First banana flower

In less than two years from transplant as a pup (from Taranaki), I have my first banana flower!

Hügelkultur (Two year update)

Two years in and the hügelkultur bed is thriving! Tithonia diversifolia and comfrey are growing as fertiliser crops, chopped and dropped regularly. Alyssum is functioning as a seasonal groundcover on the north face of the mound, pulling in plenty of pollinators. Banana, loquat, avocado, grapes and olives have all found fruiting homes in the bed. Arrowroot, salad burnet, silverbeet, heal all and parsley fill in the remaining space, with the herbs adding to the chop and drop component after bolting.

Saitomo (Japanese Taro)

Joining the common Taro here in Aotearoa, (Colocasia esculenta - background of picture) is Colocasia var. antiquorum (Saitomo - in my hand). It is stated as smaller taro root, with a more desirable flavour and texture than the common taro. In Japan it is commonly used in stews and soups.

Needle in a haystack

Likely decades old large calibre bullet found lodged in the side of a boulder in the Kaimai Mamaku

Winter fog

Queensland Arrowroot harvest

Domesticated in South America thousands of years ago for its starchy edible rhizomes, Canna indica (or edulis) is likely familiar to most kiwi due to its close resemblance to the masses of Canna lily and their various floral displays planted about the motu.

Taro x Kūmara x Basil

Summer success in my chestnut terrace gardens.

Bondarzewia

Unknown species from the Bondarzewia genus. Found on a rivers edge on decaying wood in the Kaimai Mamaku.

Mātātā

Bright green emergent Mātātā (Histiopteris incisa) frond in the Kaimai Mamaku.

Ureure

Not quite ripe fruit of the kiekie, Freycinetia baueriana ssp. banksii. Found in the Kaimai Mamaku.

Autumn waxcaps

Found in the Kaimai Mamaku ranges early April.

Orange pore fungus and moss

An almighty collaboration, found in the Kaimai Mamaku.

What drives ecosystems to instability?

Hügelkultur

Hügelkultur, translating in English to mound bed or mound culture is a method I have used successfully in the past with great success for growing. With previous experiments I was lucky enough to have large supplies of rich woody decomposing mass. This, in conjunction with green biomass and rich compost meant everything I planted flourished in this micro biologically thriving environment.

Scientists discover compound found in trees has potential to kill drug-resistant bacteria

Avocado leaf fermentation

As my early spring potatoes begin to pop up I'm experimenting with a leaf mulch ground cover that has been brewing away for around six months. (Updated)

Global spread of powdery mildew through migration and trade

Chickens

I love having chickens as part of my garden set-up. They provide so many benefits, from nutrient rich eggs and their wonderfully quirky company to their weed and bug devouring capabilities (just to mention my top picks).