Spring is here and the trees are in full bud. It seems a bit early since we haven't really had that much of a winter. And there are big changes afoot here to boot. Firstly, we are moving to a farm of our own near Baardskeerdersbos at the end of September. It's a huge step and we are very excited about the change. I won't talk about how sad we are to leave this lovely place, … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 7: Clearing the wattle
In the midst of a dry winter, Sue and her family take it upon themselves to rid Foxglove Farm of their resident alien trees and make compost for the months ahead. Since winter has been neither very cold nor wet, we have continued to clean up, remove aliens and make compost. At the moment we are up to our elbows in wattles. Most people see wattles as only a problem but we see … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 6: Up to our elbows
After sending home the last of their volunteers for the winter, Sue gives us the lowdown on what lies ahead for Foxglove Farm, as they brace for a period of maintenance and marvel at some impressive potatoes. We have had the last of our volunteers for the year as it is getting too difficult to keep them warm. Not that it has been so cold but we have had our days- even a bit … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 5: Chicks and beekeeping
Amazing things are happening this early part of winter on the farm. 4 of our hens have been sitting on eggs and our first new chicks have hatched! Hopefully, over the next 2 weeks, I will be up to my elbows in little chicks. Sadly, the daddy of these chicks is no longer with us. The most gentlemanly rooster I have met so far, had a tennis ball-sized cancerous growth on his … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 4: Time for the chicken run
It's raining today. I didn't want it to rain right now but I am grateful for my plants to get this rain. The reason for not wanting rain is that we are up to our elbows finishing the chicken tractor. We offer you another installment by Sue Vingerhoets of Foxglove organic farm. This mobile hen house can be moved into place for the hens to work over a piece of ground and when … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 3: Organic farming is not for sissies
Organic farming is not for sissies. If your city neighbour doesn’t bulldoze your carefully planted cervitude road into oblivion, then too much work for one set of hands can challenge a strong woman even in this idyllic setting. We offer you another installment by Sue Vingerhoets, farmer at Foxglove, to illustrate what she has to deal with during this very hot month of … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 2: Up to my elbows
This month I am up to my elbows in other people's business! Not by my choosing because firstly, it has nothing to do with me and secondly, I already have 3 full-time jobs! Farm living is not strictly about farm life. I ended up catering for a friend's birthday picnic as the only other options were ridiculously expensive or grocery store platters of sausage rolls and oily … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 1: Getting a head start on seeds
Read about the trials and joys of organic farming in this series by Sue Vingerhoets, from Foxglove organic farm: Every year I berate myself for not planting earlier. This year, I really tried to get a head start on seedlings. Seed growing began even in the cold. The germination cupboard Jan made from scrap roof brandering and discarded greenhouse plastic worked well to … [Read more...]
