blockhill - forest garden experience & education

North Canterbury

Flea buster

Flea buster

Details   It's hard to see what positive role fleas play in the great biosphere. Summer is coming and the warm dry is ideal breeding conditions in the chicken house. Melisa has declared war and has resorted to chemical weapons (natural neem oil).
Date   October 26, 2016
Tags     2016  Melisa  October 
Hand woven flax baskets

Hand woven flax baskets

Details   We have been growing flax for a number of years and I use it frequently as a natural, free, biodegradable 'twine' for tying plants. Depending on the thickness and application it lasts a few months to a year.
I had seen fantastic woven baskets, many traditional Maori designs. I wanted to know how to make something practical that was easy to remember and teach. Next stop youtube... A few minutes of video and frequent use of the pause button and I was ready to make my first food basket (rourou). I made a couple more over the next few days and improved slightly.
Date   October 11, 2016
Tags     2016  October 
Cacti

Cacti

Details   It's spring, we've had some rain followed by sun and the gardens have burst forth in bud, leaf, flower and young fruit.
Date   October 19, 2016
Tags     october  2016