tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33758877939852805002012-02-15T14:52:48.255+02:00Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.comBlogger2371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-2302601192361999232012-02-14T07:19:00.000+02:002012-02-14T07:19:00.673+02:00

Whilst we had that handy digger loader at the farm last year, I started the groundwork (LOL) for a future plan. And that plan is an underground cellar!  Why cellars are not a standard feature in this country I have no idea.  Especially given that the original emigrants to this country were mainly from Europe.  If this cellar has a suitable temperature, I plan on storing excess harvests in this

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-82015168630707072032012-02-10T07:25:00.003+02:002012-02-10T07:58:07.332+02:00

On those stifling days on the farm, when it is just too hot to work outside, I have to keep busy - well, after the snooze LOL I don't have my pewter hobby bits and pieces at the farm yet, so I had to find something else to do.  This is one of the things that (albeit briefly) kept me busy. I had a craving for some sprouts, but my sprouting tower was at the town house.  No matter - I grabbed the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-22178670539569345182012-02-08T07:07:00.001+02:002012-02-08T07:07:32.205+02:00

I spent some time on Monday night thinking about your replies and about having to possibly get permission / a licence to grow vegetables for our personal use if our government follows the trend in the US and NZ.  Then I got sneaky and thought - hmm, perhaps I might have to "hide" my vegetables amongst normal plantings - more like a forest garden, so to speak.  And, if it came to that, what would

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-37605925053464850632012-02-06T11:00:00.000+02:002012-02-06T11:10:47.710+02:00

Governments, world-wide, seem to be scraping the bottom of the barrel in order to squeeze every last drop of revenue out of us. On Saturday the following posting from Green Flavour appeared on my dashboard : "A New Zealand Government Bill which may be enacted in the near future turns the human right to grow food and share it, into a government authorised privilege that can b summarily revoked.

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-12887231534667757422012-02-04T08:58:00.000+02:002012-02-04T10:09:46.003+02:00

In October last year I wrote about trying out a straw bale method of gardening in my town garden.  The neighbours border trees were positively shooting out roots into, and dramatically invading, my shadecloth veggie bed - they obviously loved the water I was providing to the beach sand garden I'm trying to grow veggies in. Well, as promised, here is a report back. When we returned from the farm

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-38411146352040147332012-02-04T08:36:00.000+02:002012-02-04T08:36:52.708+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Linda of Lindercroft blog from northern California. Linda is a gardener who is growing her vegetables in double dug beds, which are turned by hand.  She also has an interesting solution to utilize "soft" sourdough. Linda, I reply to all comments (even those placed on old postings), but given

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-90186780925890092072012-02-03T07:41:00.002+02:002012-02-03T07:41:59.190+02:00

You may of heard about Whissons Windmill?  It was invented in 2007, but as yet appears to have got no further off the ground.   Here is the latest invention which won the £10 000 the prize at the 2011 James Dyson Awards.  It is called the Airdrop. Both work on the principle of drawing water from the air Click here to watch this video Or here for this one... The principle of this

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-49800812592971617092012-02-02T09:15:00.001+02:002012-02-02T12:31:48.847+02:00

1st Man of Two Men and a Little Farm - thank you for nominating me with this award.  I'm honoured to receive it, and that you gave it to me. Here are the rules of the prize. 1  Thank the person who gave you this award. 2  Include a link to their blog. 3  Select bloggers / blogs that you've recently discovered and nominate them for this award. 4  Finally, tell the person who nominated

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-86557183303110424662012-02-02T07:44:00.000+02:002012-02-02T07:44:53.431+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Peggy of Hidden Haven Homestead Too.  I'm not too sure where in the US of A Peggy lives, but she hankers to return to the NC mountains :) Peggy is mother to three daughters who sprouted their wings and live 6 hours away.  She is also a grandmother of 4 grandkids and 2 foster grandkids, and

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-34723922786842864112012-02-01T07:41:00.001+02:002012-02-01T19:15:54.443+02:00

I planted five or six pumpkin plants in my town garden this year. A couple were planted in a straw bale - my three week absence (a.k.a. lack of water) took care of those. And I planted one in neat compost in a deep pot - right next to a sprinkler head LOL. (the little "wall" constructed behind the plant catches the water from the sprinkler and drops it into the pot - works perfectly :)  RMan

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-16970125978287671822012-01-31T09:40:00.002+02:002012-02-01T06:56:54.501+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Gill of That British Woman blog from southern Ontario in Canada. Gill is originally from Britain (duh LOL), and has settled in Canada - but she remains a royalist through and through.  Her blog is about how she is cutting their living costs, as well as the ups and downs of adapting to living

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-76211021088878174822012-01-30T08:12:00.001+02:002012-01-30T08:12:22.593+02:00

I'm terribly confused. A good percentage of the overseas blogs (in US of A) I follow are all talking about going through, and ordering from, seed catalogues. Now, I've been growing vegetables seriously for the past 3 - 4 years, and the only seeds I ordered last year were my first ever planting of broad (fava) beans, heirloom tomato seeds and the Franchi Sementi purple and yellow beans.  And the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-44800403946785538792012-01-27T08:35:00.000+02:002012-01-27T08:35:09.838+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming the Small Footprints of Reduce Footprints in Ashville, North Carolina. Small Footprints profile states that she is a person who loves the earth.  Her blog site includes some very interesting vegan recipes, Meet and Greet Mondays, where she lists and links to new eco-friendly blogs she comes

