Nirvana Biodynamics

These guys appear I have noticed that the flowering bushes and trees are especially vibrant and abundant this year. Have you ever noticed that in some years the different qualities of the plant world seem to be accentuated? Like a year of blossoms, a year of leaves, good cabbages, a year of fruit, when pumpkins and cucumbers grow to profusion. Or a good root year when the parsnips and carrots grow to perfection. Do these phenomena follow a rhythm? Is it the rhythm of the sun from year to year that influence the plants? What do you think?

GUIDED GARDEN & FARM TOUR September 7th 2-4 pm Adults $8. Accompanied children under 16 $4. An ideal opportunity to gain an insight into a successfully run biodynamic garden & farm .This farm was established in 1983 so there is a wealth of experience to share. This Garden Quality Farm demonstrates an integrated system incorporating orchards, poultry, native habitat & wetlands, home food production & hardy cottage gardens all rolled into a unique lifestyle. Life in the slow lane. Advanced bookings only. Or Book your own tour anytime.. If the dates don’t fit into your schedule then get your friends together & book your own. Minimum 5 persons max.15. Minimum charges apply BIODYNAMIC METHODS Way Beyond Organics! Sunday, Sept 21st 8.30am – 4.30pm $95 The Biodynamic methods are by far the most sustainable way to manage your garden. For example the waterholding capacity in increased which means you use less water , developing a dynamic ecosystem means you need less input...

One thing I love about gardens and in fact nature is that they are always evolving, every minute something has changed, not big changes but slow subtle changes in time with the earthly rhythm. Gardeners also change and evolve with the ebb and flow of inspiration. During the March heat wave, I decided that it would be a good idea to remove the lawn adjacent the side door and extend the culinary herb garden Had the heat really got to me, real madness to start yet another project! Quentin was not keen on the idea as it ‘was his favorite bit of ’lawn’ around here lawn is a loose term describing something green that is mowed. At first I said I’d leave some lawn as a path around the garden but I knew it would not work as I’m the gardener and would be doing all the maintenance. I weeded the adjacent lawn area that I was not removing , and have since reseeded and fertilized it so he still has some lawn(to mow?!!) . The first job was to sure up the bank at the back as there was a big drop to a ...

Weaving a Magic Place Some 20 years ago w e were given a gift of some osier basket willows from Annemarie & Graham from the Food Forest in Gawler. They figured they would grow better in our wet area. .We planted the m as a copse down at the bottom of the valley adjoining our newly planted forest. Over the years the c o pse was used for bask ets, poles & trellis. In August 2002 sc ulptor Evette Sunset began to weave a living house. A circle was picked out within the existing osier willow copse. Each tree was thinned down to the best large structural branches for t he r oof & wall frame work .Smaller bra nches up to 1 mitre long were cross-woven to fill in the ceiling & wal ls. The woven willow house took about 12 days to make – with two people w orking together most of the time. Each winter it is pruned and prunings used for various projects. The house is a dwelling & visiting place for many creatures. It breathes with the sun, wind & rain. A circle of light ...

Winter is time to harvst many types of citrus like navel oranges, grapefruit, imperial mandarins, tangellos and my favorite limes. The Tahitian limes are just delicious at this time of the year. They have such a vast range of uses savory, sweet, soothing winter drinks, lime liqueur (like limoncello but better) prepared now for summer evenings on the veranda. At this time of the year one of my favorites is lime pudding, its light and refreshing and can be served hot or cold. Lime Pudding 3 eggs, separated Finely grated rind and juice of 4 or 6 limes depending on size. 225g caster sugar 1 tablespoon butter 4 Tbsp flour 300 ml milk Pinch of salt Beat egg yolks and lime rind together until light. Gradually add sugar and lime juice beating until fluffy. Add melted butter. Gently stir in sifted flour and milk. Beat egg whites with salt until they form stiff peaks. Using a large metal spoon, lightly fold lemon mixture into the beaten egg whites. Pour mixture into a buttered baking dish and ba...