Struan Farm

Off to the Woolshed

It's been a busy past week on the farmstay front here at Struan Farm. First we had fishermen here for several nights, then four ladies from Auckland/New Plymouth for a girls' getaway.

I'd mentioned that country/folk singer Mel Parsons' Woolshed Tour was on in the Raupuha Woolshed down in nearby Mahoenui the night they were planning to be here, so they bought tickets online for the event. John and I ended up driving them along and also attending. It was a fun evening, with a great turnout. Think they managed to sell out, with 150+ people crammed into the shed. The second act was a comedic duo called "Sons of a Bitch," two women who performed some serious farm dog humour. A BBQ fundraiser was held to benefit the Mahoenui Hall beforehand, serving up delicious gourmet burgers and lamb wraps.

John remembers going to country dances in woolsheds as an adolescent, so this brought back some memories of the boys all clustering on one end of the shed, girls on the other. It was a first for me, glad we were able to go to what was a rather special type of rural event.

Turns out the ladies were big fans of Mel. They sat up in the front row and managed to pull off a good photo op following the show. The tour continues to twelve more locations around the North Island, see the website on the link above. 

 

 

Poppies Popping Too

The poppies that self seed in the gardens here at Struan Farm are starting their annual show.

The green ones are quite sculptural, don't you think?

I love to use the seed pods that remain after the blossoms are finished in flower arrangements. Of course I try to remember to put them back in the gardens afterward to regenerate flowers for next year. 

 

Aches & Pains

A few days ago I asked John if he had many days when he wasn't suffering from some sort of ache or pain. Turns out he doesn't have any, and neither do I. Backs, hips, legs, necks, hands, something hurts pretty much all the time. We both seem to be ageing. But I'm struck by the fact that you don't really hear people talk about it involving aches and pains all that much. They talk mostly about grey hair and wrinkles, appearances. Staunch, stoic, stiff upper lip I guess. Nobody likes a moaner or a grump.

It used to be that that I could dig into a major project or play sport, be sore the next day, and recover. That last step just doesn't happen now. Getting out of bed in the morning is a an internal negotiation, even if I do know that the hot shower and a good coffee really do make things better.

Recently I've been suffering some side effects from the surgery I had last year, most likely from the radiation. I went and had a scan and examination to make sure it wasn't anything "sinister." Fortunately it wasn't. But it seems that I'm needing to accept discomfort for as long as it takes for the situation to heal. I didn't get any assurances on when that might be. In fact, I'm convinced they didn't know.

I used to think that modern medical science could help most conditions. I'm now realising that practically that's not the case. People live with aches, pains and discomfort. You don't always have a choice. And it's not something people talk about much.

For me it's time to start meditating and doing restorative yoga again, that should help. But I'm telling you, aches and pains are out there lurking around every corner. So be kind to one another--that grumpy old lady could be me, or you!

 

Settling In

It's been interesting for me to learn about how long it really takes to establish new flower gardens over the past two-three years here at Struan Farm. The Homestead gardens are well established, were planted and loved by John's parents for sixty+ years before us. But we built our new house in a part of the farm that was paddock previously. So all of the lawns and gardens were literally "greenfield."

Since we knew where the house site was long before we built, we were able to plant some fruit trees. Several of the older plum trees got wiped out when we had to fell trees for the power lines, I was told "these things happen." But at least some of the trees had a decent head start.

Sister-in-law Anna cracked in to help me plant that first big flower garden bed that first winter. We chose lots of flowering shrubs, the old fashioned types I love, that should prove lower maintenance over the years. I've filled the gaps in with flowers, perennials and annuals, also splitting things like dahlias from the Homestead gardens and moving some up to the new house. Growing plants from cuttings is easy too.

Three years on, this is the first spring most of these flowering shrubs are looking settled.

We've got a number of different "cercis" trees planted around the front lawn, sometimes they're called "Judas trees." I love the heart-shaped burgundy leaves on this one!

So everybody seems to be settling in for the long haul, John and me included. 

Tomato Town

Yep, I've gone to town once again on the heirloom tomato front here at Struan Farm. I've planted 40 or so seedlings out over the weekend in beds and pots.

The varieties include: Oxheart (King's Seeds and Bristols), Bristol Mexican Pink, Mr.V's Pink, Bristol Russian Hat, KB's Big Round Red, Pear Shaped and Big Red Cherry, and Ivanica's Pink. The "KB" varieties are those last year that I didn't keep track of properly, but the ones I really liked. I haven't planted either Black Cherry or Black Krim this year. I may regret not having the former.

Nephew Mike has carted up some buckets of sand from the river which I've used to make rings around each plant to deter the snails and slugs. I've also twisted a thin copper wire around each to help combat fungus (this may be voodoo science, but I did it last year and didn't have any problems). A good dump of tomato food plus a stake in waiting for each and the job was done.

Since this is the year I'm meant to be keeping track of varieties properly, on the advice of my tomato mentor "Mr. V" I've made roughly sketched maps of which varieties are planted where. (Of course I made a little tomato collage around the edge of my main bed map.)