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-71936694236352414362012-01-26T09:55:00.000+02:002012-01-26T09:55:28.144+02:00

I have discovered that there is a plant on the farm which I am allergic to.  After researching and walking - lots of walking (LOL), I have narrowed it down to this one. From a distance it looks like what I call a bunnytail - a soft, fluffy dried plant, freely available in this country, and which can be dyed into various colours. But, on closer inspection - both visual and physical - that is

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-66069521591601223122012-01-24T10:49:00.001+02:002012-01-24T13:15:41.137+02:00

We reckon that moving to, and living on the farm, growing whatever will grow in those conditions, will bring more peace and quiet to our lives.  Less of the rush, rush, rush, and more time to actually enjoy each day as it happens. I am looking forward to entertaining those who would like to share our experience when they have the time to pop in for a visit. But, as we discovered this past

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-30970434292745770942012-01-21T10:15:00.000+02:002012-01-21T10:15:03.054+02:00

Cleaning out cupboards towards the end of last year resulted in a bag of clothing past it's time.  Too scruffy to give away, too scruffy to wear - except for gardening.  But how many gardening outfits does one need...?  So, what to do with them? Put them on a scarecrow :)  We had the clothes, we had schlepped along a couple of bales of straw from town (out in the country now, they mainly

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-4338971192221414462012-01-21T07:12:00.002+02:002012-01-21T15:40:02.142+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming the Energiser Bunny of Barefoot Bounty in Brisbane, Australia. She is apparently called the Energiser Bunny by her husband Sean, as he is enormously frustrated by her ability to sit still.  So she takes that excess energy outside into her 5 acre garden and tries to make is as productive as she

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-52875321267451517732012-01-20T07:15:00.000+02:002012-01-20T13:50:03.920+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Michele from Mystic Mud in Tennessee. Michele, you have my complete and utter full-on support and admiration.  Living in a caravan on a mountain top, with water restrictions, and, initially, limited power, would be hard enough.  But, to do that with 10 children, ranging in age from 16 to 6

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-47992757271386446422012-01-19T09:28:00.000+02:002012-01-19T09:28:42.643+02:00

Every time we've left the farm we've had to lock everything away.  When those are small things, that's no problem.  But when it's things like a ride on lawnmower, then that presents us with a bigger hassle. And, in the case of the lawnmower, that hassle entailed the two of us somehow manoeuvring the contraption up two planks laid on the unfinished front steps so that we could "park" it in the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-47705985920389855262012-01-17T07:33:00.001+02:002012-01-17T07:33:07.030+02:00

I have some bad news I'm afraid... You remember I won some glass jars in the Sprig / Consol Glass competition back in October. Consol's new range of glass storage containers Well, I took the square set to the farm in December - I thought I'd need the food storage over the holidays, and square containers would fit perfectly in a (cooler box) fridge. I didn't use them until just after the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-25297812206402720072012-01-16T10:59:00.002+02:002012-01-16T10:59:42.980+02:00

RMan needed to do a whole bunch more mowing before the family (and their pets) arrived, to make the area safe for children and animals. Scallywag came with us for this visit - we were going to be away for too long for RSon to pop by the house, spend an hour or two and feed him.  Not being used to driving for extended periods, old Scallywag took a couple of days to acclimatize - choosing to

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-43762267331375022682012-01-15T14:28:00.003+02:002012-01-15T14:28:47.378+02:00

We experienced some very hot days on the farm in December.  Very hot days. Strangely enough though the evening were deliciously cool and comfortable. But, a couple of the days were just too hot for dogs and MKid, so they did the sensible thing. They went "swimming" in our dam. We were told that it would take 3-odd years for the sand (clay) to settle and whoever told us that was 100%

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-44648227454729761292012-01-14T09:23:00.000+02:002012-01-14T09:23:04.275+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Ron from Southern California. Ron is (to quote from his profile) " an Old retired Truck Driver", who is interested in "Old Stuff", who's favourite movies are "Old Ones", and loves (golden) "Oldies" music and who's favourite book is his "Old Bible"." His other blog can be found here - all I can say

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-20127797159779935802012-01-12T14:44:00.000+02:002012-01-12T14:44:49.349+02:00

I call them Chickpeas, but they are also called Garbanzo beans :) And, I just can't get enough of them.  I tend to listen to my body when it craves something.  There is obviously something it is short of, and the only way it can be provided is, to my mind, by giving me a craving which will satisfy that shortfall.  Lately I have been craving chickpeas. Tomato and chickpea soup.  I used raw,

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-6762093559717185412012-01-11T08:28:00.000+02:002012-01-11T08:28:54.083+02:00

It was frustrating trying to blog via my cell phone whilst we were at the farm.  The one entry I posted took me over an hour and four separate connections / attempts before my phone / laptop allowed it.  And as for commenting on those blogs that I follow - each comment was given two chances, if it failed, well, that was it.  But, rest assured, I did read your blogs :) Also, taking loads and

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-78496037677696964712012-01-10T08:16:00.000+02:002012-01-10T08:16:26.789+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Sharon from Pennsylvania. Sharon's blog is called the Fritzgeralds Family Farm.  On it she details her family's transition from world traveller with her US Air Force husband, to rural farm life, and their progress towards raising their children in a more natural environment, and living and eating

