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I took my ease driving from Shanagolden to Bluebell and the Farm Centre this morning.
It was such a perfect early summer’s morning, I decided to relax and take in the countryside in all its magnificent glory.
I was up around 5am and had a walk around the garden. The bird song was deafening, with blackbirds making the biggest impression.
The swallows and swifts were up and about their business, while the gang of resident crows were, as usual, squabbling over their nests in the boiler house.
At dusk they are joined by many of their relations, who use the orchard as their summer roost. Sadly, I’ve only twice caught the faint call of the cuckoo so far this year.
A light mist had everything wrapped in its embrace, but it was only a matter of time before the sun would burn it off. A field or two away, a few early rising lambs were calling for their mothers. I counted seven big bumble bees on the cotoneaster that thrives in its north-facing position outside the hall door.
Things were really busy on our one and only echium. Its 10ft column of flowers had a mass of bees busily scouring for nectar.
In the garden, the self-seeded grannies’ bonnets in shades of pale pink to deep blue, along with some candelabra primulas remind me of nothing less than a Monet painting. Next to poppies and peonies they are my favourite early summer flowers.
As I headed up the road, the fresh, acid green of newly minted beech leaves competed against the luxuriant lustre of the limes.
Along the hedgerows cow parsley frothed like sparkling champagne. However, it couldn’t outdo the wonderful whitethorns laden down with blossom in shades of white through to pink.
Freshly cut silage fields complemented grass at various stages of growth in paddock grazing systems. Heavy, dark fields awaited their turn to be shorn of their bounty.
It is incredible how the look of the countryside can change in the space of a month. Right now it is looking its very best.
And while everyone is busy, try to take time to just stand still and take in what nature and the skill of farmers have combined to produce. Breathe in deeply, listen and look around.
Our countryside is truly spectacular at this time of year.
Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of local history books.
Luckily I’m married to a man who puts a smile on the faces of bookshop owners across more than a few counties.
His latest purchase is Newcastlewest in Close-up, a 200-page photographic memoir of the town going back to the 19th century.
Packed with photographs, bill heads, receipts and letters, it goes through almost every premises on the six streets and town square outlining who built them, lived or ever operated a business in them. And it’s right up to date.
Produced by the Newcastlewest Historical Society, it is a wonderful piece of scholarship, lightly written and accessible to all and well worth its €30 price tag.
Congratulations to all involved in its production. Available in local bookshops, I’m sure it can be ordered countrywide.
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