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Latest news

Here you'll find the latest news and updates from blockhill. Check out what we've been up to, what's planned and how we're coping with rural living. Get the blockhill experience here.


The King is Dead!
The King is Dead!
This morning the king (rooster) was noted absent from breakfast around 8:30. The discovery a mass of scattered feathers at the far end of the track at 11 made his disappearance more sinister. Was it a plot by the 3 young brothers, to unseat their father as head of the tribe. Or was it some kind of wild animal?
Warning: disturbing images
04 Jun 2010
The tragic story...
The little fellas
The little fellas
In an attempt to diversify our gene pool and add a touch more variety to our flock we acquired 6 new chooks.

The 3 little english game hens, as seen in the foreground, are cute little midgets and the rooster has a hilarious crow...

Also in the mix, 2 bantams and a lavender arikana.
29 Jun 2010
Fantails - Video
olmec
Fantails - Video
Check out this short video of two fantails that were hanging round the house today.
Snow is falling and the fantails have come in under the deck to get out of the weather. Eventually they come inside for warmth and a few flies.
08 Jun 2010
Shortest day
The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.
The good news is that it's going to get progressively lighter day by day (until the end of the year).
21 Jun 2010
Wood Pigeon
Wood Pigeon
The friendly wood pigeon that visited our orchard last year is back in the same plum tree.

He (or is it a she?) spends a good part of the day climbing awkwardly around the tree devouring buds and taunting the cat.
22 Aug 2010
The Ideal(?) Hoe
olmec
The Ideal(?) Hoe
I first heard about the Stirrup hoe from Nelson Lebo during his interview on Two Beers with Steve. As it sounded like a must have tool I set about finding one.

It turns out this hoe is known by many different names, including:
  • Stirrup Hoe
  • Hula Hoe
  • Scuffle Hoe
  • Oscillating Hoe
After a bit of searching around the web I purchased mine from Koanga (see link below)
http://www.koanga.org.nz/shop/garden/hu...
02 Sep 2010
Chooks are laying again!
olmec
Chooks are laying again!
We were beginning to question the commitment of our chooks (and the manhood of our rooster) as the winter egg famine failed to break.

I spent numerous evenings digging the ground to expose worms, collecting sea shells for grit and finally the re are away.
29 Aug 2010
grozone - free garden management software
olmec
grozone - free garden management software
I have developed an easy to use, visual garden layout and recording system. The program allows for the creation plantings over a given area over time.

The software is available for use for anyone interested. Read more for specifications.
01 Aug 2010
Read More
Frosty
Frosty
Clear calm winter days usually result in severe frosts. After all the rain and with things still being so damp there has been some impressive ice.
11 Jul 2010
More Photos
Bird Safety - The clown cat
Bird Safety - The clown cat
Gibson had been catching an unfortunate number of birds over the winter months (as well as mice which we are greatfull for) so something had to be done.

He doesn't seem to mind his bright 'bird safety' collar.
04 Aug 2010
Cutting the grass with electrons
olmec
Cutting the grass with electrons
A new (easier) approach to lawn mowing with our eco friendly electric mower.
20 May 2010
More
Solstice Gathering
Solstice Gathering
In an attempt to break up the gloomy monotony of the long dark winter months we organised a family get together.
Lots of food, good company and the obligatory bonfire.

The burned circular area has subsequently been dug and mulched in preparation for planting in spring.
03 Jul 2010
Pruning fruit and nut trees
olmec
Pruning fruit and nut trees
Time of year for pruning, and an attempt to improve the shape of the trees for easier picking.

Our orchard has a number of large trees as well as a collection of younger ones, all require attention.
16 Jun 2010
Bull shit - Garden gold
olmec
Bull shit - Garden gold
It's not everyday that you get offered a trailer load of bull shit and hay.

Friends of ours had access to a supply of the rich smelling garden additive just over their fence and I couldn't pass it up.

Our new, extended garden area is now fully mulched and the worms are doing their bit to transform it into the ideal growing medium.
29 Aug 2010
Tui
Tui
Today I saw the first Tui as he flew lazily and dipped across the paddock, settling on the tip of a tall pine.

Over the next half an hour or so he explored the gully and I could hear his distinctive voice as he called out, seeking cousins.

I just hope he decides to take up residence and not just pass on through. There is plenty to keep him here, but no mates at present.

UPDATE
For the next week or so, 2 Tuis set up residence in our orchard and could be seen and heard playing noisily. At present (24 Aug) they seem to have gone again. We hope they return.
17 Jul 2010
Garden expansion
olmec
Garden expansion
We discovered we need more garden area if we wish to grow sufficient volumes of potatoes to see us through the year. As a result I have spent a number of evenings out in the paddock with a shovel, turning over earth and laying compost and mulch.
I have tried a variety of soil amendments including growing lupins, sheep manure from the neighbors shed and cleanings from the chook house.
03 Jun 2010
View Map
Cat Access
olmec
Cat Access
Finally a solution that allows the cat to come and go as he pleases.

> No ugly cat flap in the door
> Out of the weather
> Lots of fun

27 Jun 2010
Photos & Diagram
Insulation
olmec
Insulation
It's the middle of winter but we finally got our insulation installed.

So far we think we feel warmer. In a few weeks I will be able to provide conclusive numeric verification based on temperature recordings.

EECA Energy Wise provides funding for insulation.

UPDATE: Click through to see the temperature difference chart from before and after.
07 Jul 2010
Proof
Wobbly
olmec
Thanks for all the concern from our friends around the country and overseas who checked in to see if we were effected.

Fortunately we are quite some distance from the origin and although we felt it, there was no damage.
04 Sep 2010
Our experience
Blossoms before the storm
olmec
Blossoms before the storm
Spring blossoms on the plum tree before an approaching storm.
20 Aug 2010