Upon seeing this John accused me of being "childlike" in my enthusiasms, something that is okay by me!

 

All of a Sudden

It seems I've been working with head down, bum up, and haven't been paying much attention to my surroundings. All of a sudden everything is blooming in the gardens here at Struan Farm.

We've had our first irises, the lilac is out along with the wisteria, rhodos and azaleas. The hydrangeas and roses aren't too far away either, and I think the poppies are about to pop.

Enjoy!

 

Labour Weekend Labours

It's the long holiday Labour Weekend here in New Zealand. Traditionally this is the weekend everyone cracks into planting their veggie gardens, especially tomatoes, since the risk of frost is meant to be past in the colder parts of the country.

Here at Struan Farm I cheated just a wee bit. I got started planting out my tomato seedlings on Friday. The weather has been sunny and warm, just perfect. Normally it rains Labour Weekend, so this was a pleasant surprise.

As you might expect, tomatoes do once again dominate the veggie landscape, even if they are technically a fruit. I've planted out 37 heirloom tomato seedlings (more on those in due course), beans, zucchini, pumpkin, spring onion, beets, carrots (yellow and purple), chiles, lettuces and mesclun, italian parsley, coriander, basil, dill and chives.

Where I planted potatoes last year I've planted out corn and a mix of edible flower seeds (viola, nasturtium, borage, calendula, cornflower). This is after I "cleansed" the soil by planting a green manure crop over the winter. Potatoes can do weird things to the soil.

I've also planted out some bergamot bee balm and hyssop seedings. The pumpkins have gone in their separate patch near the compost bins. After all this John and I had a discussion about what else, if anything, we should be planting. We love kale, cauliflower and broccoli, but the white butterflies and caterpillars are so bad that they are a waste of time (plus I hate coating things with derris dust, not sure about that). I may try some capsicum/bell peppers, and possibly also Japanese eggplant, which would be good on the grill. Maybe some day we will put in a separate bed of asparagus, but that's down the line.

So we've been busy on the veggie front here at Struan Farm! 

My Problem Multiplies

Remember the rabbit on the front lawn here at Struan Farm? Well, now there are two!

At least they are staying away from Linda's ranunculus.

Mme. Leonie Makes Her Entrance

It was fantastic to see Struan Farm's old fashioned rambling rose "Souvenir de Madame Leonie Viennot" come into flower just a few days ago down at the Homestead. I'm training her to grow across the top at one end of the pergola. She must be keen about that, since she's quite early this year!

 

For years everyone called this rose "Roma's Rose," since it came to the Robertson family via a cutting from friend Roma Ronaldson. Christine Nelson, another family friend, eventually helped me with the proper i.d. The Auckland Botanic Garden mentions that it's also called "the dunny rose," since the rose was often planted around or on top of long drop toilets, either to hide them or to mask their odours.

No odours to hide at Struan Farm, I promise!

A Cluster of Candied Carrot Curls

Visiting daughter Sarah requested a carrot cake for her early birthday celebration last week here at Struan Farm. So once again I whipped out my Barefoot Contessa carrot cake recipe, along with The Free Range Cook's cream cheese icing. The latter I jazzed up with Fresh As freeze dried passionfruit powder. The flavour is amazing, and it cuts all that rich sweetness.

Once again we also went "naked" with the cake, and I needed to come up with something for decoration on the top. I thought about doing crumbled walnuts in a ring around the edge again, but instead decided to experiment with "Candied Carrot Curls," both for colour and taste.

These are worth a try. Wide carrot peels are cooked in a sugar syrup, drained, and baked at a low temperature for a period of time. After that they are rolled around the end of a wooden spoon, and put back into the oven until crisp. While these worked, next time I would use larger carrots than I had on hand to achieve more of a corkscrew or spiral. But they tasted great and were fun! Depending on how long they are baked, they can be somewhat like a fruit leather....

It All Happens in Piopio....

Last Friday night a fundraiser was held in Piopio to benefit Project Piopio Trust, a community trust that does lots of good works and beautification projects around our village. NZ chef, restauranteur, author, and all-around-nice guy Al Brown came to town with his brother to speak to a group of about 200 guests. Piopio's Fat Pigeon Cafe catered drinks and nibbles. It was a fun, successful evening.

Of course I managed to score one of his cookbooks:

And p.s. guess where he stayed?!

He's promised to come back. Fingers crossed!

Violet Meets the Lambs

New(ish) granddaughter Violet came to Struan Farm for the first time last week, all the way from the U.K. We've decided she's a country girl, she loves the animals and space to crawl around everywhere! She had solid sleeps in the peaceful Cottage, along with mum and Uncle D.

p.s. the pet lambs behaved themselves, even Rosie!

In Celebration of Linda

Last autumn I was inspired to plant ranunculus in the gardens here at Struan Farm after seeing a beautiful spring bouquet a friend had received from her husband. Sadly, this friend passed away a few weeks ago after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Today is her memorial service overseas. Coincidentally, the flowers, which have had their battles with rabbits, are now starting to bloom. The rabbits are now letting them be. In fact, it looks like they've left the red and bright pink ones, and eaten the yellow, orange and white. Fair enough, thank you (for once) rabbits.

