October 2024
October Transformations at Plas Y Maes
October brought a spirit of transformation here at Plas Y Maes, with a deep clean and reorganization that breathed fresh energy into our workspaces and gardens. After years of gradual clutter, the barn finally got the overhaul it deserved. We sorted every tool, piece of wood, and material into place, clearing out enough to make the whole space open and accessible again. With everything cleaned and reorganised, it’s now a bright and tidy workshop where more projects can take shape. Meanwhile, the pole barn got its own refresh. We stacked wood, stored away fencing materials, and held a good old-fashioned bonfire to clear unusable scraps—a small victory in taming the ongoing cycle of order and chaos!
In the vegetable garden and mandala, our bees are revelling in the flowers, drawn to blooms from vegetables going to seed and the still-vibrant wildflower bed. We continued our battle with the weeds, redefining bed edges, and making sure each area gets a little love. Our comfrey fertilizer has been brewing away and is now ready to add a nutrient boost to our soil. Inside the polytunnel, we’ve added beds of parsley, garlic, and red onions to grow through the winter season.
The main garden has seen its own transformation, thanks to Heather, who revitalized one of the flower beds, adding a rustic wooden trellis and planting bulbs that promise splashes of colour through winter and spring. Meanwhile, we tackled a safety project on the front drive and steps, pressure-washing away the buildup to prevent slippery conditions as autumn rains settle in.
Over near Twin Oaks, we dug a new drainage channel along the track, helping water flow freely and drying out the pathway. Behind the cow shed, we cleared rocks and tidied up, gradually making that space more useful. And, for a little peace of mind, we reinforced the roof on the Pole Barn, making it sturdy enough to protect our digger and equipment through the winter.
On the family side of things, we celebrated two birthdays this month, adding some joy and cake into the mix. Stuart has been crafting his signature wooden games, preparing for the Christmas festival at Aberglasney Gardens next month, where he’ll share a bit of Plas Y Maes with the wider community. He’s had to slow down after injections for carpal tunnel in both his wrists but has still managed to put heart and care into each piece.
Until next time,
Warm wishes from all of us at Plas Y Maes 🌱