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-2712754327235554792012-01-09T15:19:00.000+02:002012-01-09T15:19:27.716+02:00

We left on Saturday 17th December at 6.00a.m.  We were going to leave on the Friday, but it was the start of a long weekend (and, in some instances [like us] the start of the Capetonians Christmas get away), so we figured that the road traffic would be heavy.  In addition we spent the entire Friday cleaning our house as we had a show day booked for Sunday 18th.  So it made complete sense to wait

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-38847461574584139542011-12-31T15:16:00.000+02:002011-12-31T15:16:10.240+02:00

I'm going to try and post this, but with numerous laptop blue screens, and my dicey, s-o-o-o-o slow, internet connection this may or may not happen... So much to tell you / share,  but it will have to wait until we return to the adsl line.  I hope that everyone had a Merry, Merry, so all that is left now is to wish you all a Happy Happy... Anticipation...MKid in front of the pomegranate tree

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-58098299113914920992011-12-15T07:56:00.000+02:002011-12-15T07:56:05.594+02:00

Due to the fact that our suppliers close their businesses for the season today (Friday 16th is a public holiday here), thus forcing us to take our yearly break as well, on Saturday morning RMan and I are escaping to the farm until round about the 7th January. This will be the first Christmas we celebrate on the farm.  NGirl, WGuy and MKid will be travelling down from Johannesburg, and hopefully

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-48343337992627487682011-12-13T08:57:00.000+02:002011-12-13T08:57:01.071+02:00

This has been a frustrating Spring / early Summer.  Seeds had to be planted over, and over, and over again.  I think I sowed bean seeds four times before I finally got some seeds to poke their inquisitive little shoots above ground. I was going nuts - I couldn't figure it out.  What was I doing wrong.  And who was causing the damage...? Finally, I caught two culprits. Firstly, I had a hadedah

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-75448377039136893532011-12-10T09:04:00.000+02:002011-12-10T09:04:02.895+02:00

I found a brilliant site which has a whole bunch of photo's with ideas for recycling - anything. These are some of the things I like :) Using pennies / cents for wall / floor decoration... I have loads of 1c and 2c coins which are no longer in circulation.  Reckon I've finally found a use for them...!  Using wooden pallets...  ... old corks...  ... jars as herb planters in a kitchen...

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-41865290673129055982011-12-09T19:31:00.000+02:002011-12-09T19:31:14.015+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Caterina Serra from Cagliari in Italy. Caterina has four blogs - the 1st deals with nature around her part of the world.  She has some stunning photo's of the Italian countryside on this blog.  The 2nd is about health, wellness and alternative medicine.  The 3rd has thought provoking images and

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-76633319031594171032011-12-08T07:46:00.000+02:002011-12-08T07:46:28.461+02:00

Okay - report back time. This Spring I tried recycling empty loo roll tubes and egg shells into seed planters. I managed to grow radish, beans, tomatoes and beetroot successfully in egg shells.   But the only thing that grew in the loo rolls was mealies (corn) I wouldn't normally try and grow corn seedlings, but, due to the fact that I wanted corn on the, farm, and our visit was

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-44421966164884930942011-12-06T10:21:00.000+02:002011-12-06T10:21:20.193+02:00

There is a history of breast cancer in the maternal side of my family.  As a result I was unable to take HRT when I experienced the menopause.  (Yes, you can heap mountains of praise on RMan - he stuck with me through my menopause and all it's nasty effects, and that can't have been easy!) I religiously take my calcium supplement to assist my bone density.  But - skin dryness - well, that's

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-15285541754908580242011-12-05T15:48:00.001+02:002011-12-05T17:26:21.831+02:00

I received an e-mail today which takes me straight back to my childhood.  I have to share it :)  It highlights what is shortchanged in my life.  I'm a grandmother - but I only have one apron. Given my useless sewing skills, I reckon I'll have to make one of Jane's :)  I reckon she has the most eco-friendly method which uses no electricity whatsoever - just what I like :) Now... all I have to find

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-4061577519564955702011-12-05T09:36:00.001+02:002011-12-05T11:03:52.192+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Rob from somewhere in the US of A. It would appear that Rob has a craft shop and offers classes in recycling - and from the few things he has displayed thus far on his blog, he is pretty inventive.  Being a huge fan of recycling anything and everything, I can't wait to see more of the work performed

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-91583754704721951472011-12-05T09:16:00.000+02:002011-12-05T09:16:14.647+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Tom from Miami in Florida. Tom is (to quote from his profile) "a former soldier; former bad guy; former hell-raiser; former rassler; fighter; trainer, coach; head cook/ chief bottle washer.  Now... not so much.  Getting older, getting slower, but always getting smarter..." Tom, I reply to all

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-72076104083712454162011-12-04T12:09:00.001+02:002011-12-04T12:37:46.714+02:00

I am very honoured and thrilled to be one of five recipients, chosen by Astra, of the Liebster award. Astra, bless you :) Liebster, according to my Collins German / English Dictionary, is a German word, meaning favourite.  The Liebster Award is a way to show big love to bloggers which currently have less than 200 followers. The rules are: 1 Thank the recipient and link back to their blog.

