Mulch

Gee have we got our work cut out. Along with all the other jobs that need doing around the place we now have a huge pile of mulch (30m3) to spread around all the hedges, trees and on the wind mounds. It will be great once finished though as the mulch will keep a lot of the weeds under control, and also make the plantings stand out more and the landscape will generally look a bit tidier. In honour of the occasion we also purchased a pitch fork, just what every farm should have I reckon. Makes the job of hauling it into barrows and out again a whole lot easier.

Blossoms in the orchard

The orchard is starting to look pretty now that the Spring blossoms are opening. This photo is of one of the nectarine trees.

Lemon honey

Lemon curd, or honey as it is more commonly known in NZ, is one of my favourite things. And since we have an abundance of eggs at present, and G came home with a bag of lemons from a friend's tree, it seemed the right time to make a batch.



The best recipe I've found is this one by Allyson Gofton.

4 large eggs
pinch salt
125g unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
grated rind 4 lemons
1/2 cup lemon juice, strained

Beat eggs with pinch salt until smooth. Strain.
Place eggs, melted butter, sugar, lemon rind and juice into top of double saucepan.
Cook over simmering water stirring constantly until mixture thickens.
Pour into sterilised jars* and seal. I turn the jars over and sit them on their lids for 1 min to sterilise the lids.
Makes about 3 or 4 small jars (250-300g)

* I wash the jars in hot soapy water, drain and then put them in a low oven (140) for about 1/4 hr.