New website for forest garden
July 22, 2023
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News, activities and events
Find out what's happening at blockhill
22July2023 32423234
05July2022 32423234
2022 Scion Wood Orders Completed!
It's the big event for midwinter, the fulfilment of scion wood orders. This year we sent off 41 packages containing a total of almost 400 fruit tree cuttings consisting of 28 varieties.
We wish the recipients all the best with their grafting this spring and welcome any feedback our updates. It's exciting to think that these little twigs will go on to provide fruitful bounty to their carers in distant locations up and down the country.
So that's all for this year folks, check our scion wood page for a list of what we can supply and signup to watch the page and be notified when ordering commences again in 2023. Catch you then!
We wish the recipients all the best with their grafting this spring and welcome any feedback our updates. It's exciting to think that these little twigs will go on to provide fruitful bounty to their carers in distant locations up and down the country.
So that's all for this year folks, check our scion wood page for a list of what we can supply and signup to watch the page and be notified when ordering commences again in 2023. Catch you then!
July 05, 2022
09May2021 32423234
Managing energy and resource flows
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the underlying structure of our landscape and harness the natural energy flows of water, wind and sun I once more find myself hauling heavy loads of straw around the garden.
May 09, 2021
21March2021 32423234
Multi function pruning
Details
It's summer and dry. The pigs are unhappy due to lack of fresh green grass. We are supplementing their diet with purchased grains but found they enjoy fresh prunings from various trees.
We combine the chore of summer pruning fruit trees with a treat for the pigs and have found they love to eat most stone and pip fruit leaves as well as grape and willow.
We combine the chore of summer pruning fruit trees with a treat for the pigs and have found they love to eat most stone and pip fruit leaves as well as grape and willow.
Date
March 21, 2021
28February2021 32423234
Summer 2021
Details
Our eleventh summer and things have been growing well. Here is an overview of how it looks now with some recent drone footage
Date
February 28, 2021
18May2020 32423234
Arbour Construction
After hand milling macrocarpa tree with electric chainsaw I was looking for a project to utilise the rugged timber and decided to create a rugged arbour behind the house to improve the look and feel while usefully supporting some deciduous fruiting vines, the hardy kiwi berry.
This area had never really been well used, despite being so close to the house and easily accessible via the concrete pathway. Part of this project involves improving the productivity of garden.
After coming up with a suitable plan there was a decent amount of work clearing the existing plants and attempting to eradicate the twitch grass. I imagine this is going to take several passes. At this stage it has been sown in a cover crop for winter.
Concrete footings were cast with galvanized metal brackets to create a sturdy base, elevate the posts to keep them dry and make any future repairs reasonably easy.
Melisa helped assemble the heavy timber framework and metal piping.
Final phase is the planting of the vines (waiting patiently in pots) and training them up and over the arbour frame.
This area had never really been well used, despite being so close to the house and easily accessible via the concrete pathway. Part of this project involves improving the productivity of garden.
After coming up with a suitable plan there was a decent amount of work clearing the existing plants and attempting to eradicate the twitch grass. I imagine this is going to take several passes. At this stage it has been sown in a cover crop for winter.
Concrete footings were cast with galvanized metal brackets to create a sturdy base, elevate the posts to keep them dry and make any future repairs reasonably easy.
Melisa helped assemble the heavy timber framework and metal piping.
Final phase is the planting of the vines (waiting patiently in pots) and training them up and over the arbour frame.
May 18, 2020
17October2019 32423234
CCSP Kaikoura 6 monthly tour of blockhill
Details
Once again the students from Kaikoura CCSP visited for a tour and explanation for the method.
Date
October 17, 2019
01September2019 32423234
20 times Super Host!
Thanks AirBnB but we're not impressed with the crappy key and excessive packaging. I can just imagine all the creative meetings and brainstorm session that produced this monstrosity... (shudder)
September 01, 2019
25August2019 32423234
A bespoke rain gauge
Our high tech, digital rain gauge device finally failed and rather than replace it with another complex 'solution' I decided to construct a more basic, traditional instrument, only on a larger scale. Essentially this is just a funnel that intercepts and collects a given area of rainfall and concentrates it in a narrow tube, magnifying the results for easy measuring.
I purchased a cheap stainless steel funnel with a diameter of 52mm connected to 2 meters of clear plastic tubing with a diameter of 12.5mm.
The ratio of cross-sectional area between the two diameters is 17 so each 1mm of rainfall gathered by the funnel displays as 17mm in the tubing.
The tap at the bottom is required to drain the gauge after each measuring period.
I purchased a cheap stainless steel funnel with a diameter of 52mm connected to 2 meters of clear plastic tubing with a diameter of 12.5mm.