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-69649669081110453672011-12-03T08:54:00.000+02:002011-12-03T08:54:21.541+02:00

This is my first year growing anything but green beans. Linda, from Sought-After-Seedlings in Johannesburg supplies South Africa with Franchi Sementi seeds.  Browsing through her web page in anticipation of what I was going to plant this Spring, I came across Climbing Neckargold, a brilliant yellow bean...And, scrolling further I came across the Dwarf Purple KingI am entranced with the purple

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-36433344015568089792011-12-01T07:27:00.000+02:002011-12-01T07:27:40.539+02:00

Like many other people out there I used bicarb and vinegar for a lot of my home cleaning - most of the cleaning which takes place, in fact. So, from my wholesale supplier, I purchase bicarb in 1kg (1 lb) packs, and my vinegar in 5lt (1 gal.) containers. I find lugging those containers around a tedious addition to my daily chores, so I gave that some lateral thought. What I came up with is this.

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-47180771377119136822011-11-29T07:23:00.000+02:002011-11-29T07:23:11.245+02:00

Last Saturday was predicted to be sunny and warm, so I woke up all keen and eager to make my (belated) Solar Christmas Cakes in the solar oven.  The weather in Cape Town has not been conducive to solar oven use apart from the one hot sunny day we had a week or so ago.  A windy, cloudy and sometimes wet Spring is lingering, and summer is still hovering in the sidelines. But, on Saturday morning

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-61786261291536110502011-11-28T06:51:00.000+02:002011-11-28T06:51:36.002+02:00

This year I decided to do a different type of Advents kranz.  A kranz is a wreath in German - and at this time of year is obviously a Christmas wreath. It is, for me, symbolical of both the circle of life which begins with birth of a baby and the Crown of Thorns that was placed on Christ's head at his crucifixion.  It is an evergreen wreath and to which four candles are added.  One of the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-87185986144875366842011-11-27T08:53:00.000+02:002011-11-27T08:53:58.482+02:00

RMan spent the entire time at the farm last weekend preparing for the hot weather of summer.  I have previously mentioned that we took some recycled balustrades to the farm - for our front porch.  This is what we still have at our town house... Recycled balustrades ... and I have other plans for that LOL So, whilst I painted the balustrades which we had installed on the porch a dark green

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-10442388714140087692011-11-27T07:02:00.001+02:002011-11-27T07:12:13.188+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming John from somewhere in the United States. As John is a chef, his blog is about cooking  - and other stuff such as how to make flour from acorns and information on a link on how to make a zee pot :)  (and a warning to Jane especially.  There is a graphic photo of a deer - please look away) John, I

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-36971503529107732272011-11-26T16:19:00.000+02:002011-11-26T16:19:37.926+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Sue from Northern Michigan. Sue has two blogs - the first is a blog about life beyond gardening - a blog about stuff that keeps her awake - now that I can certainly relate to :).  I loved her posting about peeling a whole head of garlic in 10 secs.  And I love the photo's of the fall leaves and their

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-88742201396072049032011-11-25T08:16:00.001+02:002011-11-25T18:35:27.169+02:00

Yesterday, in the late afternoon RMan and I were on our way to the shops when we noticed a lot of activity on the beach. The sea is a seething mass of life - marine and human LOL  The fishermen with their net are in the right hand corner On arrival we discovered that the sardines were running in Hout Bay - something we have only seen occur two or three times since we moved here in 1994. Goose

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-52231213030345240912011-11-23T09:44:00.000+02:002011-11-23T09:44:22.573+02:00

Due to the heat we experienced I didn't get to plant all my seedlings - and not even one lemon tree.  It wouldn't have been fair to the plants.  So we schlepped all the trees back with us... And the balance of the unplanted seedlings have been left, under irrigation, in the far corner of the veggie hut, safely cocooned in the styrofoam boxes that RSon salvaged from his friend's restaurant.

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-2889140791835443012011-11-21T14:29:00.000+02:002011-11-21T14:29:51.795+02:00

Wow - talk about extremes. When we arrived on the farm on Friday it was a warm, but comfortable 27 - 28oC (82 - 83oF). RMan got started on fitting the new belt to the mower, whilst I started on de-rocking and forking / raking through a new area in the shade cloth veggie patch.  Englishman knew of, and offered the assistance of a local labourer he uses, which, after all the effort of the first

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-7421693600367573182011-11-21T11:43:00.001+02:002011-11-21T14:11:11.874+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, please won't you join me in welcoming Jeannine from Scottburg, KwaZulu in Natal. Janine has two blogs - the first is a blog about organic gardening and permaculture.  There is a mine of information on her blog.  And she has also written a book about companion planting and organic gardening - and how do I know?  Well, I entered a

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-40543894048761469782011-11-17T10:36:00.001+02:002011-11-23T09:47:00.527+02:00

You all remember that RMan bought a second hand ride on lawnmower a couple of weeks ago? Well, after getting a new 12 volt battery, changing the oil, giving it a major clean, changing the belt and sharpening the blades, and then firing it up, he decided to give it a whirl at our town house before schlepping it to the farm. Cutting, cutting, cutting... It worked a treat - it even has a reverse

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-86805663475749937722011-11-15T09:01:00.001+02:002011-11-23T09:46:46.611+02:00

On our last visit to the farm I was fascinated to see my pumpkins which are growing in a pot (situated below a pin prick in the irrigation pipe) were doing so well. I couldn't wait to compare the photo to my pumpkins growing at home.  Both the ones at home and the ones on the farm were planted at the same time (well within a couple of days of each other). This is my pumpkin (in a pot) at home....

