Spring Has Sprung at the Farm
Whilst its still pretty frosty at night, the days are stretching longer, and there’s a feeling in the air. Spring has well and truly arrived here in Hargraves, and on the farm we can feel the shift in everything from the soil beneath our boots to the sound of the bush in the evenings.
After a quiet, and wet winter, spring feels like opening the curtains on a bright new season. The farm is stirring back to life, and so are we.
The Garden Wakes Up
Spring is when the garden really comes alive. The soil has soaked up winter’s rain, and with a little warmth, it’s ready to host a new round of growth. We’ve been preparing beds, topping up compost, and splanninmg where each crop will go.
Some of the first things into the ground are fast growers like beans, peas, and leafy greens. They leap ahead while the soil is still cool, giving us an early harvest. We’re also planning space for tomatoes, cucumber, zucchinis, and pumpkins — the classic summer staples that need a bit more warmth but thrive when planted now.
The native plants are also gearing up. Wattles are already splashing yellow across the hillsides, and the grevilleas are lighting up with fiery reds and oranges. These plants aren’t just beautiful; they’re vital food sources for birds, insects, and local wildlife. By choosing natives that flower across different seasons, we’re making sure the farm hums with life year round.
Farm Chores in Spring
Spring on a farm means jobs — lots of them. Fences need mending after winter winds and paddocks are inspected to see how the grass is recovering. Whilst we don’t have any animals, we do agist sheep so we want to make sure there’s enough feed for them. With the warmer weather, the native animals are more active too, and their needs shift with the season.
It’s also a time to keep an eye on the small stream that runs through the property. While it often dries out in summer, right now it’s muddy and trickling, feeding the soil and hosting frogs. This means we can’t drive over it and have had to use a separate path to get into the fields.. one that has gotten us bogged more than once. Managing it carefully means it remains a resource for wildlife and stock without causing further erosion or boggy patches. We’re bringing in the experts to help us with an appropriate river crossing so we’re excited about that.
Looking Ahead to New Bees
This season also brings with it a fresh chapter for our apiary. Sadly, our previous colonies were lost to poisoning earlier in the year — a reminder of how delicate the balance is between farming, environment, and community. But with spring comes renewal, and we’ll be welcoming new bees to the farm soon. Once these frosty nights pass, and some fencing put in to protect them, we’ll be good to go!
The return of hives will once again mean pollination support for the veggie garden and orchard, and of course the joy of working alongside these remarkable insects. For now, we’re taking time to prepare: planting extra flowering natives to ensure a steady food supply, checking our hives and equipment, and making sure the apiary site is ready for a healthy start.
A Season of Planning
What I love about spring is that it feels like a fresh start. The long winter nights are behind us, and suddenly there’s light enough in the evenings to wander the paddocks, notebook in hand, jotting down ideas. Where could we plant more flowering natives? How can we create a biodiversity corridor to support out native animals? Which corner of the veggie garden might suit a new crop rotation? What did we learn from last season that we can do better now?
Spring is also a season of optimism. Each seedling, each fence repair, each small step on the farm is an investment in the months to come. It’s work, yes, but it’s also hope made visible.
Sharing the Season
One of the joys of keeping this farm is sharing it — whether that’s through fresh produce, bunches of native blooms, or simply stories from our daily work. Spring reminds us that farming isn’t only about production; it’s about connection. To the land, to the seasons, and to the community around us.
So, as the wattles glow and the paddocks green up, we welcome spring with open arms. The season of growth has arrived, and with it, another chapter in the story of our farm.
