After a long and very cold winter, we’re pleased to say that all of the plants we have ready to go out into the orchard and surrounds have pulled through. When the frost hit early we genuinely thought they were a gonner, and it hit so early that we didnt have time to put the poly tunnel together to protect them. I guess it was a successful experiment to ensure they’re hardy enough for our farm. Seeing them standing strong after frosts and chilly mornings is a real relief and a promising sign for the season ahead.
We’re also making progress on the orchard. A new fence is going in, which will help protect young trees as they establish and keep the space secure for years to come. With goats, pigs, kangaroos and many others, the trees need to be protected from being a tasty snack for an animal! With the warmer weather returning, many of the trees are bursting into full bloom. It’s a beautiful sight and also a crucial time for our bees.
Speaking of bees, we’ve chosen a new location for the hives at the back of the farm. This spot gives them access to the bushland behind us, while reducing the risk of foraging onto neighbouring properties where sprays are sometimes used. We’re hoping this helps keep the colonies healthier and their forage sources cleaner. We’ll put some fencing in to protect them from the pigs and goats as well.
We’ve also started a bloom diary (keep an eye out for a dedicated post soon!). The aim is to track what’s flowering throughout the year so that we can ensure continuous forage for the bees. This will guide both planting decisions and our broader land management strategy. So far we have flowering trees from early September, and once we know when the derth is we’ll plant trees that flower in those times.
On the infrastructure side, we’re turning our attention to some of the older farm buildings. The old horse stable and shearing shed are going to be refurbished and given a new purpose. It’s exciting to think about breathing life back into a space that’s been standing idle for so long, and making it work as part of the farm’s future, while honouring its age and original purpose.
All in all, it feels like a season of renewal — trees flowering, a better home for the bees in production, and plans taking shape for the orchard and farm buildings. We’re looking forward to sharing more updates as things progress.
