We are well past the solstice and into the heart of winter but it does not feel like it. This has been the warmest first half-year ever recorded in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Muscovy ducks are very confused by the weather and hatching lots of ducklings. After an April frost, they thing it’s been spring for the last 2 months.

We have 29 from two clutches and another that will hatch out any day.

The agapanthus is also confused. It is normally a summer flowering plant but this one bloomed this week.

At least the tagasaste knows what time of year it is. It makes great mid-winter bee fodder as well as fulfilling other important roles.

Speaking of important roles, these poplar poles will help stabilise the steep slopes on our farm. They are provided by Horizons Regional Council, which does a fantastic job of supporting rural land owners who want to follow best practice for land management.

The poles are soaked for a week before planting. This is one small pond we dug last year behind a swale.

Here is another pond recently completed. It is fenced to keep out children and goats.

For the most part the goats prefer dry areas to wet areas anyway. These are eating prunings from olive trees – their Mediterranean diet.

Lambing is also underway.

And, of course, the World’s Best Garlic.

 

Never a dull moment – even in the heart of winter.

 

Peace, Estwing