Someone recently said that they liked what I’m doing but couldn’t work out what my motivations were. A really good question as it turns out – in responding I had to think it through.I’ve always been what I optimistically refer to as self...
With the weather on the turn, I thought it would be a good idea to fit a front door to the roundhouse, even if it ends up being temporary. The handle comes courtesy of some of the ivy growing on the neighbouring trees. It’s amazingly hard stuff.
This weekend we had lots of help here at the roundhouse – Jim, Mark, Helen, Michael, Alexey, Steven and Denise did a fine job and we finished off all the lime-hemp plaster that we have, so 3 out of 5 wall panels now have a scratch coat of plaster. Michael and...
I’d forgotten about this excellent video that was made about the work that goes on here on the farm as Growing Connections. Just a 2 minute clip of the larger video, but it gives you a flavour of the place.
Courtesy of Permaculture Ideas. “Straw bales (not hay bales) are a great place to plant vegetables. Here’s my start-to-finish results! The straw is an easy, loose place for the plants to spread out their roots. Also, up on the straw bale there is...
Many thanks to Steven, Belinda, Denise, Alexey, Jim and James for helping out today. It is great to see the inside ready for plastering – it looks fantastic, and to have got the cladding under way. Several people have asked what the roundhouse is for.. Well,...
Although I’m no longer a full time web developer, I’m still lucky enough to be able to work with a few organisations that I really like – one of which is the Heritage Crafts Association. Anyone who is involved with heritage craft should get along and...
Photo copyright Jorge Bacani Today we visited a tower that is plainly Isengard, but which locals insist on calling Scrabo Tower. It’s visible from everywhere around us here, and the view from the top is stunning. From away over here on the farm, it stands...
Every so often life overtakes us – the needs and wants and must-haves creep in and it is so easy to forget that simple is good, and that the days can pass faster than we realise. A terribly moving remembrance of Thomas, and the family he leaves behind, caused me...
One of the benefits of the whole living off grid, alternative homes, low impact lifestyle ‘thing’ is that it is generally seen as something different, (for good or bad) and interesting, by plenty of onlookers. People are often fascinated to see how we...
Earthship Biotecture Ireland are holding a lecture with Michael Reynolds in Dublin. Going to book my tickets today – Michael is an inspiring guy and has done some amazing work. Anyone who hasn’t seen Garbage Warrior – go and order a copy now. Go...
