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Rejuvenating a garden fork
I recently uncovered the head off an old garden fork. It was badly rusted but was a nice size so I decided to make a handle and put it to work in the garden.
September 10, 2009
Plastic house
I recently inherited this kit-set plastic house from my sister (designed by my father).
Assembly was relatively simple and I am now looking forward to allocating a piece of ground to it.
Assembly was relatively simple and I am now looking forward to allocating a piece of ground to it.
November 10, 2009
Blackberries (Burning)
The blackberries are everywhere, their thorny runners creeping through the grass and climbing into trees.
With so many wild ones about, we don't need to grow any on the property. Id rather use the space for something more valuable.
With so many wild ones about, we don't need to grow any on the property. Id rather use the space for something more valuable.
October 31, 2009
The Triplets of blockhill
Of the twelve eggs, only three have successfully hatched. There are three little fluffy feathered babies...all black like the mother, though they may be from other hens eggs...we aren't too sure. We have put some of the remaining eggs under the speckled hen who has also gone clucky, but it's been a few days now, and no other baby chickens have emerged. So it looks like we have just the three. Hopefully they will survive the ferrets and the cat!
November 10, 2009
The clean green 'mirage'
Fred Pearce, a columnist for The Guardian newspaper gave "the prize for the most shameless two fingers to the global community to New Zealand, a country that sells itself round the world as 'clean and green', but had increased greenhouse gas emissions by a whopping 22 per cent since signing up to reduce them at Kyoto".
November 15, 2009
Good News and Bad News...
Well, the bad news is, I found one of the baby chickens dead this morning. Something ate half of it and left the rest. And whatever it was must have gotten into the crib-house which means it is likely a ferret. It is sad. But somewhat expected. We didn't think all three would necessarily make it to full adulthood. I hope the other two will though!
The good news is, a few days ago I found a nest of 13 eggs! One of the bantams has gone clucky again and has hidden her nest right in the middle of the paddock. We've marked it with a white pole so that we won't step on her. So in another few weeks, we will have more babies!
Update: 12 chickens hatch
The good news is, a few days ago I found a nest of 13 eggs! One of the bantams has gone clucky again and has hidden her nest right in the middle of the paddock. We've marked it with a white pole so that we won't step on her. So in another few weeks, we will have more babies!
Update: 12 chickens hatch
November 24, 2009
Quail
While cutting wood the other day I uncovered a nest containing 14 quail eggs. These birds are common round here and apparently make good eating so I transfered the eggs under a clucky hen in the hopes she will hatch them out.
November 29, 2009
Bunny time
Having recently returned from a 'round the world' trip. Deschia decided to hang out with us and re-acclimatise.
Deschia is holding a baby rabbit that Gibson caught and was slowly playing to death.
Thanks for bringing us a hammock from Thailand!
Deschia is holding a baby rabbit that Gibson caught and was slowly playing to death.
Thanks for bringing us a hammock from Thailand!
December 07, 2009
Twelve
So, the bantam that was sitting on 13 eggs out in the grass just hatched out 12 chicks.
As these are all from her own eggs they share a resemblance to the mother, all tiny and shades of brown.
As these are all from her own eggs they share a resemblance to the mother, all tiny and shades of brown.
December 07, 2009
Summer Flavours
Details
Now is the time of year when the hard work in the garden is recovered. All the planting, weeding and watering has been converted into tasty veges.
Date
December 30, 2009
Emily
Emily came to stay between Christmas and New Year and was able to do a short day trip to the Hot Pools at Hanmer Springs. During her stay at Blockhill she explored down into the gullies of native bush and also got to enjoy the early season plums that had started to ripen in the orchard.
December 30, 2009
Steve
It's been a year since Steve stopped in and planted a tree to offset his flight home to New Zealand.
Returning to the new and improved Blockhill, Steve made use of the hammock and stretched his legs with a cycle ride.
Returning to the new and improved Blockhill, Steve made use of the hammock and stretched his legs with a cycle ride.
January 06, 2010
Plums
A bumper crop of plums this year. We have been eating them, freezing them, giving them away and trading into the community.
With several trees yet to ripen there is no end in sight.
With several trees yet to ripen there is no end in sight.
January 08, 2010
Chooks for weeding and soil enhancement
I have been developing a process that directs the energy (and manure) of the chicken into a specific piece of soil.
Rather than unleash the chickens in the garden I decided to take the garden (at least bits of it) to them.
