When the Orchard was planted, a rough plan was drafted showing which fruit trees were in which row. Recorded was the particular variety, planting date and when the fruit would mature. Even though some trees needed a pollinator they were separated from their pollinator (where possible) by a different species. This is just a precaution against disease spreading too quickly. The plan has been added to and adjusted as needed (everything is in pencil). It has proved a real asset over the years to know specific varieties especially when adding or replacing trees in the Orchard. When selecting what to plant reference was always made to a maturity calendar which showed what fruit would be available in what month. That way it was possible to plant an orchard where in (almost) every month some fruit was ready to eat.
Originally the trees were planted 5 metres apart in each row and the rows also 5 metres apart but using a diamond pattern. Well this turns out to be not enough - even on rocky ground. If it were to be done again separating the rows by 10 metres would be better especially now that the tractor can't be used in the Orchard as the trees have done far better than expected.
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| Property Planting Plan |
What couldn't you live without.
Milk - Apart from making cheese yoghurt and butter the cats and dogs love their milk as well two legged people who love their latte. Raw of course.
Yoghurt - This is eaten almost every night. Sometimes made whole milk sometimes from skimmed.
Butter - Always used on the scones or toast. Well cultured unsalted for maximum flavour.
Cheese - Melted cheese on toast, grated over an omelette or just a nice runny Camembert with a glass of wine. It is a staple. As many varieties as possible. Should be treated like wine.
Wine - The perfect digestive. Red obviously better but a cool glass of white on a sunny day in the garden or a glass of sparkling to celebrate a lovely day - what a pleasure. Make your own and enjoy the experience.
Coffee - Some of us can't start the day without one and what use is a morning tea scone without a latte.
Tea - Black, white, green or herbal it is a must.
Olives - A bowl of these with herbs or coarse salt with the evening aperitif.
Eggs - If what to have for dinner is a blank spot in the mind turn to the egg basket for inspiration.
Cider - Home made hard Cider or Perry brings visions of a peasant life in rural France amongst the myriad of cheeses and piles of locally grown vegetables and the sun warming the back as you relax after a hard day working the good life.
Beer - Australian Summer's demand this refreshing home made crispy dry fizz to lift the spirits and take the edge of thirst.
Fish - Omega 3 is good for you. Can be expensive at the fish co-op depending of your choice. Our staple in the freezer is skin on Hoki in shatter packs of 6.8 KG, 4-6 ounce fillet which works out at less than $7 a KG. Deep sea, cold water off New Zealand's south coast.
Nuts - Some home grown Macadamia or Almonds or just some bulk bought peanuts. Raw or roasted with your own preferred flavouring can take the edge off the complaining stomach during the day. Also a great filler for chocolate bars or dressing for Asian dishes and let's not forget sate or peanut butter.
Mussels - Another Omega 3 rich food. Mussel meat by the KG ex New Zealand is extremely cheap. At the wholesaler it's going for less than $10/KG. Terrific in stir fry or Marinara.
Oysters - Straight from the grower, freshly harvested, unopened. The pure taste of the sea is incredible. Just a hint of Lemon or Lime juice to make sure the maximum goodness is extracted. Iodine, Zinc, Iron all that goodness and pleasure. Don't forget the cold beer, wine or cider to wash it down.
Coconut Milk/Cream - Especially useful if you've been a bit heavy handed with the chilli. It just adds another dimension to those hot spicy dishes.
Sauerkraut - Such a nourishing traditional food should always be on hand in the form you prefer.
Honey - Pollination is not the only things bees provide. In moderation a reward especially with thick yoghurt and some nuts. And if you have too much there is always mead.
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