Permaculture in Action

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Today In The Garden









Potatoes and leeks mounded in a circular bed which is part of the chook tractor rotation.

Logan berries leafing up and bursting into flower. We had such a poor harvest last year due to the dry spring, but things are looking much better this year after a more gentle wet start to spring.

More potatoes in a bed outside the mandalas which have been cultivated by the pigs.

Guinea pigs mowing the grass between our long beds. Mark calls them his solar powered lawn mowers. They do such a great job and give us manure for our compost heap. If you're looking for another source of manure to add diversity to your compost heap, and you live in an urban situation, you can't go past guinea pigs. This is especially true if you have children. They make great pets. I've had some really rowdy boys at some of our parties and farm tours, who are settled by cuddling a guinea pig. They will sit for around 20mins or so with a guinea pig on their laps, not moving an inch. They are much more settled  and move on to some more constructive play afterward. Of course they do need supervising when they are very young. We have some available for sale if anyone's looking for one as a Christmas present.

Rows and rows of peas and broadbeans. We grow snowpeas and shelling peas.We have started netting the stone fruit for fruit fly.

More potatoes alongside the broadbeans.

We are preparing beds for all our summer crops and they will go in in the next week or so. They have to as we are off to Italy in less than two weeks. We have one last Mums and Bubs tour (fully booked) and another farm tour left before we go. If you would like to see our Biodynamic, Permaculture garden in all it's spring bounty, we still have places available.

12 comments:

  1. Hi Kate I so wish we lived closer so we could come and visit. When we go traveling we will make sure we visit to see it all in action as we are interested in doing a CSA in NZ when we move. Hubby asked me how you collect the guinea pig manure, does in not just fall through the bottom of the cage?

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    1. Hi Fiona, It would be lovely to have you come visit one day. I wish you success in NZ. The sheltered part of the guinea pig cage has a floor in it which we cover in bedding material. This is soon covered in manure and urine which is all removed for the compost on a regular basis, once or twice a week depending on how dirty it gets.

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  2. Great to see what's happening in your garden Kate. Your broad beans are way ahead of ours, but I think hubby planted ours rather later.
    Love the idea of the guinea pigs to keep the grass down.
    Italy.....how exciting, safe travels and have a wonderful tiome.

    Clarie x

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  3. Nooooo! We are coming to Newcastle for the flotilla with the Pacific Warriors. We were hoping to visit you but you'll be in ITALY!! What bad timing. The gardens look fantastic btw. :-) have fun on your trip.

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  4. What date are you visiting Newcastle Linda. I'm so disappointed that we won't be here for a visit.

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  5. We're due there on 16th for a talk before the flotilla on 17th. We'll be driving up and haven't quit figured out when to leave. The kids are so excited! Mini holiday!

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  6. What a shame, you could have stayed with us. I'm really disappointed we a
    will miss you.

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  7. Oh dear. No point me even setting off early. You'll be so busy and excited! If I get a chance, would it be okay if I took the kids to the farm in your absence? I'd love to picture where you live. I'll have to come back and see you another time. Have a great trip!

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  8. Just to clarify, not to stay, just for a look.

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    1. Hi Linda, I think that should be Okay, just have to check with the people staying here. I think I still have your number i'll give you a call.

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