Blog
Weekly tales from The Outpost.
My mother’s mother’s mothers
How the women who came before me have shaped my life at The Outpost today. The story of my matrilineal line.
Harvesting the kūmara
After ignoring our māra kūmara for several months, we dug it up!
Preparing for a cyclone
A look into what we do to prepare when the warning comes.
Albert (‘Snowie’) Charles Schaeffer (WW1 23/903)
Albert “Snowie” Charles Schaeffer served in World War 1, and returned home, broken.
Animal tales, part 4
Our lives are made richer by the creatures we share this place with. Sometimes I write short stories about them. This is the fourth post in that series.
March in the garden
Not sure what needs doing in your garden this month? I’ve got you covered.
Gran Shirley’s quick pickle
An easy-to-prepare vegetable accompaniment for summer meals.
Citrus care guide
A guide to citrus care and common citrus problems in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The hypothetical house cow
Dairy prices are rising again, so I’m beginning to wonder if I should bring production in-house…
February in the garden
Harvests are rolling in, and the garden is in full-swing. Here’s how to keep that progress going.
I just want to write
A rant on the Internet ecosystem and AI in writing.
Hoarding and homesteading
Choosing the things that spark joy.
January in the garden
In January, the biggest task is usually dealing with pests. Also, planting leeks.
5 tips for tidying up your bananas
Just a few things I’ve learned about maintaining a productive banana patch.
December in the garden
The most important tasks for December in your garden.
How my garden grows
A peek at how the garden is doing going into the main growing season.
Making joy
The world is a lot right now, so I took some time to create some joy in it.
November in the garden
It’s full-steam ahead on all your fresh summer faves.
Four reasons to dig up your compost bin
When was the last time you lifted up your compost bin to see what it’s been up to?
Paper wasps in New Zealand
Polistes paper wasps are introduced pests in New Zealand gardens. Or are they?
October in the garden
It’s heating up this month and there’s plenty to get growing in the garden!
The fourth herd
After a winter without any cows, our fourth herd has arrived to fresh spring growth.