Author Archives: kathy

precious Pinot

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Last summer, a conversation over lunch with a friend revealed her desire to establish a micro-vineyard. However, finding the right parcel of land was proving difficult, at which point we offered a few options on our property. The area designated as ‘orchard’ when we moved here has, over the years, seen the demise of the aged fruit trees and we had intended moving the remaining plants. This plot was deemed perfect for the project. Posts were added to our already existing few just before the new year

and support wires were strung soon after.

The vines were secured within the veggie enclosure through summer

until ready for planting in autumn.

Each vine was trimmed to the first two or three buds

while Michael took up the auger and embraced the arduous task of hole digging.

Each plant was placed into the precisely drilled holes, backfilled and watered

until 158 vines nestled in their new home.

Tree guards would protect the youngsters through the winter months and stave off attacks by marauding wildlife.

There was nothing left to do but wait and let nature work her magic. Seven months later, they are thriving, safe from the dreaded spring winds within their corflute cocoons.

There are two rows of Pinot Gris and the rest are Pinot Noir, a few years away from the bottle yet but an exciting journey lies ahead.

Wacky Stays

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I’ve always wanted to stay in a yurt and the opportunity to realise my dream arose in Kaikoura. I  stumbled upon Wacky Stays when searching for accommodation and, though tempted by the other five unique offerings on the property, I snapped up the yurt. It was obvious on arrival at the farm that this was going to be a memorable stay.

Our friendly host, Kevin, greeted us and showed us to our comfy nook and adjacent private bathroom.

The seven-metre Mongolian yurt was spacious and comfortable and could easily house a family.

The bathroom and fully-equipped outdoor kitchen had all we could need.

Each afternoon, guests are invited to join in the hand-feeding of the farm animals. Of course, we couldn’t resist that.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to experience a llama trek but it would have been amazing to enjoy a walk with these majestic creatures.

The pigs were very entertaining

while the ducks and sheep had a little more decorum.

After finishing off the greens, some filled up on hay,

others preferred a snooze.

I’m pleased we had our own bathroom.

Our nearest neighbour was a 1940’s Bedford K series truck that has been converted to a Gypsy Caravan. There is a double bed above the driver’s cab, kitchen, lounge (with flat-screen TV) and onboard bathroom facilities.

On the far side of the truck, the restored Train Carriage, crafted from hardwood in 1889, has two bedrooms and everything needed for a self-catering holiday.

In a more secluded spot, the Colonial Wagon is perfect for a romantic getaway, with a super-king bed, cosy lounge area and outdoor kitchen.

A sleepout with two bunk beds provides combined accommodation for up to four guests.

Panoramic views of Mount Fyffe can be enjoyed from the outdoor bath.

There is also a lovingly restored Farmers Cottage and seven-metre wide Teepee on the property, perhaps we will investigate next time. Kaikoura is well known for its delectable fish’n’chips and we indulged, take-away style, with a bottle of Marlborough Pinot Gris to commiserate our wonderful holiday coming to an end.

The next day, early morning rays of Sol highlighted our peaceful surroundings

as our toast went up in flames due to an unforeseen gas leak. A fitting end to the aforementioned memorable stay.

grand greenhouse

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Although our veggie patch is prolific through summer, it tends to be somewhat limited once the colder months descend. After much contemplation, we took the plunge and ordered a greenhouse last February.

We chose a site adjacent to the vegetable enclosure with the potting shed and running water close by.

We have found that self-build is not always the easy option, with dubious instructions and missing pieces and so, we relied on those with prior experience. Even so, it took a little longer than the one day allocated to finish but the result was worth it.

We brought in a couple of scoops of earth for the base followed by a layer of blue metal to assist with drainage and a topping of mulch that can be watered down to increase humidity.

Michael constructed a staging shelf out of reclaimed timbers

and we bought raised beds to fill the rest of the space. Once we realised how high the temperature reaches, we installed a sunshade on the northern side.

