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…
Pastures Past: Water tank worries in 1877
Yet, that was life. Water was precious, and you made do with what you had. A few floaters…
Kem Ormond’s garden: Cane fruit pruning tips to maximise berry harvest
There are also cape gooseberries and gooseberries that you may well enjoy. I have to say raspberries are…