Laburnum - which grows along the hedgerows in our part of Wales. Although it is poisonous to livestock, it seems tolerated. Legend tells that in the Great War, wood for fencing posts was in such short supply, that Laburnum was all that was available. Once stuck in the ground, it rooted! Hence hedgerows of the stuff - SO pretty at this time of year. It grows on Brenda's farm too.
This morning I had an invitation to visit a Farm Open day. I had promised a cake and some preserves for this too. I met Brenda, whose farm it is, at the Smallholders' Show last weekend. I had a lovely morning out, nice and relaxed, and bought some Celery from another of their stalls to plant up in my veg. plot. Brenda has an excellent flock of Jacob Sheep, and is an expert spinner and weaver - many of her textiles have won prizes. We had a good chat, and I will be joining her Spinning group this winter, as well as taking a one day course she is giving on Tapestry Weaving in January.
On the way back home, I stopped off in Newcastle Emlyn, the little market town on the banks of the River Teifi. I visited the castle for the first time in years, and treated myself to some Snapdragons, Violas, a blue Corydalis and some Celery seeds. The plants are planted, and I shall put some seeds in this evening, as I am late with them already - they should have been started off a month ago.
Of course, I had my camera with me, and took lots of photos . . .
Some of Brenda's Jacob Sheep.
Brenda spinning in her workshop.
Another view of the workshop.
Some of the beautiful things made from the Jacob wool.
Newcastle Emlyn town hall.
Newcastle Emlyn castle - the gatehouse. Here's the link if you want to know more about the history of the Castle. http://www.castlewales.com/newcas2.html
View through window towards the town hall.
The weir on the River Teifi.
View of River Teifi from the bridge.
Such a pretty cottage, with its Montana Rubens clematis.
The Garden Centre where I just HAD to stop and browse . . . I bought Violas, Snapdragons, Celery Seeds and a splendi Blue Corydalis.
View from the top of the hill near our house, looking across fields which have been cut for silage, towards Black Mountain.
More Laburnum growing in a hedgerow nearby.
