There are many visitors once again to this beautiful region of France and fortunately they are diligently obeying the social distancing rule and wearing masks in the shops. The main square is normally very busy but the advantage this year is that they can really enjoy the peace ,tranquility and architecture of our wonderful bastide … Read more
Having always dreamed of being able to live somewhere warm enough to grow a Lotus plant we are really enjoying the increased number of flowers in its second year of growth. As the grass browns and the heat rises they give a feeling of cool and calm. Truly beautiful.
This is such a colourful time of year with fields of sunflowers stretching over the Dordogne countryside. Sunflower seeds and oil are one of the main crops of the region so there is an extra delight to be had anticipating an excellent harvest.
As we have been having more rain showers this year the garden is still green and fresh with the privet, box and bay boules requiring more frequent clipping than normal. However I always find it is a peaceful job and one that is quite rewarding.
The evenings have been very busy for our barn owls as the young are out practicing flight with their parents. It really is wonderful to be able to sit and watch them and to know that another generation is ready for the world.
Last Sunday Monpazier held its first Brocante of the year. It was wonderful to see stalls once more being set up and traders exhibiting their wares. The attention to detail was excellent with hygiene being taken very seriously so that buyers could definitely feel comfortable and reassured. Tourists are once again arriving to enjoy the … Read more
This has been a very busy week harvesting the hay and getting it all baled and shipped out to our buyers. There was a spectacular display of buzzards, thirteen in total, circling and then diving down into the newly cut fields. They were obviously having a feast!
This year has been exceptional in the number of wild orchids. they have been popping up all over the fields and we even found two outside the kitchen window under the tree. The meadows are looking wonderfully lush.
Wandering down to the barns early the other morning we were delighted by one of our resident barn owls swooping over our heads while bats were dashing around collecting insects for their breakfast. It was a wonderful way to start the day.
We had some very welcome rain this week and that combined with the sunshine is proving wonderful for the meadows. As we are an organic farm they are full of wild flowers and insects and we are hopeful for a good hay crop later in the year. The view from the rear terrace across to … Read more