Visit Serena 22 March 2015

On Sunday 22 March 2015 we visited Serena and Richard's property at Lauderdale
When Serena described her 5 acre property on top of a hill for last month's newsletter she spoke of the often strong winds coming from all directions, so were lucky that on the day of our visit it was warm and sunny with no wind at all.

Serena and Richard (both with hats) explain about their property

They bought this block with its amazing 360 degree views of sea, bays, beaches, bush and rural land some years ago and since then have done an enormous amount of work to build a passive solar house with solar hot water and solar panels and realise their vision of a farm that generates food, while looking after the local wildlife.

In the process they took on with great enthusiasm many tasks that were completely new to them. With lots of hard work they are learning heaps and achieving a lot.

Serena and wonderful helper Jeannie (Serena's sister) showed us the impressive netted vegie garden and orchard. Not perfect yet, because some small animals still get in, and the orchard needs a better irrigation system, but this is where some of us were able to provide helpful advice, which was much appreciated.

The composting bays made out of pellets in a shady area inspired some of us to try and make something similar in their garden.

Not afraid to experiment, Serena showed her straw-bale hothouse.

Here our fruit-tree expert Max K discusses with Serena what to do with a plum tree that grew in this spot out of a pip.

Richard told us of a recent traumatic experience in which their milking goats were attacked by dogs. In response they bought some Alpacas that now protect the goats.

Here is the milking shed. Serena commented that milking her miniature goats is an interesting process they loved learning. They use the milk to make cheese, yoghurt and soap.

A beehive has been installed in a fenced-off area and Terry, an expert and member of the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association, is going to help Serena and Richard in coming weeks when bees will making the new hive their home.

There were Isa Brown chooks, an impressive just built outdoor pizza oven and many more things that made this a very interesting and informative visit.

Morning tea was delicious (many thanks to everyone who contributed).

And the produce table had many great and interesting contributions.

Not so long ago Serena and Richard lived in suburbia and they are now in the midst of realising their dreams for a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

We were amazed at the number of new skills they have learnt and the number of projects they have taken on. It would be great to come back in a few years time to see where all their plans, ideas and new-found skills are going to lead.

Many thanks Serena and Richard, Jeannie and Terry, for sharing your knowledge. Serena commented that she too learned a lot from comments on the day.

This text was previously published on the Food Garden Group blog. It was written by Max Bee.