It seemed like such a good idea at the end of last season to grow cover crops on the beds as they came empty, with little thought to my spring self. So what if they add so much value to the soil, to replace lost nutrients, add much needed organic matter and even, it is said, do special jobs like lupin adding extra nitrogen or … Continue reading Covering it up
Well except the cold, the wind, the rain, non-gardening work and feelings of fatigue after doing too much in a time of pleasant conditions. I’m beginning to think I’m getting a bit soft. I have memories of seasons years ago when I would have pushed through on a cold day with gloves, a beanie and oodles of good intentions. I got stuff done. But in … Continue reading Nothing stands in the way of progress
Last week was very exciting for me. Even more exciting than sowing seeds, and that is a big call because sowing seeds is one of the highlights of spring. There is something almost magical in taking inert bits that parted company from the parent plant a long time ago – for some seeds that could be years ago and plunge them into moist warm soil … Continue reading Let’s shelve that idea
I no longer feel panicked and the season can finally start. I know I said it wasn’t a race and I had ages, but that seed sowing window was wide open and was calling me to climb through it. So I found a window of time, grabbed my seed packets and set about sowing seeds. I didn’t get them all done – just the vegies. … Continue reading Let’s get this season started
It certainly feels like it. Spring is four days old and I’ve done nothing about it. I just want to shake myself – ‘do you not realise it is spring – the season of seasons, the one you long for all year, the chance to sow all the seeds with wild abandon, with no guilt of going too early?’ Seriously – I need to give … Continue reading I’m Late, I’m Late
It is all go in the garden and we approach the summer. Most of my seeds have been sown and there are some that still need to be done. I’ve tried to stick with the plan, so I have all that we need to last the year. With our needs taken care of I can start to think of the needs of others in a … Continue reading Sowing Plants for Monarch Butterflies
Finally – I’m in. There are seedlings in there. It isn’t quite finished as we are still waiting for the glass to arrive, but it is coming on a slow boat from China and I’m ok with that as it is the best option for my back pocket! Knowing there was a bit of a wait, and my seedlings were beginning to overstay their welcome … Continue reading The Story of the Dome
I wonder if you know how it feels… You make grand plans for something and completely over estimate your capabilities. But through sheer tenacity manage to make some kind of dent what needs to be done. I feel a little like this now, but I think now we are in the throes of spring and the workload increases on top of the commitments, responsibilities and … Continue reading In a season of busy
It has been a busy week, but unfortunately not out in the garden. I have been hard at work on my computer, working on exciting projects there, or staring out the window at weather that clearly shows my hardiness as a gardener. It would seem I’ve gone a bit soft and freezing winds blasting straight up from the ocean, laced with sand it picked up … Continue reading Weed or wildflower?
I have to say in this fine country we are completely blessed with people full of passion and added to that exceptional resources, which have come together to make the kiwi gardening experience what it is – something amazing. Many of our established garden brands are built on such vision and invention and to be honest as a humble gardener I don’t think we fully … Continue reading A proud history
