It's been nearly a year since we moved into our little farm at Berry, on the South Coast of NSW! It has been a challenging year for both Sarah and myself, but a year that we have thoroughly enjoyed. We still turn into our driveway, turn to each other and say "can't believe we live here!" The property needed a bit of TLC and some changes to make it productive - one of our goals is to be as self sufficient as possible. The gardens here are extensive, but some of it is high-maintenance. I’ve spent the year slowly transitioning sections to be more in line with our goals - roses replaced by native plants; jasmine making way for passionfruit and twin grafted espaliered apple; in the citrus grove I’ve added Maggie the Mango, as well as Agnetha and Anni-Frid Avocados and Lydia the Lime … all growing well! Our "farm dog" Tilly has been a constant support in all our endeavours! There was an old chicken coup that Mitchell and I spent a few w/e’s extending and fortifying - we don’t want any nasties to get to my girls! We now have a steady supply of eggs from Palmy, Schnitty, Cacciatore and Tandoori - although I suspect Schnitty is a bit of a metro-sexual and may end up on the BBQ for Australia day! After 12 months of ‘planning’, Mitchell and I have finally made a start on the veggie garden. I’ve set aside and cleared around 150 sqm for the garden, which will consist of large raised beds, and irrigation system, compost bins and perhaps a hot house. I’m keen to grow some high quality produce and sell in the local produce market, as well as supply some of the local restaurants … time will tell if that is feasible. There have been a few changes with the equines - the beautiful Sienna has been re-homed so lovely property near Goulburn with over 40 acres to explore. We were excited to have Popeye with us for a trial period. He was a classically trained trotter, very gentle, but like me lacked a little pace. Our current herd consists of Molly the Miniature, Patrick a Welsh pony, Leila a thoroughbred, and Shaster, our original horse, a rescued baby brumby who is not so much a baby anymore. Sarah has been spending a lot of time with him, slowly getting him used to things and actually was able to sit on him last week. She is following the practice of Carlos Tabernaberri from Whispering Acres, who starts, trains and rehabilitates horses the gentle way, establishing cooperation through clear communication, understanding and trust to ensure improved performance and versatility, regardless of your preferred discipline. Sarah has attended a couple of his workshops (so has Shaster!) and been very impressed with the approach taken by Carlos.
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Craig here ...Hi - I'm Craig, the loving and supporting husband to the lovely Sarah :) Archives
October 2019
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