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-27400785028565762772011-11-14T09:19:00.000+02:002011-11-14T09:19:35.616+02:00

Image source: http://www.imdb.comtitle/tt0303078/ "The future of life on Earth depends on our ability to take action.  Many individuals are doing what they can. But, real success can only come if there's a change in our societies, and in our economies, and in our politics. I've been lucky in my lifetime to see some of the greatest spectacles the natural world has to offer.  Surely we have

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-85909325063406283132011-11-12T10:31:00.000+02:002011-11-12T10:31:33.790+02:00

Robert, one of the guys who works for RMan, accompanied him to assist in collecting the goodies from the auction.  RMan purchased a whole bunch of used tyres which we intend to grow potatoes in.  But Robert had another idea.   He made this: Robert's chair made from recycled car tyres Now I think that it is extremely clever.  These chairs are definitely leave outside, all-weather outdoor

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-80802142965220666642011-11-10T13:32:00.003+02:002011-11-23T09:46:32.580+02:00

I don't remember where on Google I found, and then read about, this, but with all things recycled, especially such items as car tyres my ears perk up (or should that be my eyes pop out LOL)  I cannot abide the habit of sending tyres to landfill - for any reason!  And, if they can be recycled, I'm thrilled to bits. So when I spotted this, I had to find out if it was available in South Africa. And,

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-36987979619187853392011-11-10T09:00:00.002+02:002011-11-10T11:29:03.975+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, cwtch (hugs) to Cheri from a valley in Pendam, West Wales, UK. Is your accent anything like Alfie's, the cousin from Wales in the TV sitcom "My Family"?  Wonderful lilting accent - so soothing to listen to. Cheri's has a gorgeous Great Dane, Max - who reminds me of a (still) sorely missed friend of mine, Baron.  She has also posted

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-87485484521753766262011-11-08T13:38:00.002+02:002011-11-23T09:46:16.641+02:00

Wow - we only meant to go for Saturday and Sunday, but instead we had another unplanned four day weekend - but we had to get finished LOL True to form it was blowing a gale as we started to erect the shade cloth roof. But, working from the wind direction made the process easier - the wind just spread the cloth out over the structure - the hardest thing was keep it from blowing away - into the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-11984283570065413812011-11-08T09:56:00.000+02:002011-11-08T09:56:27.437+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, welcome to Stephen from Woodstock, Il.  On Stephen's blog he shares the images of photographs he has taken of moments which visually caught his eye - on a whole range of themes.  You have some stunning pictures there, Steve :) Stephen, I reply to all comments (even those placed on old postings), but given the size of this planet, and the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-9459664969280397582011-11-04T07:52:00.001+02:002011-11-23T09:44:54.032+02:00

After the digger / loader had finished mixing 2 cu. mtrs of compost into the soil, we sent it off to dig whole bunch more holes for our lemon orchard whilst RMan and I got busy. Well, RMan got more busy than I did... We forgot to get the digger loader to dig two holes, so we tried coring them.  Ended up being quicker using a "stamper" to loosen the compacted soil and an empty tuna tin to

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-6846678322195949642011-11-03T09:00:00.000+02:002011-11-03T09:00:43.800+02:00

Travelling to the farm a just over a week ago the scenery was completely different to that of a month ago.  It had turned the normal summer brownie colour, as the rains are fewer and further between.  The winter crops / animal fodder for next winter is steadily being harvested by the farmers too.  I just love the picture of all those straw bales lying in the fields :) But, we had b-i-g plans

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-76231038420484837692011-11-03T08:04:00.000+02:002011-11-03T08:04:55.284+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, welcome to Ali from Bellingham, Washington (we have a wine farm here called Bellingham LOL).  Ali's blog is about gluten free cooking and contains many delicious recipes - I'm sure a welcome source of information and inspiration for all those on a gluten free diet.  Her most recent posting, a Lentil & Dal recipe, looks, and sounds, very

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-1393458311773956092011-11-02T09:09:00.000+02:002011-11-02T09:09:49.798+02:00

We have just had our most recent population census take place.  Well, sort of.  For there are many reports of people who haven't been counted... But, following the census, this article appeared in our weekend newspaper: I reckon that if there was ever time and a reason to be growing your own produce, and, where possible, raising your own livestock - even if it's just for their milk / eggs / etc

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-69996839340231912322011-11-01T10:58:00.000+02:002011-11-01T10:58:38.984+02:00

I am determined to grow some squash, and at least a pumpkin this year, so I am trying three different ways in my town garden. Firstly, I have planted a pumpkin and squash plant in a straw bale - yeah, I know it should probably only have been one of the plants, but my space here is limited. Secondly, I have planted one of each (providing the snails don't eat the damn plants before they've had a

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-84830903023788253572011-10-31T07:46:00.000+02:002011-10-31T07:46:33.701+02:00

Is it wise to let a man go to an auction without his other half? Hmmmmm...  Dunno.  I reckon that men are more eager impulse buyers / "half price sale" shoppers than women.  At least that has been my experience of RMan.  No one, and I mean, no one, can rein RMan in when the temptation is there LOL As we have been looking for a tractor, I get pending farming equipment auction notifications

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-56137647950240704302011-10-30T14:26:00.001+02:002011-10-30T14:34:55.040+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, welcome (fáilte) to Astra from Ireland.  She is another newbie blogger who is forging her path to self-sufficiency. And I would LOVE to audibly hear your accent!  There's something about the Irish accent that grabs me deep down inside.  And I am so looking forward to following your journey as your described it in on your dream page.  