Rather than unleash the chickens in the garden I decided to take the garden (at least bits of it) to them.
January 31, 2010
Blackberries
Wild blackberries are a bit of a curse round here, growing rampantly wherever they can. However at this time of year they redeem themselves somewhat by offering up sweet berries.
In addition to the thorny wild plants, we have a thornless variety in the garden that produces larger, more accessible berries.
In addition to the thorny wild plants, we have a thornless variety in the garden that produces larger, more accessible berries.
February 16, 2010
Drying Fruit
Another way of dealing with surplus fruit is to dry them in the sun for use over winter.
Use a simple wooden frame with fine mesh / gauze stretched over and then place the cut fruit and put the whole contraption out in the sun.
Use a simple wooden frame with fine mesh / gauze stretched over and then place the cut fruit and put the whole contraption out in the sun.
February 17, 2010
Vegetable Dinner
Fresh vegetables from the garden are quickly and easily converted to a tasty meal.
Part 1 - Mashed potato, beetroot, onion and basil
Part 2 - Steamed beetroot and silverbeet leaves and beans
Part 3 - Salad of carrot, peas, radish, pepper and feta
Part 1 - Mashed potato, beetroot, onion and basil
Part 2 - Steamed beetroot and silverbeet leaves and beans
Part 3 - Salad of carrot, peas, radish, pepper and feta
February 23, 2010
Flavour of the day - Raspberry
Details
Over the past few weeks we've been getting the odd handful of berries off our small patch of raspberry canes.
Today I noticed they were dripping with fruit. Some so ripe they fell off as I brushed past the plant.
It's going to be raspberries and ice-cream for desert.
Today I noticed they were dripping with fruit. Some so ripe they fell off as I brushed past the plant.
It's going to be raspberries and ice-cream for desert.
Date
March 08, 2010
Resurrection
As the number of chooks steadily increases so too does the need for housing.
In attempt to prevent the family of bantams from visiting our garden everyday we decided to resurrect the old shed down the far end of the farm.
Click the photo to see before and after
In attempt to prevent the family of bantams from visiting our garden everyday we decided to resurrect the old shed down the far end of the farm.
Click the photo to see before and after
March 09, 2010
Farming USA
I listened to a recent edition of the podcast "2 beers with Steve" in which he discusses small scale local agriculture and the failings of mechanised, chemical based industrial farming.
In order to better visualise the rise of the mega farm I put together this graph (click to view larger) that depicts changes to US farming over time.
It would be interesting to get hold of similar statistics for NZ.
In order to better visualise the rise of the mega farm I put together this graph (click to view larger) that depicts changes to US farming over time.
It would be interesting to get hold of similar statistics for NZ.
March 15, 2010
Of motorcycle and fiddle
Kerry stopped in on her way south, spent a couple of days enjoying the nice autumn weather and entertaining us with her fiddle before packing her motorcycle and continuing on.
April 18, 2010
Portable Electric Chainsaw
Configuring an electric chainsaw for mobile firewood collection.
Electric chainsaws are light, with no fumes, less noise and fewer complex parts to cause issues.
The problem is they require a fair amount of power, thus limiting their portability.
Check out how to set up a useful system for mobile sawing...
Electric chainsaws are light, with no fumes, less noise and fewer complex parts to cause issues.
The problem is they require a fair amount of power, thus limiting their portability.
Check out how to set up a useful system for mobile sawing...
April 27, 2010
Lowering the cost of living
I'm pleased to be able to verify (to myself at least) the lower cost of country living.
This chart is based on 4 years of personal expense figures and shows a 50% reduction in average quarterly living costs.
This chart is based on 4 years of personal expense figures and shows a 50% reduction in average quarterly living costs.
May 02, 2010
Oaks from acorns
Growing oaks from seed using locally collected acorns.
This is a low cost approach to establishing a wood lot from seed. By mowing the thick grass and then scattering the hundreds of acorns and covering with grass mulch.
This is a low cost approach to establishing a wood lot from seed. By mowing the thick grass and then scattering the hundreds of acorns and covering with grass mulch.
May 13, 2010
Windows (repair)
I discovered some dry rot in the corner of our bedroom window. Being unskilled in the arts of building and carpentry, I put off dealing with it for as long as I could.
Finally I got the courage to pull the rotten bits out and create replacement elements.