The ratio of cross-sectional area between the two diameters is 17 so each 1mm of rainfall gathered by the funnel displays as 17mm in the tubing.
The tap at the bottom is required to drain the gauge after each measuring period.
August 25, 2019
15August2019 32423234
A plague of rats
What with an abundance of edibles and great places to hide at blockhill there has been something of an epidemic of rats. While we are generally happy to share with all the creatures it gets a little concerning when they can be heard chewing on things in the ceiling. Fearing our water pipes and electric cabling might be damaged we decided to push back. With a little help from Victor we were soon dispatching rats (also named Victor) daily.
August 15, 2019
08May2019 32423234
A small firewood hut
Something I'd been planning to do for a while. Not a big project, just needed to sit down and work out the basic dimensions and materials then throw it together. The main features are a reciprocal roof consisting of 6 beams supported on 6 poles for the walls. Some metal sheeting on the rainy, windward side and chip limestone on the floor. Rubber roof membrane with ferocement to top it all off.
May 08, 2019
02April2019 32423234
Predatory insects
Since arriving at this location in 2009 and allowing it to revert to a more natural way while introducing lots of new biodiversity, we have noticed a continual increase in the numbers and types of insects and other small creatures. There is a whole world of barely noticed activity where spiders and flies, ladybugs and butterflies live out their tiny dramas...
Here a preying mantis devours a fly on a pear tree.
Here a preying mantis devours a fly on a pear tree.
April 02, 2019
23March2019 32423234
Planting shelves
I grow a lot of plants and trees from seeds. One space saving way that I have come up with is to use the vertical wall space at the back of the house where my nursery is located. Adding these metal 'gutters' as plant growing shelves has given plenty more growing area situated at perfect working height.
March 23, 2019
03February2019 32423234
Hugelkultur 101
Date
February 03, 2019
Details
A hot dry summer like this reminds us of the value of hugelkultur and retaining soil moisture. So, with the help of our young and energetic French helpers we threw together another log mound garden using rotted willow sourced from the nearby stream.
- Dig a hole
- Pack in the logs and any other surplus organic matter trying not to have too many air pockets
- Cover it over with the dirt from the hole
- Stop and have a beer
- When favourable weather returns add seeds and plants or just let nature do its thing...
11September2018 32423234
Monarch butterflies enjoying blossoms in the forest garden
Details
We've had plenty of nice, sunny warm weather and the monarch and red admiral butterflies are getting into the stone fruit blossom, brassica flowers and tagasaste nectar.
Date
September 11, 2018
Natural woven flax weed mat
Details
Here's a simple technique for reducing weeds in a small garden. Biodegradable woven flax mats with seeds or small plants added in the gaps.
Date
September 11, 2018
05August2018 32423234
Pig on a leash
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
30March2018 32423234
Latitude Magazine
March 30, 2018
Feature article profiling blockhill in Canterbury's Latitude magazine.
Words by Lucinda Diack, Words and more
Photos by Jane Thompson, Pegasus Communications
Words by Lucinda Diack, Words and more
Photos by Jane Thompson, Pegasus Communications
13March2018 32423234
Round wood timber construction
Details
A newly created 'roof' for grapes to climb and better weather protection for the firewood shed.
Date
March 13, 2018
19December2017 32423234
First internship
Another first for blockhill, hosting an overseas intern / student for 3 months. Zach joined us in September for a deep immersion permaculture internship and learning experience as part of his agronomy studies. As anticipated he participated in a wide range of activities and events.
December 19, 2017
04December2017 32423234
Star tetrahedron rising in Kaikoura
Details
Constructed from recycled 10mm steel rod as a gift for my mother-in-law.
Date
December 04, 2017
Visit from Tree Crops North Canterbury
Details
We enjoyed a hot and sunny afternoon touring 11 people from the North Canterbury Tree Crops group. I think our alternative and rather unorthodox approach and philosophies were quite an eye opener for most of them...
Date
November 04, 2017
01November2017 32423234
9 years anniversary
Details
Our yearly ritual of dressing in aged wedding attire and making a photo shoot to mark the passing of time. This year we had the assistance of intern, Zach, behind the camera to make things more creative.
Date
November 01, 2017
eco-cabin profiled in Good Magazine
Our much loved eco-cabin accommodation has just become a little bit more famous after featuring in a nice write up in the November - December issue of Good Magazine.
November 01, 2017
25October2017 32423234
Blockhill features in NZ Hideaways book
October 25, 2017
Earlier in the year we hosted Sam and Hilary as they made their way around the country, photographing and writing for a book about unique hideaways. Finally the book is ready and we made the cut.
06October2017 32423234
Early October
Details
We've been working flat out with our Intern, Zac, and so it's been a while since our last horn tooting photo update. So here it is, bellbirds, blossoms, native nitrogen fixers and food forest progress. Enjoy and then get out there and invite nature into your bit of the world.
