Hello, everyone.
I'm on a road trip, heading southward down the North Island of New Zealand. The farmhouse where I'm staying has some interesting landscape features that are different from the suburban garden where I spend most of the year.
Further garden and landscape posts to follow as I move towards the top of the South Island.
Mount Ruapehu hidden by cloud. I will have an opportunity to shoot it clearly on the return journey. In the foreground, some NZ flax, also known as harakeke, which is one of the strongest plant fibres available.
A display collection of weathered wood, rusted iron and other scrap metals. Inspired by sculptural artists.
A Pinot Noir grape-vine that is unhappy at this altitude but that manages to survive the winter frosts. It has also just endured a similar drought to the one we had in the north.
Old-fashioned rose climbing on the front of the house. Only one bloom.
An oak that split in a recent storm and lost its tallest part. Only one side-branch from the base remains. It seems to be recovering.
Weeping pear grafted onto a different pear stock. The stock has thrown up a sport, though, which is fruiting some strange mild-tasting pears that may be some kind of nashi.
A second pear tree. I have been told that in past years, the tree's crop has been much bigger, but the recent storm along with birds and wasps have reduced it this year.
Blackberries in the stream. Do I dare to get cold, wet, muddy feet to gather them?
Guard goose on the attack! It may look friendly, but its teeth are serrated and sharp. The most long-term permanent resident of the property.
Last but not least, some poplars that are springing up from cut branches. When we come back through here on our way north, I will put some of these in pots and take them back to the suburbs.
And that's the end of my farmhouse garden post. I hope you enjoyed the images. Our next destination in the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island will definitely provide some good images to accompany with brief stories.
Until next time. Take care.