Finally I got the courage to pull the rotten bits out and create replacement elements.
May 10, 2010
Rain (176mm in 6 days)
The weather men predicted this one and issued dire warnings. We are well placed (elevated) to deal with torrential rainfall... just a bugger about the leak in the roof, I thought I'd fixed it.
Other wet weather news
Other wet weather news
May 26, 2010
Cutting the grass with electrons
A new (easier) approach to lawn mowing with our eco friendly electric mower.
May 20, 2010
Thyme - The (extra) healthy herb
We just discovered that the humble thyme plant is more than an aromatic garnish for certain dishes, it's full of health giving properties.
Overpopulation
The elephant in the room (or, the 6.78 billion inhabitants of the earth).
Rewarding no-child families in an effort to halt population growth.
An attempt to think our way out of the population situation.
Rewarding no-child families in an effort to halt population growth.
An attempt to think our way out of the population situation.
May 30, 2010
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.
I have tried a variety of soil amendments including growing lupins, sheep manure from the neighbors shed and cleanings from the chook house.
June 03, 2010
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
Warning: disturbing images
June 04, 2010
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.
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.
June 08, 2010
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.
Our orchard has a number of large trees as well as a collection of younger ones, all require attention.
June 16, 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).
The good news is that it's going to get progressively lighter day by day (until the end of the year).
June 21, 2010
Reinventing the parking structure
A look at possible urban farming in the post petroleum future, making the most of the situation and thinking about survival.
The voices in the peak oil conversation have made it clear to me that problems with the production and transportation of vegetables will demand more food to be grown closer to the point of consumption - back yards, roof tops, window sills and so on.
Kunstler believes that cities will contract, and those on the coast (exposed to sea level rise) are certainly likely to, as are those that require air conditioning or heating to make the climate bearable.
The voices in the peak oil conversation have made it clear to me that problems with the production and transportation of vegetables will demand more food to be grown closer to the point of consumption - back yards, roof tops, window sills and so on.
Kunstler believes that cities will contract, and those on the coast (exposed to sea level rise) are certainly likely to, as are those that require air conditioning or heating to make the climate bearable.
June 21, 2010
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.
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.
June 29, 2010
A bigger tunnel house
With winter here again I am reminded of the need to provide optimum growing conditions.
There was considerable plastic left over from our other 'glass' house so decided to put it to good use.
There was considerable plastic left over from our other 'glass' house so decided to put it to good use.
June 30, 2010
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.
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.
July 07, 2010
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.
July 11, 2010
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.
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.
July 03, 2010
More Trees
This weekend I planted a number of crop trees. For the most part it was seedling walnuts collected from under my grandmothers tree but also included 5 grafted fruit trees I purchased.
2 x apricot
2 x nectarine
1 x almond
2 x apricot
2 x nectarine
1 x almond
July 25, 2010
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
It turns out this hoe is known by many different names, including:
- Stirrup Hoe
- Hula Hoe
- Scuffle Hoe
- Oscillating Hoe
September 02, 2010
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 they are away.
I spent numerous evenings digging the ground to expose worms, collecting sea shells for grit and finally they are away.
August 29, 2010
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.
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.
August 29, 2010
Blossoms before the storm
Spring blossoms on the plum tree before an approaching storm.
August 20, 2010
Home Made Biochar
A low-tech method for small scale production of biochar, a valuable soil additive.
I used douglas fir cones that I raked up from around the trees, packed in the central canister and 'baked' with a fire of coal and wood scraps from the workshop.
I used douglas fir cones that I raked up from around the trees, packed in the central canister and 'baked' with a fire of coal and wood scraps from the workshop.
September 25, 2010
Finding the eggs
A number of hens have gone clucky, it's that time of year again. Locating the outdoor nests is always a challenge as not only are they well hidden the hens are careful to come and go unnoticed.
Today's nest has 15 eggs slowly turning into 15 tasty chickens.
Today's nest has 15 eggs slowly turning into 15 tasty chickens.
September 26, 2010
little chickens
The little bantams have arrived. There are 15 in total: 7 from one mother and 8 from the other. We have put both groups in the same chookhouse. So they have gotten all mixed together and it seems there is a favourite mother. She has 11 at the moment, and the other only has 4. I suppose they will keep swapping and sharing babies.
October 13, 2010
Parliamentary research paper - The next oil shock?