A temporary trestle provided the perfect environment to cure the butternuts in May. I then store them on a shelf high in the  potting shed where they last for a good six months.

To help with temperature control, we added louvres to one of the panels and Michael cunningly created a screen to keep out creepy crawlies and resident reptiles.

Being in the apprentice stage of greenhouse gardening, we weren’t sure which plants would be successful. We started with brassicas, beetroot, carrot, onion, capsicum, butternut and bush bean.

The first broccoli was very impressive and, three months on, we are still harvesting smaller florets.

The capsicum are thriving but yet to bear fruit.

The bush bean and butternut are happy companions, we have harvested some beans but will have to be patient for the butternuts.

We have a plethora of seedlings ready to plant in another week or so, once the night time temperatures are a little more moderate.

My first attempt at striking Grevilleas from cuttings seems to be successful,

and after many months of coddling, the avocado stones have finally sprouted.

Michael has turned on the tap of creative juices once again and presented me with a stylish trug to collect the harvest

as well as a bespoke egg collecting box (the girls are giving us 5 to 6 eggs a day).

Of course, I needed a keyring befitting a fine greenhouse.

The Store

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We were looking forward to exploring Marlborough wine country on our way to Blenheim but, sadly, early morning is not the time for winery visits. We indulged instead in a leisurely coffee and cake stop somewhere amidst the eye popping countryside. Another hour down the road, we came across The Store at Kēkerengū, perfect timing for lunch.

First established in 1994 as a tearooms and garage, The Store was transformed twenty years ago into the restaurant, café and gift shop it is today. There are options for indoor and outdoor dining

and a stroll around the grounds revealed a thriving kitchen garden.

Despite the overcast skies, we opted for a seat in the fresh air at the top of the stairs,

with a front row view of the Pacific Ocean and resident seals preening on the sand.

Beachfront campsites are available with mountain views and secluded bays from which to enjoy East Coast sunrises.

Tempting though it was to partake in a stroll along the beach

or a short post-prandial nap,

it was time to continue the journey to our next destination, Kaikōura.

renewable rain

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There is a belief that it rains all the time in Tasmania. This is a myth. We have four distinct seasons and hot, dry summers just like any other city on the 41st parallel (Rome, for example). Our rural paradise is reliant on rain for water supply, although we have a spring fed dam that services the garden. We soon realised the original 13,500 litre tank would not suffice and replaced it with a 15,000 litre

and two 10,000 litre tanks cunningly concealed between two sheds.

Last summer was particularly dry and the tank levels were worryingly low (we actually had to buy water to fill the tanks in 2020). We decided to add another 15,000 litre tank to the arsenal before the winter rains. After receiving two very prompt quotes, we set about preparing the base. As the tanks are linked to fill in unison, the trick was to have the level precise so all would reach capacity together. We started with a frame

and filled it with earth.

In came a couple of cubic metres of crusher dust

followed by a trip to the hire shop for some fun with a wacker packer.

We filled and packed in increments, making sure the base was level after each addition.

Of course, Poppy was on hand to oversee the project.

A soaking to settle the dust

and we covered our masterpiece to protect it from tree detritus and big-footed nocturnal creatures.

I would like to point out that I did participate in the physical labour, not just lounge around drinking beer and taking photos. Two weeks later, our tank arrived right on schedule.

Fortunately, the driver had access to a paddock for a very proficient three-point turn of the 19 metre truck and trailer.

He parked alongside the prepared base

and assured us it would just take a push to land it in place.

He was right!

Some minor manhandling positioned it perfectly.

The driver went on his way to the next delivery

and, with strong winds forecast, we took the precaution of securing the tank with ropes.

A few days later, the plumber completed the installation

and we are now confident that 50,000 litres will see us through summer.

I can’t recommend Orion Tanks highly enough. From the timely response to my initial enquiry through the website to the seamless delivery that went without a hitch. The driver was amazing, very professional and instilled great confidence and ability. If you’re in the market for a rainwater tank, be sure to contact Orion.