002+02:00

We have been a little tardy this year. Having bought and erected the play equipment, we then failed to put down a suitable surface to make it safe to use. We had purchased some play tiles, made from recycled car tyres to lay under the play park, but time was never on our side and it always seemed like such a large job. So this week, we have brought in the big guns. Alison’s brother Ronnie is helping this week and in a day managed to do what would have taken us three weekends. The area is scrapped, levelled and the outline of a path is emerging. Hopefully by the end of the week we will have a play park with safety tile laid neatly underneath and a nicely curving path from the drive way to the vegetable plot. It will certainly save me from that walk across wet grass I make most days. Oh, I will have to stain the wood too, but that is a pleasant job that you can do in stages in the evenings. Although it is amazing how much shorter they are getting already.

Dahlia emerging

2008-07-26T15:14:00.001+02:00

The second variety of dahlia planted this year is just about to bloom, Even though the ‘Bishops of Llanndaff’ having been flowing for weeks, I have been waiting on these and they have never seemed quite ready, but it won’t be long now.

Stray Sunflower

2008-07-26T15:12:00.003+02:00

We spend a lot of time here are Drumenagh Brae feeding the local birds during the winter time. This involves putting lots of different seed mixes and nuts into a large variety of feeders. Some birds are tidier feeders than other and others are a little slap dash, pulling out seed they don’t like until the find seeds they do like. Then of course there are the squirrels, while we do have guards to protect the feeders, they are not 100% effective and so the squirrels do make off with a fair proportion of seed. All this tardiness and off site feasting means that during the summer we regularly find that we have seedlings of varies plants from our seed mix. The nicest is obviously sunflowers and this year we have a few. Not always in great locations, but we try to keep a few growing where they have seeded. This is one specimen getting ready to flower. I will post another photo when it is in full flower later in the month. I have noticed over the last few day that wasps seem to love sunflowers, they seem to be feeding off something on the leaves. Strange I have never seen this before.

Calla Lilies

2008-07-25T15:11:00.002+02:00

Our calla lilies are in flower at the moment. They have a stunning elegance and they also seem so robust. I like that in a flower, sometimes blousy and fine is nice, but the Calla lilies have are more refined and understated, much more to my taste. There will be will be around twelve plants coming up in groups of three for the next few weeks hopefully.

House leek update

2008-07-24T15:10:00.002+02:00

You may remember that last year we started to plant House Leeks in two round raised stone beds in the garden. We originally purchased a small box of six varieties of house leek and planted then in the gaps between the stones. This week I have been detaching the little baby house leeks and relocating them to new unfilled gaps. The thing I love about house leeks are that they are so easy to propgate like this. But the thing I love most about House Leeks is that they soften the stones and make it look like they have been there for so long.

Valentine Rose

2008-07-23T22:15:00.001+02:00

This is our valentine rose, currently in bloom at the moment. The roses appear to be doing very well at present. Not much time in the garden in the last few days, very busy with the return to work and the bed and breakfast. I hope to get a lot of planting done over the weekend.

Shed Painted

2008-07-22T21:25:00.000+02:00

Got the shed painted this week in preparation for the autumn. I have a play park, gate and gate posts to do next. It's a light evenings work and there is a sense of another job done, or step in the right direction. Quite a distance to go yet, but it is all progress.

Patio planted

2008-07-21T22:04:00.003+02:00

Finally got the patio in this week. The stones have been down for a while now after we created the beds back in March. We have planted up a bit of a variety this year. A few dahlias 'Bishop of Landaff' and mixture of grasses, 'angel hair' which really moves beautifully in the wind. Also added were some calla lillies prepared in pots back in March and also come Canna 'Black Knight.' I want to add some herbs, but the ones I have are small seedlings and need another season in a pot before being planted here. All the planting softens the edges, it makes a huge difference.

Rose arch under pressure

2008-07-19T21:38:00.001+02:00

Our climbing rose is doing rather too well down in the fruit beds. We placed it on an arch given to us as a present. It is tubular metal and not that sturdy (our preference would be a wooden one), but as it was a gift we went ahead and used it. Now in its third year the arch is under pressure from the weight of the rose which we think is rather impressive. I think it likes all the farmyard manure around the raspberries nearby. Maybe we will get a wooden replacement next year ?