Month: May 2024

Ballyedmond Castle gardens

~ Ashley ~ 71 Comments

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Looking north into the Mourne Mountains shrouded in cloud

Just before May Day, we were able to visit these gardens.  They are private gardens and are only open to the public about half a dozen times per year.  Even then one probably only finds out about opening via membership of a gardening club, or as in my case, through a local wildlife group member who is also an RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) member.  Many thanks Lee!  Only 30 people can visit at any one time and no photographs are allowed to be taken of the house (castle).

The castle is situated on the north shore of Carlingford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland.

I will add a link at the end of this post if you are interested in the house and gardens, as they have a varied history.

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Their own temple, where even the Gods can’t get a signal.

Their own harbour and possibly a heli-pad

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Their own bandstand

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Entrance to the Orangery where we had afternoon tea

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“Hurry up, chaps!  Tea is served”

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“Hoping you have had a pleasant visit”

By the way, it rained almost all of the time we were there!  Typical, as the following day the sun shone!  Au Contraire!

Ashley

https://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2012/11/ballyedmond-castle.html

Beltain 2024

~ Ashley ~ 59 Comments

Hawthorn tree beltain


Beltain,
Welcome to summer;
Rain!

After weeks of grey skies and rain, we’re now seeing a change in the weather.  Of course, change is never straightforward and whilst warmer days are on their way, there are sure to be some surprises!  On the last day of April, it rained constantly, and today the first day of May, the sun is shining!

In the ancient agricultural calendar, Beltain, or the Festival of Fertility, is usually celebrated at the end of April and the beginning of May and marked as the beginning of summer.  It is a time to celebrate the power of the life force; everything is growing and showing!  The energy of unions, whether spiritual or physical is alive!  The picture of the hawthorn tree, Crataegus monogyna, is relevant to this festival as it brings the spirit of wild places into our lives.  The haunt of fairies makes it a magical tree!

The hawthorn is tolerant of strong winds, dry and wet conditions.  A small , thorny deciduous tree with small white fragrant flowers; hermaphrodite (both male and female) reinforcing the association with balance and unions.  It is also known as the Maythorn or May Tree.  Its wood is tough and fine grained sometimes used as a veneer.

 Midges,
Dancing above the May tree;
Summer.
 

I’m a bit late with this post as I was out all day yesterday on a garden visit.  More of that soon!  That is as long as my photos have come out; it was a very overcast day!

Happy May Day.

Ashley