Dappled light

Before Nuns Lane was built and when we were planning it Donal explained that the trees would throw “dappled” light onto the white render and that it would create beautiful patterns. I only half registered this idea and I just did’nt realize how dramatic it would be. Yesterday as I got into the car I was stopped in my tracks by this image. It still amazes me how much detail and forethought that goes into design – the smallest things are considered and most of the time people think these are accidental!

Snow again at Nuns’ Lane

Have to love the snow and the amazing skys at the moment , its a break from all the doom on the radio!!

Lovin leaves….

I love to observe the leaves about the place. They are at a nice stage as they are not yet soggy. They create an attractive contrast to the grey stones and black steps of the house.

 

Pink Beans!

We were not expecting our garden beans to be such an amazing colour! The barlotti beans you get from a tin are usually brown but these are spectacularly spotty and pink!

 

Garden update

Open House forced us to do some work on the garden!! We find it hard to get out there but here are a few updates.

 

Temporary bamboo screen was put up at the storage area-hides a multitude!!

 

 

Bonsai work well against concrete background

 

 

Azalia - this is amazing when in bloom

 

 

Green Beans -Guess what veg our guests are having on Saturday?

 

Hole in the Wall

At the design stage as we were building the house the issue arose of how to deal with the change in materials between the concrete garden wall and the finished render of the studio. It just did not look right to run them into each other. And so we settled on leaving a gap of about 250mm. The kids love sticking their heads out and climbing through!

Sun at last!

Well done Donal for spotting the opportunity to make the most of the first mild and sunny day of the year last Sunday. We enjoyed burgers and satay chicken in the sun with friends while the kids went mad from all the fresh air!

SNOW WOW!

Our first real snow at Nuns Lane was a pleasure to behold and mighty fun for the kids. A snow volcano was erected only to be made yellow by a local dog!!

Perhaps the end of an Era – Legion Hall

This could be the last time we see the Legion Hall covered in snow. There was recently planning permission granted to build a creche facility in its place. The ground around it which has had public right of way for at least 80 years will be built on if the grant of permisssion is not appealed. There is a public meeting on Tuesday  evening at 8pm in the Killester Resourse Centre to discuss the appeal. My great concern is the issue of parking and traffic congestion.

Bonsai Guru

Oh yes we are well connected , you see my Dad is the man for the Bonsais. He dedicated over 20 years to the craft and has some beauties. Fortunately for us he was happy to pass some on to us. They are notoriously difficult to keep – the watering is the key, believe me I’ve lost a few but learnt my lesson. Not a good idea for a present – unless you are sure they will be loved and cared for.

Ken and Bonsai expert Gerry