Oil is "the lifeblood of modern civilisation". This paper provides an overview of the global oil market. In particular, it examines the outlook for oil supply and demand over the next five years, and the economic consequences.
October 20, 2010
Merry Peddlers
Despite the damp Micheal, Frauke, Gina and Cris completed the 160km Kaikoura circuit.
November 20, 2010
Organic Field Day
I attended an informative talk (download mp3) by Charles Merfield followed by a field-day at my parents organic farm.
The general topic was low energy input farming and gardening in an unstable climate.
Was good to meet people at my end of the 'crazy' spectrum and witness the interest in my scything demonstration.
The general topic was low energy input farming and gardening in an unstable climate.
Was good to meet people at my end of the 'crazy' spectrum and witness the interest in my scything demonstration.
November 21, 2010
Strawberries
I love this time of year because finally, after the dormancy of winter, the taste of summer becomes evident.
We got a bumper first crop of strawberries (it's still going). All I did was apply some wood ash around the plants when they started flowering, it seems to have helped...
We got a bumper first crop of strawberries (it's still going). All I did was apply some wood ash around the plants when they started flowering, it seems to have helped...
November 30, 2010
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...
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
Solar water
Capturing the abundant free energy of the sun and storing it in the form of hot water is one of the easiest, cheapest, low technology ways of reducing your dependence on electricity as well as the monthly bill.
December 08, 2010
Sprinkling (at high pressure)
Details
It has been really drying out and we have been busy moving hoses to water as many trees and veges as possible.
We have a well with a pump that delivers 25mm of water at high pressure. While I was trying to come up with a way to apply this water gently to the garden I came up with this simple circular terminus mister (click for photo).
It effectively produces a 4 meter high column of mist. Wonderful on a scorching afternoon.
We have a well with a pump that delivers 25mm of water at high pressure. While I was trying to come up with a way to apply this water gently to the garden I came up with this simple circular terminus mister (click for photo).
It effectively produces a 4 meter high column of mist. Wonderful on a scorching afternoon.
Date
December 05, 2010
Garden update
Our garden is bigger and better this year with more planning, improved soil and larger variety of plants in the ground. We are just starting to reap the rewards.
December 09, 2010
Drying Plums
The plum harvest has started and we are using every technique to preserve and offset some of the bounty.
Drying is one easy, low tech way to save fruit for another day. I made some trays with fine wire mesh that can be hung in the sun.
Drying is one easy, low tech way to save fruit for another day. I made some trays with fine wire mesh that can be hung in the sun.
January 02, 2011
New season potatoes
We've been waiting, patiently, and finally the potatoes are ready. Here is a selection of freshly dug and washed spuds ready for cooking. The purple ones are a Maori variety.
January 01, 2011
Spinning with the wind
Experimenting with vertical axis wind energy harvesting mechanisms.
Using old bicycle wheels and pieces of fat pipe I managed to put together a trial device for collection energy from the wind. Determining the angle of the 'blades' is the important factor. The next version will be bigger and better and allow for fine tuning.
Using old bicycle wheels and pieces of fat pipe I managed to put together a trial device for collection energy from the wind. Determining the angle of the 'blades' is the important factor. The next version will be bigger and better and allow for fine tuning.
January 13, 2011
Chopping the clucky chook for dinner
So, our chooks have started going clucky (broody) on us again. That means fewer eggs and the usual dramas of trying to get them 'unclucked'. Since we have been considering downscaling our operation due to the excess of eggs and the damage caused in the garden by the aggressively scratching fowls it seemed like an opportunity to have a chicken dinner.
January 24, 2011
Extra long chicken run
The idea behind this chicken run is to provide the inhabitants with a reasonably large area (21 square meters) while being easy to move and providing adequate protection.
Using odds and ends I was able to construct something that looks like it will do the trick. Read more about materials and construction process.
Using odds and ends I was able to construct something that looks like it will do the trick. Read more about materials and construction process.
January 30, 2011
The season of the bean
Our bean patch isn't huge but it's managing to produce far more than we can consume. Time to process the excess for use over winter.
While the power is still reliable and affordable, freezing is our preservation method of choice.
While the power is still reliable and affordable, freezing is our preservation method of choice.
February 09, 2011
Holy radish!
An impressive specimen of the common radish. This plant just got out of control. Because it got to be such a large plant I decided to hang onto it for seed. May the next generation be equally extreme.
February 16, 2011
Got 'matos precious?
