As part of our attempts to properly design our gardens and land we decided to conduct a thorough soil survey, to determine what kind of soil we have, and what potential problems we might have with the soil. Methods Three test sites were chosen, to reflect the range of soil types in the garden. Test…
Read moreAuthor: Joe
Rocket stoves and Hugel beds
We’ve had a couple of extra helpers visiting for a few days last week. Anna and Olof are on a round-the-world trip, visiting various projects and learning about self-sufficiency, and practising permaculture. Danni and Richard are still here, but Anna and Olof’s interests (permaculture and rocket stoves) seemed too good to pass up! It was…
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Kitchen update
Work on the kitchen has been progressing well this month, and our plans have expanded somewhat from the original design. No surprises there! Having stripped out the old suspended ceiling, we’ve realised the original mud ceiling is in very poor condition, and would need to be totally replaced. So, we’ve decided not to bother, and…
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Many hands
We’ve had quite a good response for our request for volunteers on Helpex. Our first volunteers, Richard and Danni, have arrived from England and are settling in very well. They arrived on 5th March, having spent a few days in Sofia. After a couple of days settling in, we have worked them hard ever since!…
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Todorov Den in Sadina
Our friend Ivan invited us to go with him to the Todorov Den horse-racing celebrations in the nearby village of Sadina today, so we have spent a pleasant morning with him and two other friends, watching the racing. It’s no Aintree 🙂 Groups of four riders raced each other across a grassy field, with a…
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The summer house
After helping the Velikov family move their belongings to Popovo, we have now got the keys to our new second house. The house is intended as a base for family, friends and volunteers to stay in, if they want. It’s a small property; one main bedroom, kitchen, living room, a second bedroom in an adjoining…
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St Tryphon’s Day
So it’s ten o’clock in the morning and we’re in the village square with a bonfire going, the musicians are starting up and we’re handed our first cup of wine of the day. Welcome to St Tryphon’s Day! St Tryphon is the patron saint of wine growers, and this day is celebrated in the Eastern…
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Room for expansion
With somewhat mixed feelings, Julie and I have bought a second house in the village. Mixed, because while we’re delighted that we’ve been able to buy a lovely little bungalow for friends, family and volunteers to stay in, and they’re very happy that finally they can do things like get an eye operation for grandfather,…
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