Let there be light

Just before we left BC the tall cedars on the south side of our property, that we had hoped to remove a month ago finally got cut down....last minute as these things sometimes happen.

What an amazing difference. The deeply shadowed south side of the yard suddenly had a ton of sun.

We didn't have time to really appreciate it as we left before the job was completely finished, but next spring we'll definitely be enjoying the extra sun and light.

Now we are in Thailand enjoying the heat.
We had a quick visit to the land we are developing in the mountains.
Lots of weeds, which we started controlling by letting a herd of water buffalo in to graze.
The next step was to put up a fence to define the property and keep the water buffalo out when we start planting.

With the help of our neighbours the fence-120 meters- went up very quickly.

Then our newly acquired weed eater go put to work taking down the forest of saplings that were trying to take hold.

there aren't a lot of trees on the property. A few mangoes and a few other unidentified trees.
Previously the land had been used to grow tomatos. The pile of bamboo stakes and string that had been used created quite a large pile.

We only managed to clear about 1/3rd of the 1 1/2 acres, but there is always next time.

We are fortunate to be able to stay next door to the property.
I took inspiration from their garden.

We are busy working on house and gardening plans. Both seem to change regularly.

Exploring the mountains

Last weekend we went exploring.
We discovered a pretty little town up in the mountains called Om Koi. At 1000 metres high the climate is wonderful.
This orange vine-yet to be named- grows rampantly all over the town. I love it.

Lots of flowers grown in the area for the cut flower market because of the great climate. Also coffee, grapes and many veges that supply the markets on the low lands.

One of the villages was harvesting cabbages. The motor cycle guys delivered the cabbages from the villages to the main road. From here they got loaded onto the back of a pickup truck and ferried down the mountain to a depot where they got loaded onto huge trucks and taken to their final market.

One morning we woke to temps of 5'C. a little chilly.This fire was going at the guest house to warm us up.

There are lots of Karen and Lisu hilltribes in the area. Here the Lisu have a vege market happening.

Lots of cool weather veges that are hard to grow at lower altitudes.

Back home we had another visit with Bodge. His rice is harvested and in storage.
We were lucky to be given some brown jasmine rice He has several varieties in storage including red sticky rice, mountain rice and the above mentioned jasmine.

Here we are helping him put some jasmine rice though the hulling machine.

His garden has lots of lettuce,kale,egg plant, edible morning glory etc on the go.

Here is a fresh compost pile ready to do its thing.

Finally I was so lucky to get given this beautiful orchid plant for New Year.