Date
October 06, 2017
09May2017 32423234
Knowledge tours
Details
Students from the Kaikoura Creation Care Study Program spent an afternoon at Blockhill touring and learning about forest gardening, water catchment and other aspects of sustainable land use.
Date
May 09, 2017
18March2017 32423234
Earthquake repairs
Details
Another project that can finally be crossed off the to-do list. The earthquake in November 2016 caused cracking in the brick wall behind our fireplace. While it was still standing and looked ok we were not happy about having this unstable stack of bricks there waiting to come down. I decided to remove most of them before another quake brought them down and caused damage to the hot water pipes that passed through to the log burner. It also allowed for the insulation of these pipes which had foolishly never been done in the first place.
The project required carefully chiselling the bricks apart and reducing he height of the wall to a satisfactory level. Than a concrete bond beam was poured, encasing the top layer of bricks, locking it all together. Finally, after adding some additional timber framing the opening was covered by mini corrugated sheet metal.
The project required carefully chiselling the bricks apart and reducing he height of the wall to a satisfactory level. Than a concrete bond beam was poured, encasing the top layer of bricks, locking it all together. Finally, after adding some additional timber framing the opening was covered by mini corrugated sheet metal.
Date
March 18, 2017
09March2017 32423234
Banjo is her name
Details
It seemed like a good idea (at the time) to get a puppy. Banjo is fox terrier / jack russell cross and bursting with energy and an insatiable need to chew on things.
Date
March 09, 2017
31January2017 32423234
January 2017
Details
It's been a hot, dry summer (again). Despite the ongoing drought things are looking fairly good. Most of the trees have a decent amount of fruit set with apricots already harvested and drying. There are lots of flowers buzzing madly with insects. Guest numbers have picked up again post earthquake and now all we could wish for is a drop of rain.
Date
January 31, 2017
14November2016 32423234
Blockhill survives 7.8 earthquake with off-grid resilience
We were shaken violently awake around midnight on the 14th of November as a series of massive earthquakes rocked the region causing widespread damage. Fortunately we (and the guests who were staying) were not hurt and all buildings and infrastructure at blockhill came through virtually unscathed. Lots of broken plates, jars and bottles but with a freezer full of food and a functioning solar backup system and hot water heating array we are living comfortably. The garden is supplying more salad and beans than we can eat and the chooks are laying a steady stream of eggs.
Electricity was restored on the evening of the 15th but there is no indication of when water pumping will resume. Fortunately we have a big water tank and a couple of rainwater tanks just in case.
Aftershocks continue to roll in but things have quieted down considerably.
Despite the poor access over cracked and slipping road, we have had a number of locales pop in to make sure things are ok here. Since there is so much damage to the coastal Kaikoura road there is a focus on opening up the inland route, which connects to our road, so we are seeing a lot of heavy machinery heading through that way.
Electricity was restored on the evening of the 15th but there is no indication of when water pumping will resume. Fortunately we have a big water tank and a couple of rainwater tanks just in case.
Aftershocks continue to roll in but things have quieted down considerably.
Despite the poor access over cracked and slipping road, we have had a number of locales pop in to make sure things are ok here. Since there is so much damage to the coastal Kaikoura road there is a focus on opening up the inland route, which connects to our road, so we are seeing a lot of heavy machinery heading through that way.
November 14, 2016
01November2016 32423234
8 Years Wedding Anniversary
Details
So we made it eight years so far and the traditional gifts are either bronze or salt.
Date
November 01, 2016
17September2016 32423234
Food Forests, Permaculture & Water Harvesting
Olmec will show you how he and his wife Melisa designed permaculture-style food systems by nurturing and enhancing the natural features of their land. Together they have created a diverse, beautiful and bountiful environment.
During a tour of the property, you'll learn about planning an integrated system that includes plants and animals, natural methods of fertilising and soil conservation. Olmec will also demonstrate how to drought-proof your property using swales; that is, earth-shaping to harvest water.
Contribution: 2 time-bank credits or $10 suggested fee
To register contact: Belinda Meares, 03 314 3406, tbhlearningexchange@gmail.com
(Car-pooling can be arranged).
During a tour of the property, you'll learn about planning an integrated system that includes plants and animals, natural methods of fertilising and soil conservation. Olmec will also demonstrate how to drought-proof your property using swales; that is, earth-shaping to harvest water.
Contribution: 2 time-bank credits or $10 suggested fee
To register contact: Belinda Meares, 03 314 3406, tbhlearningexchange@gmail.com
(Car-pooling can be arranged).
