blockhill - forest garden experience & education
North Canterbury
Ride on mower - fossil fuel extravagance
Having no grazing animals leaves us with an abundance of tall grass that is beginning to get out of control in the places where I have not attacked it with the scythe.
Bring on the old mower I 'inherited' from my father. Time will tell if it's a useful tool or a lemon...
December 04, 2010
Trying out some rustic scythe techniques in the orchard. No noise, no smell, just good old fashion manual labour.
The scythe is best known as the weapon of choice of the grim reaper, basically a long, curved metal blade on a wooden pole with handles. Traditionally used for mowing grass and harvesting cereal crops, the scythe has a long history in agrarian (and revolutionary) societies.
December 25, 2009
I am passionate about trees and their numerous benefits so I frequently encounter this commonly held misconception when I try and encourage grass growers to consider incorporating trees on their farms. The argument goes something like this: "I can't plant trees in or around my pasture because they compete with grass for light, water and minerals, grass production would suffer".
This photo, taken a few hundred meters from my home on a conventional sheep and beef farm during the worst drought in decades is evidence that certain tree species can actually improve the performance of grass. If only people were as observant as they are quick to dismiss the value of trees in the landscape.
May 06, 2015
We introduced pigs into our small scale permaculture system as a natural means of tillage and grass control over a year ago and the results have been very satisfactory. With simple management, rotating the pigs through various areas they can be used to great effect for 'mowing' grass along pathways, terraces and around trees.
Provided the pigs have plenty of grass and other green edible herbage they seem to leave young trees alone. We have found that at certain times leaves of peach, almond and apple may be palatable.
Pigs love to rub and scratch against things, especially after emerging from a muddy bath in the swale. Consider having a suitable tree or post nearby.
May 26, 2014
Ever since we got our first kune kune pigs we had imagined tethering them, or using them on a leash to 'mow' grass in various areas where free ranging pigs would be a disaster. Our most recent addition, Potamus, is proving to be very willing and trainable and quickly got the hang of the harness and the resulting reward of visiting fresh pasture.
August 05, 2018