It’s been a pretty tough one for us. We grow organic herbs and vegetables on a non commercial scale and usually harvest seeds from the plants in summer for sale during the year. However, most plants and seeds were lost due to extreme conditions of the drought with heat, wind, and a massive depletion of soil moisture despite our best efforts to continue. Our rainwater tank supplies and alternative sources dried up months ago making it impossible to retain anything other than necessary water supply bought in for essential domestic use. We will revise our growing methods for next spring and summer to accommodate the climate changes that are said to continue. Aquaponics will probably be our best plan for sustainable growing in future and we will have this completed before next season.

It’s been very hard on the farm animals and birdlife here also. They all appear desperate for some relief and even the wild turkeys have been coming to the house for food and water which we are very happy to offer them. We noted our own family pets have changed their routines also and spent most of their days seeking relief from the dry, hot air and dehydration. Our dogs travel everywhere with us BUT they always have someone stay with them in the vehicle to ensure their wellbeing and safety. We also purchased a portable air cooling unit for them to be sure they are not overheating while travelling. That has been a real godsend! 🙂

Trying to keep order in the garden, the weather hasn’t effected the grass growth or the weeds. Interesting is the fact monarch butterflies are still laying & big fat caterpillars gorge on plants. A plantation of swan plants hogs my vege garden. Put water out for birds. Tui returns to banksia tree. Smaller group of pigeons visit as does the kingfisher. Blackbirds,thrushes sparrows all hang about water.