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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