Struan Farm

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Remember the new little bare root Initial apple tree I planted and staked at Struan Farm about two weeks ago? Well, it was dug up by John this week so Aaron could grade around the water tank and workshop area with his bobcat, filling in with topsoil. 

I've come to accept these things. The tree has now been replanted and we'll move on. At least it wasn't destroyed, and I was advised in advance. Plus, we also planted a new Nashi, a dual Nijiseki/Hosui, and a Blackboy Peach in the regraded area.

 

Progress in many respects.

Mixing It Up

I've been working over the past few years to increase the different types of hellebores around the gardens at Struan Farm.

Seems I'm succeeding!

 

Make Your Own Firestarters

Hmm, seems to be a fire-themed week thus far, not sure why.

Friend Heather Cole of Country Trading writes the monthly Nelson regional column in NZ Gardener magazine. This month she was into coppicing and pollarding, not sure how much of that we'll have time to do at Struan Farm, but she also wrote about making firestarters out of dead and fallen leaves from cabbage trees. These otherwise go utilised.

John had mentioned awhile ago that Daniel's partner Clare was also doing this, and they worked really well.

And so off I went, down to the pond, where we have several cabbage trees.

 

There were heaps of dead leaves. I folded them in thirds, then used a leaf to wrap the bundle. Very easy.

 

And guess what? They work really well. So in this world of declining newsprint this is great news.

 

 

 

Future Firewood

We've been busy at Struan Farm! John and Mike felled two trees. One was a gum, the second a lawsoniana (and yes, I had to look up how to spell the latter...). Mike managed the clean up and related firewood work.

We've now got a good start on next year's firewood.

 

The Pet Palace 2015

Okay, I confess. I'm a bit over eager for pet lambs this year. The lambs are due to start dropping in the next week or so at Struan Farm, and it's my favourite time of the year. I love having them frolicking around the paddocks.

And while I don't want any ewes to get into trouble with birthing, if they do I'm standing by. I'll be ready to scoop up any lambs needing bottle feeding. I've been pestering John to help me set up a pen in the backyard so we're ready, and this weekend we did just that. 

 

Okay pets, we're ready!

 

Piopio's Replica Schoolbus Project

Did you know that Piopio was the first school and community in all of New Zealand to have a school bus service?

I discovered this for the first time myself exploring the online archives at the National Library, where I came across the following photo, now framed and on the wall in the Cottage at Struan Farm. It was meant to have been taken somewhere in Paemako, not far from where we are.

   

Recently the Piopio College Trust initiated the "1924 School Bus Project," the objective of which is to build a roadworthy replica of the first school bus that ran to Piopio District High School in 1924. A 1921 Model T truck has been acquired, upon which a passenger compartment will be constructed. Once completed, the bus will be housed in a secure display in Piopio, to be liberated onto the road to carry passengers on special occasions.

The NZ Ministry of Eduction has contributed to the fundraising efforts by making an initial donation, but private fundraising efforts continue to obtain sufficient funds for the costs of the vehicle purchase, construction, garage, etc.

If you'd like to contribute to this fantastic local cause, please contact the Piopio College Trust (or me and I will get details for you).