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-85005885687087540612011-10-30T09:56:00.000+02:002011-10-30T09:56:51.505+02:00

A final broad bean harvest awaited our arrival on the farm.  Another 8 kgs (roughly 18lbs) of beans landed in my kitchen sink!  As well as quite a few pods of seeds for next year. It is a bit of a hassle removing the inner sheath from the broad beans (and naturally I have to have a sample now and then - well, a woman can't work herself to death and starve in the process, can she?), but the meal

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-25691656510650352892011-10-29T08:45:00.000+02:002011-10-29T08:45:54.541+02:00

This article appeared in our local Saturday paper. Now, if chamomile and mint works on both the elephant and rhinoceros, perhaps it (or something similar) will work on these too...?  Jane's pests ... or... John's pests ... or even one of our pests...? Nature is wonderful, isn't it? We know / remember so little of how the farmers lived in days of yore.  Their lives weren't lived with

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-9369549372764734242011-10-28T07:56:00.000+02:002011-10-28T07:56:12.190+02:00

Last week I told you that I had won a gift voucher on a give away that Sprig was running. Well, thankfully RSon was at home on Tuesday morning when the courier company delivered a large box of goodies whilst I was on the farm.  I had been told it would be a gift voucher for ZAR500.00 to spend at Consol's factory shop. But, I'm not complaining - not one little bit :) This is what they

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-51450908951199623972011-10-27T07:06:00.000+02:002011-10-27T07:06:55.031+02:00

I received an e-mail from Sprig this morning.  For more information, please click on the link in Sprig's name. It is all to do with a nuclear power station that the government wants to erect roughly 100-odd kilometers from our farm.  This one is only 100 kms - but they have others in the pipeline all along the coastline of South Africa.  If we can be vociferous enough, maybe, just maybe, we can

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-31877797940254338882011-10-26T09:47:00.000+02:002011-10-26T09:47:51.344+02:00

Continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, welcome to Rachael from New Zealand. Rachael, I reply to all comments (even those placed on old postings), but given the size of this planet, and the different time zones, it may not be today by your time, but will certainly be by tomorrow  LOL Rachael appears to be new to the blogging world - please, won't you visit her site and make

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-17202363711197939732011-10-26T09:28:00.000+02:002011-10-26T09:28:01.141+02:00

We arrived back from the farm late last night.   Lots of news to tell you, but having had 3 days away from work there is a bunch of catching up to do. Also, I need to get my head  / all the news in order. But I thought I'd tell you that I reckon RMan is amazing.  If he needs to buy something, he ask everyone he meets if they know of anyone who is selling  whatever he's looking for. And that

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com60 Darling St, Cape Town 8000, South Africa-33.9248685 18.4240553-34.3464745 17.7923413 -33.503262500000005 19.055769299999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-28824334421756845772011-10-21T09:42:00.000+02:002011-10-21T09:42:38.835+02:00

Following my earlier posting on the bottle I purchased to supply the birds with sweetened weak black rooibos tea (sugar water), I thought you'd like to see the latest news... In the past seven days the bird feeder had the following visitors... A cute little Cape Whiteye (capensis) - can you see him / her hiding in the tree on the left - checking me out, no doubt :) Time for a sip, or two,

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-75799721055851345272011-10-20T10:43:00.000+02:002011-10-20T10:43:39.028+02:00

I feel sorry for birds in winter, and always try and toss out a handful of crushed mealies (corn) for them every morning.  Mealies, or bread that is passed it's best. On his most recent visit, MKid helped me crumble some stale bread, and we tossed it outside on the patio.  In deference to the poor birds beaks we used to toss it on the lawn, until we discovered that the neighbours cat was making

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-34932809381638072782011-10-19T11:16:00.000+02:002011-10-19T11:16:46.640+02:00

"Red sky at night, shepherd delight,  Red sky at morning, shepherd's warning..." Or so the saying goes. However, this was our sunset on Monday night... and this... ... and this was the whole of yesterday... Reckon some farmers may have been caught out... Even though our gutters and rain water storage tanks have not been installed on the farm yet, the rain is very welcome :)

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-7544028559261632862011-10-19T11:11:00.000+02:002011-10-19T11:11:34.274+02:00

Firstly, continuing the introduction of new friends to old friends, welcome to Jody from Melbourne. Jody, I reply to all comments (even those placed on old postings), but given the size of this planet, and the different time zones, it may not be today by your time, but will certainly be by tomorrow  LOL Thank you for following my blog.  It's so nice to have you with us... :)

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-77576450802668311642011-10-18T15:25:00.000+02:002011-10-18T15:25:28.349+02:00

... to Debora from Melbourne. I believe that you have landed among friends, and trust you'll feel at home. I reply to all comments (even those placed on old postings), but given the size of this planet, and the different time zones, it may not be today by your time, but will certainly be by tomorrow  LOL Thank you for following my blog.  It's nice to have you with us... :)

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-53895923882171403702011-10-18T07:17:00.000+02:002011-10-18T07:17:45.520+02:00

I follow a local blog called "Sprig" (a South African Gardening Blog)  "Sprig" was the winner of the News 24 / Old Mutual Best Green Blog in 2010 - a well deserved award!  (and I'm thrilled that my vote helped them win LOL) Sprig is a gardening blog which details their interest in indigenous gardening, permaculture and growing their own food.  They also deal with subjects regarding other types

