Summer is in full swing. Blue sky days, scorching afternoons with drying winds, it was a relief to wake to rainfall this morning, lovely and cool. Mostly Summer means watering when needed and trimming back/weeding. It has become unbearable to be out under the sun, I look forward to the shade of the trees as they grow.
The grass is sooo long! Yesterday paddock path trimming with the mower could not be delayed any longer. It was good to have a decent look around and see how all the new trees are doing. Most are surviving quite well.
The main focus at the moment is the annual garden with veggies in full swing, preserving is now top of mind. It is looking like a bumper crop of tomatoes after a very shaky start in the glasshouse with aphids devouring all young seedlings. Eventually the ladybirds moved in and the problem went away. Gherkins and chilli peppers are a new addition this year, and both are going well.
I have been fortunate with painting sales lately which is exciting because it has meant funds for more trees. I am so appreciative of those who buy my work and enable me to keep going. This morning I worked on a wish list for winter planting of bare root trees and have just sent it off to see what I can get! Each year I am trying to add more variety to the planting on site. I have reached my limit for where the natives will grow for now (even pioneers are struggling) so am looking further afield for the most difficult areas to plant. I still have 120 natives ready to go but missed the planting window so am keeping them watered and fed in the mean time – ready for autumn’s first big rain.
With recent sales the studio is looking truely sparse – bare walls are certainly good motivation to get cracking. I have six new paintings on the go with plenty more in the pipeline. Along with two upcoming group shows and one art trail, I am also working towards a solo show and contemplating a Rangitikei themed show, maybe with other locals. There is never nothing to do, that’s for sure.
Last but not least, Shilo a leggy 2 year old short hair black cat has joined our family recently, she came from the SPCA in Whanganui and seems to be fitting in well.
If you are here reading this, thank you,
Warmest regards Sam
Plant Count: 630+
PLANTING A FOREST/LOOKING AFTER A GARDEN
Since moving to Hendersons Line, Marton in June 2017 Sam and Lorraine have planted a huge number of native plants and trees. Eventually they hope to cover most of the site (4 acres) with a diverse mix of plants including plenty of food for the bees and birds, This will be combined with walking tracks and hidden spaces to just sit or stand, listen, catch a breath