Our tomatoes are out of control, a huge improvement over last year.
We have a bunch of different varieties but the most prolific by far are the roma. Last year a lot of these ended up in the compost and subsequently sprung up all over the garden. Unable to bring myself to pull them out we are now drowning in tomatoes.
We have a bunch of different varieties but the most prolific by far are the roma. Last year a lot of these ended up in the compost and subsequently sprung up all over the garden. Unable to bring myself to pull them out we are now drowning in tomatoes.
February 19, 2011
Mower madness
Today I attempted to use the mower on the rough grass and blackberries down the back. I got down the track ok and was able to do a pretty good job on the flattest areas but anywhere there was the slightest rise or unevenness it proved useless. Getting back up the track proved challenging with such poor traction. Eventually, after all kinds of runups, digging and pushing I was back in the flat paddock.
Late evening bottled first batch of plum wine and moved next batch from brewing barrel to demijohn. The concoction was super active, bubbling right up through the airlock.
Late evening bottled first batch of plum wine and moved next batch from brewing barrel to demijohn. The concoction was super active, bubbling right up through the airlock.
March 03, 2011
The pheasant
For some time we have 'enjoyed' the company of a roving pheasant. Undoubtedly a majestic bird, he spends most of his time in the garden. While not as destructive as a regular chook his presence is frustratingly obvious. Eating off the brussel sprouts, nibbling a cucumber and generally upsetting the progress of the garden.
March 04, 2011
Cucumbers
Details
We are finally starting to get some cucumbers out of the tunnel house. Things have been growing like crazy in there, to the point where access is almost impossible.
However, having only one opening prevents airflow making the temperature too high and reducing bees, required for pollination. As a result, yields have been low.
Modifications are in order....
However, having only one opening prevents airflow making the temperature too high and reducing bees, required for pollination. As a result, yields have been low.
Modifications are in order....
Date
March 05, 2011
Harvesting rain
It's raining today (as they said it would) and it's bloody marvellous. As a free resource, rain should be collected or focussed for use in the right spots at the right time.
One of my processes includes home made guttering, a bath, and an overflow pipe
One of my processes includes home made guttering, a bath, and an overflow pipe
March 05, 2011
roast & blend
We have an over-abundance of tomatoes at the moment and it's hard to think of what to do with all of them. A fantastic way to preserve tomatoes is to roast them and then blend them... and then put them into freezing containers or bags and into the freezer.
March 06, 2011
Only so many hours in the day
A recent trip to Christchurch took me past Southern Woods tree nursery so I had to buy something. Today I planted out the 5 blueberries (3 varieties) and picked out locations for the 2 fejoa bushes.
The tree felling neighbour offered me the slash and pine cones from recent trees he chopped down so we ended up with 2 trailer loads of pine for winter. And it only travelled a couple of hundred meters.
Pruned one of the olive trees, more for cosmetic reason than to improve the yield.
Melisa put a lot of time into the latest chicken run and got it to a point where we could add the chooks.
Put some silicone sealant on a leaking joint in the solar water heater (so much for zero maintenance)
The tree felling neighbour offered me the slash and pine cones from recent trees he chopped down so we ended up with 2 trailer loads of pine for winter. And it only travelled a couple of hundred meters.
Pruned one of the olive trees, more for cosmetic reason than to improve the yield.
Melisa put a lot of time into the latest chicken run and got it to a point where we could add the chooks.
Put some silicone sealant on a leaking joint in the solar water heater (so much for zero maintenance)
March 12, 2010
Black Turtle Beans
Four months ago I planted a small handful of beans in an area of about six square meters.
Now they are ready to pick and I have gathered in at least 30 - 40 times what I planted.
This has got to be one of the best and easy to measure returns on effort expended.
Now they are ready to pick and I have gathered in at least 30 - 40 times what I planted.
This has got to be one of the best and easy to measure returns on effort expended.
March 20, 2011
Autumn
Autumn is here and I couldn't resist making this autumn bouquet, combining flowers and leaves in an array of autumnal hues. It brings some nature into the house and gives a nice feeling of the seasons passing.
April 18, 2011
Road Trip
Something of an Easter weekend tradition, we took off to the west coast and up to Karamea for a couple of days.
Nice to have a change of scene and step outside the routine.
The photo is Lake Hanlon, on the main road, the north side of the Karamea bluff hills. A 15 minute walk from the road.
Nice to have a change of scene and step outside the routine.