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-40149953162154949992011-10-17T08:55:00.001+02:002011-10-17T15:46:43.289+02:00

I have always welcomed new commenters on my blog. But I have been made to feel so welcome when I became a follower of John's blog...  and of Stephen's blog, that I have decided to take their example and to make the time to discover who my new followers are and to welcome them to my blog when their gravitar appears on my followers list.  After all, it is a friendly way of welcoming a newcomer

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-7009458579564206702011-10-15T08:00:00.000+02:002011-10-15T08:00:13.732+02:00

Citrus Saplings in March this year I don't know if you recall back in March this year I mentioned that I found three tiny trees growing from seeds I had planted on the farm at the end of last year. This is what they look like now... Saplings in September this year Well, this time, they are much bigger, and I was thus able to pinch (and crush) of a couple of leaves, in order to smell, and

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-40964876248104032112011-10-14T09:19:00.000+02:002011-10-14T09:19:03.073+02:00

I was at the nursery last week, trying to buy some Aubergine seedlings.  (for some reason I am unable to get my seeds to produce seedlings?!) Unfortunately, they didn't have any in stock yet, but, as I was leaving, I saw this on a stand next  to the cashier... It a bottle that you hang in the garden and which provides sugar water for birds. Instead of adding the sugar to water and then adding

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-79586545780875002572011-10-12T10:28:00.000+02:002011-10-12T10:28:26.373+02:00

This was my covered 'town' vegetable patch at the beginning of this season. The bed on the left is over run with roots - our neighbours have walled and treed their boundary, and I have evidence that those roots have very happily sauntered over our way where the watering is frequent.Because of the roots, I have decided to try an alternative method of growing this year.  I am going to grow some of

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-61892718469729863512011-10-11T09:17:00.000+02:002011-10-11T09:17:24.089+02:00

CGuy, our 'townie' friend who has purchased the plot next to ours on the farm, came round for dinner the other night. Now CGuy and I - we're on a mission.  The worldwide recession has caused us all to be a tad jittery, and the ongoing financial woes of the world, coupled with dire forecasts being released almost on a daily basis from many of the worlds' financial bigwigs, could also be adding

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-44969074236993654942011-10-10T10:12:00.000+02:002011-10-10T10:12:57.400+02:00

You gotta love this!?  On our way to the strawberry farm, I spotted this windmill, in the middle of a field.  Off the cuff - I reckon this works perfectly LOL A perfect example of how an old reliable system, which, if used / sited correctly, is more than sufficient for use today. Who needs a power / petrol guzzling modern electric pump? Now, where can I find a cheap windmill like this for the

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-26701451000057395682011-10-07T09:37:00.002+02:002011-10-07T11:25:28.119+02:00

Patiently waiting... MKid is visiting us for the week, so last weekend we (RMan, myself, MKid, NGirl and WGuy) toddled off to Polkadraai Strawberry Farm in Somerset West.  It is a farm where you can pick your own strawberries - as much, or as little as you want.  In MKids case, he had a field day (with or without the pun) LOL RMan was aghast - MKid grinned as broad as a Cheshire cat, he

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-55209386406089999372011-10-06T10:36:00.001+02:002011-10-06T11:51:02.353+02:00

When we last went to the farm I took along some extra polystyrene boxes, which RSon had got for me to use as sub-irrigated planters. Why, I hear you ask.  I mean, on a farm surely one grows vegetables in the ground, not in raised sub-irrigated planters? Well, I'm not really cuckoo - there is reason for my madness. Firstly, we have timed irrigation for our trees only - which is basically a

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-28563807009302516262011-10-04T12:12:00.000+02:002011-10-04T12:12:10.154+02:00

On the 22nd August I wrote about using egg shells to propagate seedlings. Just thought I'd give you an update. A couple of weeks ago I sowed beetroot seeds into egg shells and this is the result. All I need to do now, is crack open the base of the shell in order to allow the roots to take a walk, place it in the soil, and then wait to harvest the beetroot in a couple of months. i'll let

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-57773820804671222982011-09-30T12:07:00.000+02:002011-09-30T12:07:23.371+02:00

When we first purchased the plot of land, and were waiting on municipal approval of the architects plans, we decided to preempt the outcome, and thus we proceeded with the digging of the foundations, hiring a digger loader to do the heavy / dirty work. We also intended to have a cellar below our kitchen floor.  Cellars are not common in South Africa - and for the life of me I cannot figure out

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-48929820697030510132011-09-29T12:24:00.000+02:002011-09-29T12:24:52.526+02:00

We woke early on the farm last Sunday morning to a completely misty morning. This is a photo of the sunrise which just begged me to take a photograph, albeit with my cell phone camera, as RSon had to take my camera to site with him. It felt weird looking at the rising sun, which was only obscured by the mist, as opposed to an eclipse, or a veil of smoke from a veld fire.  Rather the mist than

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-73960475396054275132011-09-28T13:39:00.000+02:002011-09-28T13:39:59.471+02:00

Seedlings in March this year I don't know if you recall back in March this year I mentioned that I found three tiny trees growing from seeds that I had planted on the farm at the end of last year.  After I had eaten the fruit, the seeds were just been shoved into the soil, with no attention at all and no water (save the rainfall of the past winter). This is what they look like now...