In celebration of your spirit and memory, Linda Koury Ducruet. You are loved, were full of laughter and light, and will be greatly missed.

 

Midweek Flowers

We've had a few family dinners at Struan Farm this week with daughter Sarah visiting from the UK with new(ish) granddaughter Violet. Luckily, I have gotten my mojo back on flower arrangements with more variety on offer in the gardens. As well as some flowers, there are lots of buds and shoots/sprigs to play around with.

Late(r) Bloomers

Right now the later flowering fruit trees in our orchards here at Struan Farm are starting to bloom. The biggest news this year is that our pear trees are flowering for the first time, hooray! Baby steps, I know..

Here's Monty's Surprise (apple):

Giant of Gascony (quince):

Nashi Dual: Nijiseki/Hosui (not sure which half though!):

And last but not least, our pear in flower. It's either Doyenne comice or Winter Nellis, I've forgetten which one is planted where!

Peasgood Nonsuch and Initial apples have yet to start flowering, I've got my eye on them. Our five new Luisa plum trees finished flowering last week, so they're settling in well.

More Cuddles Caught

I've decided that pet lamb Curly is quite the cuddler, at least with the rest of his adopted pet lamb family here at Struan Farm. Definitely not with me! I caught him cuddling with Tootsie out the bedroom window. Tootsie was absolutely zonked out, sound asleep, with Curly watching over her.

Pretty cute, eh? Yet another reason pet lambs are called "time wasters," it's so much fun to watch them....

In the Pink

We have a huge, old clematis vine that grows atop one of the dogwood trees in the Homestead gardens here at Struan Farm. And right now it's blooming, beautifully. It's so high up in the tree that you could almost overlook it, it's easier seen from a distance. This year one of the flowering vines is dangling down, so I've been able to see (and photograph) the delicate pink blossoms close up for the first time. 

AWOL

I was up early a few days ago here at Struan Farm and opened the bedroom window to say good morning to the pet lambs. It turned out that only Cookie and Buster, the two older lambs, were at the back gate waiting patiently  for their morning bottles. Curly and Tootsie were nowhere to be seen, or heard, after I called out for them. Usually if they're in the vicinity I can hear "baas" and they can hear me to know to come home.

Suffice it to say that the pets have started to wander from their home base of the back gate, exploring further afield around the farm.

This particular morning it was raining and I was concerned. The gates between the paddocks around the property were open, so they could have wandered off anywhere during the night and gotten stuck. Cookie and Buster are starting to eat grass and are bigger and stronger. But Tootsie in particular is still quite little. 

And so I hurried to dress, made up bottles, and donned rain gear and gumboots. (Note: no time for coffee.) By the time I got out to the back gate everyone had arrived and was ready for a feed. The two little wanderers got a lecture from me about the need to "baa" back when I call out. They tell me that they've read the memo now and will try to improve. The next night Tootsie wandered off, so I had her read the memo again. 

Yesterday morning the rain was going sideways and the winds whipping the trees. There were no lambs to be seen or heard, anywhere. I called out, and debated whether or not to go out and try to find them. This time I wasn't quite so worried, I had my coffee first. They are big enough now that they won't starve if they miss a feed. 

Guess what?

 

They all turned up! Everyone now knows the drill. (See Tootsie scrunched below Buster and Cookie, peering through the fence.)

 

 

 

 

One of My Problems

I know the rabbits are winning right now, but they're starting to get a bit brazen. Case in point:

Pride goeth before a fall? They've eaten my sage, delphiniums, ranunculus, etc. THIS MEANS WAR!

The Tomato Patch, Continued

There's an area next to John's workshop at Struan Farm that has been a landscaping project yet-to-happen for several years now. We couldn't decide whether to make this area garden or lawn, plus we had too many other projects related to the new house. The area became part of "Veggie World" officially last summer, with corn and tomatoes planted in abundance. It worked so well that we transplanted the weeping copper beech tree planted in the middle of the bed to another garden. This spot was clearly meant to be a vegetable bed, it had spoken.

Discussions ensued, designs were considered. I didn't want a messy jungle right outside the front door. We decided upon a raised bed similar to the retaining wall running down the driveway. Since the walls of the bed are made of treated wood, it's been lined with plastic sheeting on the inside. (A concession to Karen who doesn't want arsenic leaching into her tomatoes.) Steps were constructed at one end to allow the gardener easier access, she isn't getting any younger. The walls are high enough to deter the dog from galloping through, also to keep rabbits out. 

 

So we're getting there. The bed has now been filled partially with compost and soil dug from our burn piles, which has ash and organic matter. I will plant the tomatoes this season as it is. After veggie season we'll add more soil, mulch and compost to top things up.

"Project completion" then involves a recycled brick path down the middle, a trellis, and perhaps a grapevine. That's the vision at this stage!