The photo is Lake Hanlon, on the main road, the north side of the Karamea bluff hills. A 15 minute walk from the road.
April 22, 2011
Harvesting Potatoes
I have been digging potatoes, clearing ground for winter improvements and mulching.
6 of the bigger plants that had been in since late September (209 days) resulted in this assortment of spuds, drying inside before going into storage.
6 of the bigger plants that had been in since late September (209 days) resulted in this assortment of spuds, drying inside before going into storage.
April 25, 2011
Last of the apples
Details
The last 2 apple trees are now ready for picking. For some reason, these are some of the cleanest apples we have had this year.
Both of these trees have been improved with supporting / companion plants such as bulbs, foxgloves, lupins and strawberries.
Both of these trees have been improved with supporting / companion plants such as bulbs, foxgloves, lupins and strawberries.
Date
May 18, 2011
Measuring the sun
As part of my ambition to get a solar electric system up and running I have been conducting some tests.
My interest is in the effect of the suns angle to the panel array and the relationship to voltage. While there are probably some models put there, I have not seen any and find that actual experience is much more convincing and reliable.
My observations will influence my decision to include tracking capabilities to my solar installation.
Notice the clever little rod below the panels whose shadow (or lack of) can be used to determine if it is pointed directly at the sun.
My interest is in the effect of the suns angle to the panel array and the relationship to voltage. While there are probably some models put there, I have not seen any and find that actual experience is much more convincing and reliable.
My observations will influence my decision to include tracking capabilities to my solar installation.
Notice the clever little rod below the panels whose shadow (or lack of) can be used to determine if it is pointed directly at the sun.
May 18, 2011
Pomegranates
We have a small pomegranate tree down the back of the garden. Last year it had 1 small, hard, dry fruit.
This season, after a vigorous pruning, we got 2 plump fruit bursting with pink seeds.
The inside is somewhat like a passionfruit, although not as sweet and tasty unfortunately.
This season, after a vigorous pruning, we got 2 plump fruit bursting with pink seeds.
The inside is somewhat like a passionfruit, although not as sweet and tasty unfortunately.
May 28, 2011
Home office refit
After almost two years of working out of the previous owners spare bedroom I have finally invested the effort in a thorough refit of my home office.
Considering how many hours of the week are spent in here it makes sense to have a comfortable space that inspires creativity.
Considering how many hours of the week are spent in here it makes sense to have a comfortable space that inspires creativity.
May 30, 2011
Over the edge
Why did the chicken jump off the cliff? We will never really know for sure. But this morning she was a bit jumpy and a bit edgy...and then she just jumped right over the edge and went flapping and squawking to the blackberries below.
June 01, 2011
The reversal of the economic engine
A brief article summarising my understanding of the current and possible future economic modal based on energy and resource extraction, consumption and growth.
The picture seems far from bright and there are a number of factors that could influence the outcome but the overall direction seems clear.
Picture: Neville Sinclair
The picture seems far from bright and there are a number of factors that could influence the outcome but the overall direction seems clear.
Picture: Neville Sinclair
June 08, 2011
A stylish mail receptacle
After two years working through the high priority, biggest benefit projects on the property I am finding time for the less essential tasks, like building a new letterbox. The one we had was fine, a fully functioning, conventional metal mailbox, a little small but did the job.
I felt it was time, being winter with dark idle evenings, to create something more. A letterbox that not only kept the mail dry but also said something... Using offcuts and trimmings I pieced together something that looked and felt a bit more us.
I felt it was time, being winter with dark idle evenings, to create something more. A letterbox that not only kept the mail dry but also said something... Using offcuts and trimmings I pieced together something that looked and felt a bit more us.
June 15, 2011
Energy efficient bulbs
I recently purchased a couple of compound LED light bulbs. These use an extremely low level of power (11 Watts each) while providing a useful illumination.
Available in either Edison thread or bayonet they fit into a standard light socket. Being LED they do not contain any mercury.
Unfortunately I have already had one cut out for some reason.
Available in either Edison thread or bayonet they fit into a standard light socket. Being LED they do not contain any mercury.
Unfortunately I have already had one cut out for some reason.
June 10, 2011
New Blood
As our flock of chickens has been actively breeding for a number of years using offspring roosters we thought it might be time to refresh the gene pool.
Until we 'dispose' of our current rooster the new guy must stay in quarantine to avoid bloodshed.
