Roots, Rebirth, and Mid-Spring Magic in Pukerau

It’s been a little quieter than usual around here over the last couple of weeks. Losing my granddaughter has taken a piece of my heart, and taking time to grieve, hold family close, and just be has been the only place I needed to be.

In times like these, I’ve always found a quiet kind of comfort in the dirt. Step by step, I’ve been out under the Southland skies, throwing my energy into physical work and preparing the property for everything coming into bloom.

What’s Happening Around the Property

In the Tunnel House & Gardens

• The Tunnel House Renewal: The tunnel house is officially fully recovered with a fresh cover! I’ve filled it with rich super soil, and the very first plantings are already tucked safely inside.

  
  

• The Big Herb Garden: I’ve been down working hard to prep the main herb bed for all the leafy seedlings waiting patiently in the greenhouse. The Southland weather has certainly kept me on my toes—first it was too hot and dry to put them in the ground, and just as I was ready, a late frost threat rolled in. Fingers crossed, after tomorrow’s dip, they’ll finally be out in their new home.

  
  

Feathered Friends & New Additions

• The Chooks: The hens are in their new pens and have settled in beautifully—we are currently buried in a wonderful pile of fresh eggs!

  
  

• On Egg Duty: My clever turkey hen has gone broody and hidden herself away to sit on a clutch—I haven’t quite tracked down her secret nest yet, but I know she’s out there somewhere! Meanwhile, a couple of our geese are sitting patiently on eggs too, so we may have a noisy handful of baby goslings and poults joining us very soon.

  

  Trevor may be a new dad soon

Fresh Batch in the Apothecary: Vanilla Tallow Balm

While my hands have been in the garden bed, they've also been busy in the apothecary room.

I’ve just whipped up a fresh, small batch of our deeply nourishing Vanilla Tallow Balm. Because so many of you asked after them, I’ve also put a fresh round of free mini samples back up on the site!

A quick note on sample stock: I only ever pour free mini samples when I am making a full fresh batch for sale, so when they’re gone, they’re gone until the next pot is rendered. If you’ve been waiting to try the vanilla balm, now is the time to snap one up.

Thank you all for your patience, your warmth, and for being here as the seasons turn.

Warmly,

Pukerau Wild & Cured