I couldn't decide between the two options above. The first means "going crazy," while the second means "being keen" about something. Suffice it to say that at times both apply here in Piopio at Struan Farm!
You will (of course) remember John's "Next Big Thing," the massive area of scrubby paddock that is being fenced off from stock to plant for an extended native bush reserve. The one that runs along the stream down to the Mangaotaki River from one of our existing QEII protected bush reserves. Well, progress has not been exactly rapid on this little project, the weeks of rain this winter have not helped. The fencing constructed hasn't proven to be sheep proof, we've watched lambs hurdle the fencing and jump big limestone rocks to get into the area, much to John's dismay. Weed control hasn't commenced either, something that needs to be done before any trees get planted, let alone a thousand or so. So considerably more groundwork is needed on a number of fronts.
John has been stressing out about all this, since we have a narrow seasonal window in which to plant. This weekend reality collided with enthusiasm, and an executive decision was made to grow on the native trees purchased thus far for another year, repotting them all.
You know who is jumping into this fray, right? I'm learning all about PB3 bags vs PB5 vs. PB whatever. I've already done some flax and some kahikateas to warm up for the main act, although the work may very well get done in instalments given everything else I've got going on.
I've set up a staging area with a wooden bench near our mountain of potting soil. It's actually quite easy, relaxing work relative to the weeding I've been doing lately, good to have a change of pace. And I swear the plants seem to perk up noticeably after being put into a larger bag with fresh soil and a good water!
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