Diary of a Country B&B

Spring 2012

Spring is on its way at long last, signs of daffodils everywhere, the snowdrops are in full bloom right now heralding the end of the long winter months. We have had a fairish winter season at Capel Dewi Uchaf Country House again this year, regular customers coming for that little break knowing they will be entertained either at the gardens or at special Winter festivals or events.

This year we have our lovely 1969 Vintage Morris Minor for hire, and a picnic basket can be arranged to take for the day. There are lots of lovely seaside runs or just meander along country lanes admiring the views. Step back into a bygone age of leisurely driving, have fun remembering what it was like or even just have a new experience.

The spring brings back a lush and lovely landscape and surrounds the house in greenery and blossom. Looking forward to the vegetable garden being in full use again. Come and delight in a true country experience.

Winter 2011/12

Winter months can be a challenge although we have had a lovely autumn with lots of walks and beautiful sunsets along the beaches. As the colder days close in we are tucked up in the house with lovely log fires, all sustainable wood from our own crop, hard work harvesting and chopping though! As I reflect on our summer season I am pleased to say we had a good response to our advertising again this year, we were pleased to see more than expected past visitors, it is so nice to catch up on all the news. The garden is laid to rest right now, hopefully we do not have the severe freezing we have had the last two winters which did take its toll on the plant stock. The freeze seemed to make all the fruit trees burst with fruit which made the jam making quite time consuming this year, lots of apples too. As we look forward to Christmas we are planning the next year's work, lots to do as always. Nonetheless it is so nice to welcome the spring and all the daffodils that have been planted over the years, another 500 natural Welsh daffodils have been planted to welcome you to Capel Dewi Uchaf Country House again this year. Try to make time for a little break before the winter is over, as there are some wonderful natural sights to see in our county, even in the winter months.

Summer Season 2011

We have had another wonderful season with so many guests visiting us again, it is great to see you all again. So much has happened throughout the summer, the weather has been fairly kind, especially the early months. We had contractors down by the river improving the fish facility which have been greatly improved, lots of fish were caught this year even though the contractors were working, so another successful season. Much jam has been made from the soft fruit garden, we did not manage to attract a swarm of bees, so we can try again next year. Another 500 daffodils are ready for the spring. An autumn clear up is underway ready for the spring. For now, the log fires are on, using our own sustainable wood, and there is plenty to enjoy here even in the colder weather.

Early Spring 2011

I can hardly wait to talk of spring, already the snowdrops are through the undergrowth, it is so nice to see them after the harsh weather this winter. We had very cold conditions which was a challenge again this year, although I must say it was so beautiful seeing the countryside covered with white fluffy snow. The local children enjoyed being outdoors where the sun shone and everything looked magical. Both John and I walked often enjoying the beauty and the cold too, it was quite invigorating to say the least. Walking through the local gardens was good for the soul adding promise of spring to come after being indoors enjoying the family for Christmas.

As the season starts again we have been pleased to see our business visitors over the winter months again, many of which managed to find some time to enjoy the surrounding area as well as their day's toil.

This year we are working with our local fishing club to improve our fishing on the Towy River. Salmon and Sewin stocks are up on an annual basis; I am pleased to report that the catches last year were improved again. One of our guests caught a 17lb salmon saying he had waited his entire fishing career to catch such a wonderful fish, which he intended to have for Christmas Dinner! Bookings are already in place for fishing holidays again this year. Once all the work on the bank is done the fishing will be suitable for less abled fishermen/women and older children, access will be improved along the bank with gates and a bridge.

After the decorating and repairs are done it will be time to work in the garden again, we had a good harvest last year once I managed to get the seeds to germinate, a lesson I hope I can make work this year, the ground was so cold for so long the seed fed the birds! I managed a good jam session and made over 50lbs, much enjoyed at the breakfast table. My friend Anne’s Bee Keeper is going to put some Bee Hives on our land this year, so we should have more honey available.

We have our new garden to set once we have conquered the water and put the new drains in, I have several plans for the garden with new areas which I started to plant out last autumn.

There are hundreds of daffodils to enjoy later in the spring, so if you need to have a little break think of here where you will be awash with daffodils just walking around our garden!