Pastures Past: When women kept New Zealand’s farms running in wartime
While some farmers were initially reluctant to accept women in these roles, as reported in the NZ Herald…
Whanganui’s Rangiora St makeover: How succulents transformed a suburb
The idea of beautifying the suburb was raised eight years ago, and one of the goals was to…
Pastures Past: Farmers and catchment boards clash over mānuka blight in 1949
They were concerned that eliminating the plant could worsen erosion and negatively affect river systems and surrounding landscapes.…
Kem Ormond’s vegetable garden: A trug is essential for January’s harvest
I love feta and courgette fritters served with a salad, just delicious! Chillis, sweet peppers, beans and watermelon…
Phil Thomsen’s gardening guides inspire self-sufficiency and simple food growing
Thomsen revels in the magic of watching the seedlings emerge from the soil in early spring and bringing…
Pastures Past: How ticks tormented early farmers, their flocks and herds
In 1894, the New Zealand Mail quoted an Australian expert who said, “It has been said that ‘one…
Pastures Past: Waterwheels in New Zealand – how early mills powered farming life
In 1949, the Gisborne Herald reported on a turbine waterwheel which fell into German hands during World War…
Pastures Past: Stoats – how early farmers fought a furry predator
Their presence is not dictated by terrain but by the availability of prey. Driven by an instinctive need…
Pastures Past: New Zealand’s native bats in the 1930s and 40s
Bats live in native forests throughout New Zealand, roosting in large, hollow trees and the occasional dark cave.…
Pastures Past: 1930s docking advice for better lamb survival
However, according to a couple of articles I recently came across, there was a more important reason: to…
Pastures Past: Water troughs needed for cattle, horses, and cats?
Animal welfare week New Zealand Herald, July 26, 1926 Sir,—Welfare week in New Zealand has begun. May I…
Kem Ormond’s vegetable garden: Strawberry spinach and other unusual seeds
If you want a real talking piece, try growing strawberry spinach, an heirloom vegetable that is more than…