Thinning the fruit

How is it

Apricot jam on it

How is it?

Rhoda went flying down south and bought us back some Apricots...

Cut in half then boil for a while then add sugar and blanced kernals then simmer until

jam reaches the set point.

Pour it into the jars. (9).

Done.... Wait a while and then add heaps on toast for breakfast...

Ohh and yes I had to clean up the messy bench after... still it's worth doing.

Leaf plucking the grapes 2012

How is it?

That time of the year again.

The first photo shows the leaves prior to plucking.

The Chambourcin are looking great, the Merlot are again suffering from colocure. Need to look at introducing some Boron, as the Kauri must have stripped it all.

The last two are after leaf pluck.

Finished plucking the last row on the 22nd Jan. All good.

Must investigate about Boron.

Snapper and Kowiniwini parcels

How is it?

Caught a few snapper while out fishing yesterday, looked up a few recipes on the net. Olives, Capers, Tomato paste, a sprig of Rosemary, salt pepper and a little grated lemon skin.

This one is nice as it included some potatoes so out to the garden and dug up a few Kowiniwini.

Bit of a scrub under running water and into the fish parcels. Excellent result and so will be cooking this one again soon.

Had to par boil the Kowiniwini first. Don't they look good? They are soooo tasty when freshly dug.

Noted that the Kowiniwini were planted out on the 9/10/11. The seeds are from Koanga gardens. Will be saving a few to grow on again. Should be able to get another lot in before winter I hope.

Red Onion

How is it?

December and the garden is starting to fire up.

Moira planted 7 rows of Red Onions and this is the first one she picked. Good in a salad.

Weighs in at a grand weight of 800 grams.

Ants in your pants

How is it?

Ever had ants? Well they discovered the preserving jars that had jam in it... Nice long row if happy ants going outside. Moira was not impressed and had to clear the deck. I washed down the shelves and Moira the jars. The ones that contained the ants had to go... Then a general restack... Went inot Whangarei today and found more preserving jars in the Hospice shop. Small Agee. Good for peaches and lemons and other preserves. Saw a Bramley apple, but couldn't be sure of the rootstock, so I left it in the garden center...Have come to the conclusion that all apples up north on out property need to be on Northern Spy. Takes a few years to get underway but after that all is good.

Was going to spray copper on the vines but showers of rain keep sweeping through. Wind is up as well. Rained through the night. Dam is now full and spilling. Grapes up to the top wire and going for it. still not flowering but soon I hope.

Need to take Jaz for his morning walk. I've noticed that he has a dark ring developing around his muzzle , I think it might be from yoghurt, as he tends to lick the pots clean. He needs a bath... I'll do that for him when he gets back from his walk...

See you

fruit set in vineyard

How is it?

21 degrees C. inside

Fruit bunches still have not flowered yet. Hoping for fine weather with good sun shine and little rain.

Two year old Chambourcin, restricting the fruiting arms to four each side. Then two bunches.

A healthy bunch of fruiting buds on the Merlot , still not flowering, but soon I hope.

Have mowed along the lower row and trimmed back the grass.

This is a good looking Merlot ready for tipping post flowering.