The friends who gave us this good looking fellow said he is a Rhode island red, for meat and eggs, perfect
Until we 'dispose' of our current rooster the new guy must stay in quarantine to avoid bloodshed.
The friends who gave us this good looking fellow said he is a Rhode island red, for meat and eggs, perfect
July 22, 2011
Medieval
An evening of social merriment and music.
We made our way to an interesting party out at port robenson where people dressed medieval and enjoyed a robust meal, drinks, flaming fires and music.
It made me think of something from Alice in Wonderland, a kind of mad hatters tea party as the monk played the trombone, costumes and hats swirled in dance surrounded by Ashley's bizarre décor.
We made our way to an interesting party out at port robenson where people dressed medieval and enjoyed a robust meal, drinks, flaming fires and music.
It made me think of something from Alice in Wonderland, a kind of mad hatters tea party as the monk played the trombone, costumes and hats swirled in dance surrounded by Ashley's bizarre décor.
July 24, 2011
Snow
Nothing says winter quite like snow. Despite being cold and inconvenient it's also magical and exciting.
We are warm by the fire and watching the snow drifting down outside.
The cat is not too sure. This is his first snow experience and he seems a bit nervous about the white stuff falling out of the sky.
We are warm by the fire and watching the snow drifting down outside.
The cat is not too sure. This is his first snow experience and he seems a bit nervous about the white stuff falling out of the sky.
July 25, 2011
Another batch of trees in the ground
Winter is a time to purchase and plant trees. This year we have put in 110 new trees which has basically filled up the remaining available space.
Going forward it will mostly be shrubs or replanting specimens that don't survive.
Going forward it will mostly be shrubs or replanting specimens that don't survive.
July 30, 2011
First blossoms of the season
One of the young almond trees we planted in the new orchard last year was the first tree to blossom.
This is an early variety called monavale. I only hope it is not too early as we have been getting the odd frost.
This is an early variety called monavale. I only hope it is not too early as we have been getting the odd frost.
August 10, 2011
Snow - cold, white and good for the soil?
Along with most of the country, we got a heavy dumping of snow.
Exciting and novel for the first 24 hours it quickly becomes cold, mushy and tiresome.
On the upside, it turns out snow has measurable benefits to the soil. Some even call it poor man's fertiliser.
Exciting and novel for the first 24 hours it quickly becomes cold, mushy and tiresome.
On the upside, it turns out snow has measurable benefits to the soil. Some even call it poor man's fertiliser.
August 15, 2011
Reinventing collapse
I'm not sure how I originally came across the name Dmitri Orlov but I have been a follower of cluborlov.blogspot.com for some time, relishing the dry, dark wit and practical experience Dmitri brings to the collapse narrative.
His no nonsense acceptance of the inevitable outcomes resonates with my own desire to build a lifestyle that is as resillient and self contained as possible: We are actively working to reduce our external inputs and produce as much food as possible while practising useful skills such as sewing, wood working and animal husbandry. I'm even in the process of refurbishing one of the outbuildings should we need to house a psychosocially unstable security expert, although I am hopeful it won't come to that.
While his recently rereleased book, reinventing collapse, focuses on the trajectory of the United States versus the former Soviet Union there are many aspects which relate to some degree to the situation here in New Zealand. To support Dmitri in his efforts I felt compelled to purchase a copy of this book as well the accompanying Tshirt, an essential component for the upcoming summer uniform.
His no nonsense acceptance of the inevitable outcomes resonates with my own desire to build a lifestyle that is as resillient and self contained as possible: We are actively working to reduce our external inputs and produce as much food as possible while practising useful skills such as sewing, wood working and animal husbandry. I'm even in the process of refurbishing one of the outbuildings should we need to house a psychosocially unstable security expert, although I am hopeful it won't come to that.
While his recently rereleased book, reinventing collapse, focuses on the trajectory of the United States versus the former Soviet Union there are many aspects which relate to some degree to the situation here in New Zealand. To support Dmitri in his efforts I felt compelled to purchase a copy of this book as well the accompanying Tshirt, an essential component for the upcoming summer uniform.
August 20, 2011
Bits and pieces from the block
Coming out of the hibernation of winter things are speeding up with plenty to do, not that stuff didn't get done or nature deliver some excitement these past months...
Here are a few photos that sum up the past few days.
Here are a few photos that sum up the past few days.
September 01, 2011