April 2025
A Season of New Beginnings
April has arrived in full bloom at Plas y Maes, bringing with it the vibrant energy of Spring. Blossoms now grace the trees, and the land feels alive once more with the promise of growth. On one particularly memorable morning, we were greeted by the heartwarming sight of a freshly born lamb on our drive — a quiet reminder of nature’s ongoing renewal.
That same week, we were treated to the rare and beautiful presence of a Eurasian Hoopoe, another sign that wildlife continues to flourish here.
Much of our energy this month has been devoted to planting and nurturing. The polytunnel has begun to empty as we’ve moved young, established plants out into the vegetable and mandala gardens. New additions included asparagus bulbs, violas, and dianthus, giving a fresh wave of colour and texture. Raspberry canes were carefully weeded and tidied within the fruit cage, while the bramble-covered banks nearby were given a much-needed strim.
We prepared four long strips of land ready for potato planting, and constructed new wooden frames for our runner beans and broad beans, which are now in place alongside the peas on their metal trellises. Slugs, as ever, tried to slow our efforts — but we’re staying true to our chemical-free philosophy and have experimented with biological deterrents, as well as homemade cloches, to help protect our crops.
A wonderful new addition to our growing setup is a reclaimed greenhouse, built inside the polytunnel. This will give us a more controlled environment to start seeds earlier in the season and allow us to grow more delicate plants going forward. (glass yet to be added)
With the sunshine and rainfall came the inevitable surge in grass growth, and mowing has resumed in earnest. However, our faithful grass-finishing mower has given up after 15 years of loyal service, leaving our pathways growing wilder than usual while we await a replacement piston and blade.
Meanwhile, preparations for the season at Iachusol Enaid (Healing Soul) have begun. The shower and toilet block doors have been freshly painted, and we’ve decided to install a single waterproof cover on the Geodesic Dome for better all-weather protection. The hedging around the pods has also been pruned and shaped to keep the space looking and feeling vibrant.
Easter brought the joy of family to the land. Three generations came together to celebrate — with egg hunts, hat decorating, shared meals, and laughter echoing through the trees. A slate roof was even constructed for the children’s treehouse, creating a new little shelter for rainy-day play.
This month also marked the final touches to Geo Jam. With its final coat of colour and waterproofing complete, it’s ready for the road. Candle lanterns now offer soft lighting inside, and plans are underway to add soundproofing panels to soften the acoustics. Soon, Geo Jam will be dismantled and transported to Unearthed Festival, where it will begin its life as a space for creativity and connection.
As we continue nurturing the land, community, and ourselves, we’re excited to welcome more visitors and hosts to Plas y Maes. Upcoming retreats at Iachusol Enaid (Healing Soul) include:
Somatic Healing & Digital Detox Retreat – 26th to 30th June 2025
Herbal Immersion Retreat – 29th August to 1st September 2025
Yoga for Everyone — For Those Who May Not Like It and Those Who Do – 4th to 8th September 2025
We look forward to seeing what next month brings as the land continues to bloom and open its arms to the seasons ahead.
Until next time,
Warm wishes from all of us at Plas Y Maes 🌱
The Plas Y Maes Team