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-47477975104088391882011-09-27T10:08:00.001+02:002011-09-27T15:20:05.638+02:00

Last Friday, we decided, on the spur of the moment, to nip up to the farm for the weekend. When we went to the farm in the middle of May, I had shoved four broad bean (fava bean) seeds into the ground next to each of the three trees which we had just transplanted out of pots, and which hadn't been doing well at all. These trees are now on the irrigation system, so planting the beans beneath them,

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-77966793151229147432011-09-22T12:33:00.000+02:002011-09-22T12:33:16.822+02:00

As is my wont or OCD habit, every time I cut open a lemon, I have to shove the pips into some soil in a pot on my kitchen windowsill - my plant nursery :) (especially in winter as it's one of only two windowsills which gets any kind of sunlight - in the entire house!) And, I invariably get little lemon trees popping their heads above ground some time later.But, recently, I noticed that one of

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-68906071815629232742011-09-19T11:57:00.003+02:002011-10-03T19:48:22.969+02:00

This past winter I have been busy researching quite a few different growing options.  One of which is a sub-irrigated planter. Given the heat that we normally experience here in summer, together with the fact that we hope to be on the farm for a couple of weeks in December, I thought I'd give them a try - that way hopefully my vegetables wont die when I'm not at our (town) house to give them

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-81283527040632098232011-09-16T09:38:00.001+02:002011-09-16T10:54:12.560+02:00

I was watching an episode of "Jamie at Home" on TV the other day, and this time sprouts was on the menu.  Not brussel sprouts, but seed sprouts.  Now, this has to be one of the most eco-friendly foodstuffs out there as their highly nutritious preparation requires no power from the grid :) Yes, I know there are / have been scares regarding sprouts and salmonella or Escherichia coli.  Those

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-37387444189718278462011-09-15T08:07:00.000+02:002011-09-15T08:07:10.074+02:00

I don't know if anyone has access to "pap saks" (foil bags) like we do in South Africa.  Here one can buy anything from bulk tomato sauce, fruit juice, wine, etc in this packaging. I have a friend who uses these bags for cooking in.  Removing the tap, she cuts open a corner, turns it inside out, removes the plastic lining, turns it round the right way again, and then she gives it a good clean.  

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-62566661627247223322011-09-13T10:49:00.001+02:002011-09-13T13:43:51.890+02:00

I have a different chilli plant growing in my garden. It is a unique black-leaved chilli plant, which when young, is green, and, as it matures, it changes to glossy black (when grown in sunny conditions).  The plant is bushy, with strong branches, growing 45 cms (18") high, with a spread of 30 cms (12"). Black Pearl Chilli plant The "Black Pearl" chilli boasts  the most dramatically deep

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-65366165749801174702011-09-11T14:43:00.000+02:002011-09-11T14:43:14.606+02:00

Leigh asked me if I'd care to share my Creamed Spinach recipe. Well, here it is.  It's dead easy: You need a nice large bunch of fresh spinach from your garden. Soak it to remove any grains of sand.  Shake dry. If the ribs are very thick, remove them.  Otherwise just "roll" up / bunch up the leaves together with the rib and chop finely. Pour 250 - 300ml (just over a cup) of milk in a

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-84480658608254105042011-09-09T10:06:00.000+02:002011-09-09T10:06:20.582+02:00

The Rugby World Cup has started, so RMan will be kept busy for the next 39-odd days.  That means I can blog to my hearts content LOL I had always been frightened of using caustic soda, so I first took the soap making plunge only in March this year.  Since then I have made two further batches - we seem to be whizzing our way through the stock... But I wasn't happy with just making blocks of

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-29370309360921343872011-09-07T10:32:00.001+02:002011-09-07T11:12:25.955+02:00

Oh boy, I'm so excited. Not only will creating wind power become more efficient and effective, but it will also become cheaper.  And hopefully, not only cheaper for the national grid, but also for our home applications. How?  Well, I received this information in the mail today from Simply Green (South Africa) But, for more detail check out this link. If you'd like to see the video: Wind

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-20214394200231210292011-09-06T10:47:00.000+02:002011-09-06T10:47:44.928+02:00

Hey buds below ... up is where to grow Up with which below can't compare with.Hurry - it's lovely up here ...Life down a hole takes an awful toll,What with not a soul there to share withHurry - it’s lovely up here!Wake up, bestir yourself, it's time that you disinter yourselfYou’ve got a spot to fill - a pot to fill And what a gift package of showers, sun and love You’ll be met above everywhere

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-15596233444152848612011-09-01T15:23:00.002+02:002011-09-02T11:12:20.989+02:00

Man, oh man, the roots from our neighbours trees were encroaching into the one side of the shade cloth tunnel, and I sorely needed RMan to help me pull them out.  Then he helped me mix some compost into the beds - in preparation for when my seedlings are big enough to transplant. As we were getting on with our various tasks we heard Scampi growling and noticed that he was backing off

Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3375887793985280500.post-23291957019512656382011-08-30T12:00:00.000+02:002011-08-30T12:00:05.363+02:00

Sorry about the silence on my blog - it was an up-and-down week last week, and then yesterday I had to have a (back) tooth extracted, which left me feeling sorry for myself for most of the day... I have come to the conclusion that I have been over confident.  I thought our house would sell quite quickly.  Guess I didn't work the effect of the recession enough into the equation.  Only two

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