September 17, 2016
14August2016 32423234
Garden working-bee
A group of us gathered to help install a new vegetable garden for Heidi and Nuk out at Gore Bay. Many hands made things progress quite quickly and we were able to create and plant an area directly beside the house for easy access as well as a new contour garden mound in what was lawn.
August 14, 2016
07March2016 32423234
Land improvements for water retention and forest gardening presentation @ Lincoln BHU
Once again I will be presenting to students at the BHU organic training College in Lincoln. The 2 hour talk will cover rainwater collection via land shaping (swales, terraces and hugelkultur), soil conditioning for improved water holding capacity (PDF download) as well as forest gardening (PDF download).
March 07, 2016
22January2016 32423234
Video tour - January 2016
Details
A quick new year tour in January. Things look a little dry after 18 months of drought.
Date
January 22, 2016
09October2015 32423234
Blockhill on Radio NZ Country Life program with Cosmo
We recently had a visit from Cosmo Kentish-Barnes. He interviewed us and toured the property for his show 'Country Life' on Radio New Zealand. We chat about our lifestyle, water harvesting systems, pigs and more.
October 09, 2015
19September2015 32423234
Digging with a digger
There's always digging to be done and much as I love moving earth about it is hard, tiring work. Sometimes it pays to get a machine to help. A little bit of diesel goes a long way and having an efficient operator helps also.
This year we did some more terracing, created a large catchment pond, some additional swales and a flat area for a future natural building. All in a days work at blockhill.
This year we did some more terracing, created a large catchment pond, some additional swales and a flat area for a future natural building. All in a days work at blockhill.
September 19, 2015
13September2015 32423234
Plum tree blossoms at night
Date
September 13, 2015
12September2015 32423234
Drought proof edible landscaping - presentation
As part of the Cheviot Spring Festival, Olmec will be explaining how to create a water wise forest garden. Learn how to outsmart drought and develop lush landscapes full of edible plants.
The talk will be held at 10am and 3pm at the school community room
The talk will be held at 10am and 3pm at the school community room
September 12, 2015
24August2015 32423234
Garage improvement - 3 years later
Details
Secret swale at west end of workshop. Planted with bulbs, tagasaste for nitrogen and quick frost canopy over lemon and climbing kiwifruit. Ground cover of oregano and alpine strawberries.
Date
August 24, 2015
31July2015 32423234
Shed upgrade
Details
Progress has been made on the upgrade of our chook and pig shed. The overall objective is to reconfigure the north facing side of the building as under cover growing space that we can rotate the chooks through.
Date
July 31, 2015
08March2015 32423234
Food forest gardening site visit, tour and workshop
We enjoyed showing our garden and emerging food forest to a group of curious individual from the greater Hurunui district. About 20 people made the journey out to Blockhill to learn more about our version of food forest gardening. The event was organised as part of the Hurunui Time Bank Learning Exchange Program
March 08, 2015
02March2015 32423234
Food Forest Gardening - Visual slides and audio MP3
Audio from a talk given to public gathering organised by Food For Thought at Amberley Library. Audio quality is fair, considering it was recorded on a mobile phone. If you want better quality, contact me to come and speak directly to you or your group!
PDF version of slideshow presentation covering food forest gardening
PDF version of slideshow presentation covering food forest gardening
March 02, 2015
15January2015 32423234
Food forest video tour
Details
A short video exploring the emerging food forst in summer
Date
January 15, 2015
23December2014 32423234
Greenhouse
Details
A well designed, large greenhouse is great way to grow plants that otherwise would have a limited season or not be possible to grow at all. Here we are growing (from left to right) tomatoes, purple passion fruit, thai ginger (galangal) and babaco (mountain pawpaw)
Date
December 23, 2014
03December2014 32423234
Freshly created swale
Details
It's never too late to add another swale, it's just a matter of squeezing it in amongst the existing plantings, fences and other obstacles.
The swales not only do a fantastic job of capturing and infiltrating surface runoff during rainy times but also break up the land in interesting and attractive ways.
The swales not only do a fantastic job of capturing and infiltrating surface runoff during rainy times but also break up the land in interesting and attractive ways.
Date
December 03, 2014
27November2014 32423234
Wide open area, under development
Details
Here is quite exposed to the wind but has water nearby and with the addition of some swales and several years of cover cropping things are starting to improve. Many young trees have been planted here including walnut, butternut, hazelnut, gevuina, soap nut, tagasaste, alder, acacia, cape broom, flax, persimmon, fejoa, apricot, bamboo, pear, peach, loquat, dogwood, pomegranate, gooseberry, raspberry, rhubarb, asparagus, green tea, kiwifruit and many more.
Date
November 27, 2014
Summer 2021 update
Details
A brief tour and garden update after 11 years of planting and progress.
Visit our youtube channel for more videos
Visit our youtube channel for more videos
