Our lives as individuals, families and communities has taken on a new normal in 2020 with the Covid19 pandemic. A century ago, our ancestors were dealing with another pandemic; the Spanish Influenza. In 1919, Australians had just lived through 4 years of war. Back then, it was not just the unknown of when social distancing may …
There are so many people, so many ‘experts’ saying so much at the moment that at times the ‘noise’ they make seems worse than COVID -19 pandemic itself! If there is one thing that I know, is that the noise comes from the TV ‘news ‘and social media. Yes, it is important to stay informed, …
If you didn’t already realise, we aim to live a simple life, but one full of abundance, which lately from the garden means zucchini, tomatoes and eggs. So, what do to with this abundance, well there is zucchini slice, cake, soup and tomatoes on sandwiches & crackers and soon passata and tomato sauce to make …
In Spring I began exploring and learning about our native bees, beneficial insects, nature spirits as a way of bringing a positive energy to the garden and to help our environment. Although bees look ethereal in the morning light, like little fairies flitting in and out of the hive, sometimes covered with the pixie dust …
It’s nearly Christmas, a time of year when there are so many expectations put on us, mainly by the consumerist society we live in, to create the most perfect day for our loved ones. Did you know that this holiday season Aussies will use 150,391 km of wrapping paper- enough to go around the world …
I love to grow herbs; I love their flowers colour, shape and of course their smell. My garden here in Meredith is slowly taking shape and herbs are planted everywhere, as they are so important for our health and wellbeing, but did you know that they are very useful in the chicken house?The great news …
The other day I met a man, who with his partner had recently moved into our district. They had both grown up in Melbourne and had lived most of their married life living in inner Melbourne, in an apartment.Firstly, they were just going to stay on weekends and mini breaks, but very quickly became enamored …
Oh, my wasn’t it a wet and cold July? We have a lake in the yard, the ducks are happy, the dogs are muddy, the goat is not impressed and the chooks well they just avoid that wet stuff the best they can! …
Lemons, Strawberries and Community Food Swapping Read More »
Someone asked me recently, “Why do you live the way you do?” It is a lifestyle choice. It is what we feel is important; being our own bosses, being free to juggle our days our way, not to be controlled by 9 to 5, with 4 weeks holidays at the boss’s convenience. It is about …
Winter comes but just one season a year and I try to embrace the chilly weather and what it brings to us. The spirit of winter is rest, relax, reboot and rejuvenate for the coming busy seasons. There’s nothing you can do about the weather. Are in touch with winter season? Do you actually take …
At present, we live with 10 laying chickens, 5 retired chickens, 1 Rooster, 2 teenage chickens and 2 Mumma chickens with 10 chicks and we love it. We love watching the chooks go about their day, and we love the eggs. Why so many chooks? Probably because we believe in letting our chooks age with …
Keeping chooks provides your household with a daily supply of sensational tasting eggs from a sustainablepet that consumes your kitchen waste and weeds your garden.Keeping chickens is a great way to turn waste into food, entertain yourself (and your kids), and they increase the nutrients and health of your soil while eating bugs, insects and sometimes …
Pondering the Weather…. We check the tanks regularly for dropping water levels, vegies garden need watering, dams are drying up and creeks stop flowing, and we watch as the whole country side turns brown as crops are harvested and grass dries out, and I wondered, are we any different to the residents of the …
Backyard chickens can have an positive effect on our mental welfare, they are now being introduced into old age facilities and schools. Here they helped with social isolation and depression, very positive outcomes from living alongside chickens. So have you ever noticed that spending time with your chickens is almost guaranteed to lift your mood! …
Basil- Used for mucus membrane health and has antibacterial properties Catnip- Repels insects and used as a sedative/relaxant Dill- Respiratory health, antioxidant properties, sedative/relaxant Fennel- Enhances reproductive health (egg laying) Garlic- Enhances reproductive health (egg laying) / helps control parasites Lavender- Smells wonderful, lowers stress, circulatory health, , insect repellent Lemon Balm- Smells nice in …
As you water your summer vegies in the cool summer evenings, take the time to really smell your garden. Slow down time, for me it is a moment in time for all my senses to relax. So grab the hose and meander around the garden. A sprinkling of water on the tomatoes, basil, and lemon …
Why do we cringe at that garden with weeds, shake our heads at the shame of allowing them to grow, “oh how untidy” we say as we shake our heads or in our own gardens we mutter “, Oh the weeds are growing, quick spray them, dig them up … get rid of them!” Does …
Why Consider living with Backyard Chickens? You can be a food producer! The local food movement is flourishing, and by keeping backyard chickens you can take pride in being a food producer and not just a consumer. You know exactly where your eggs come from! When you raise your own eggs and/or meat you …
The following is an article that was published in Grass Roots Magazine, which was written by Kerrie Kruger of Our Life Our Way 2012 Workshops and school visits fit around farm and business activities. Last year I wrote about our life on our farm and the chicken feeder that we make and sell. GR readers are a …
Grass Roots Magazine 2010 We live on a half-acre property in a cottage within a productive but slightly overgrown garden. Life is busy and I have to remind myself that life is a journey not a destination when it all seems to be going crazy. Peter and I juggle activities that include running a small …
