Good morning. The weather here in California is mild and a little foggy… though foggy is not unusual in the Central Valley. In Illinois it is bitterly cold and blowing.. though cold is not unusual either at this time of year but bitter with wind is just plain mean. John and Jake are giving the animals extra straw for their beds. I am sleeping IN in my bed. (sorry Sheila). And Now.. How about some summer! We are off to New Zealand.. of course..
Welcome to a Julie from Frog Pond Farm .
My hubby Andrew and I live on a lifestyle block in West Auckland, New Zealand and have lived here since 2005 when we decided to flee from city life ditching those suits and high heels enroute which were quickly replaced by farm gears and gummies, a change that made our friends scratch their heads in wonder. And fair enough too.
Our 10-acre property isn’t undulating, truth is it is rather hilly. Which means no gym classes required, but the need for an ATV to make our life a whole lot easier.
We practice organics too, a decision that just seemed like the perfect fit for us as did the secatuers in my hand and my foot on a shovel. Farm life – the Bonners have arrived.
Of course being novices as we were then, it was easy to put the orchard in the wrong place (miles away from the house) and position our chicken coup on top of a hill?
But at least our raised garden beds which are also positioned on hilly terrain, have been cleverly built into the land. There are times that I really dislike our hill garden (when I slip in the rain), but there are also advantages too, good drainage, shelter from the SW wind and all day sun and you have to love that! While not that close to the backyard, a hop, skip and jump will see you through the gap in the hedge and into their space. And their isn’t anything better than growing your own tucker!
I’m a nutty gardener who loves nothing more than splashing about homemade seaweed brews, growing my soil, making compost, mulching, planting flowers in my veg garden and talking to my plants 🙂
Frog Pond Farm is more of a park than a farm to be honest. We are so fortunate to have native forest and flora (a morepork owl and wood pigeons), 600 pine trees which isn’t so great (LOL), a duck pond that flows into a creek that meanders across the property and past our orchard which has a magical selection of fruit.
Most places have an array of uninvited guests and ours is no different, we have possums, rabbits, wild ducks and turkeys who also enjoy a stop over in our orchard (shame on them).
Then there are our animals – two rather plump dorpa x sheep, Poppy and Lucy and 15 free range 24/7 hens, who being devoid of a male companion bicker a bit .. you know hen picking stuff!
They do produce the best eggs though and are super lucky to have a large paddock dedicated to their chook antics which they share with their 2 fleecy companions.
Our slice of heaven, is also near the west coast of NZ and it is only a short drive to our local beach, Muriwai which is renown for its black sand, surfing enthusiasts and where our border Collie Dan gets his daily walk.
Ah New Zealand .. you are just glorious! But then I’m a kiwi and I’m a tad bias.
Thank you so much Celi for this wonderful opportunity!
Julie
The Kitchen's Garden 
74 responses to “Frog Pond Farm”
How refreshing to experience the green and the beautiful country of New Zealand even vicariously from what is currently dull, humid Sydney just across the way. I love your place, the company you share it with and your lifestyle… it looks very storybook but at the same time as you describe it, very real and liveable. Wonderful post 🙂
Ah, Sydney’s weather reminds me so much of Auckland where we are .. humid! And today is no different 🙂 Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. It is so very real and liveable!
Lovely, stunning and gorgeous as always!
Gorgeous girl! Thanks Julie 😃
Love your house and all that lush greenery! Here in Wisconsin we’re desperate for green this time of year. I hear you on the hills, I have my round pen for the horses in the front yard, flattest spot I could find!
I love that … I hear you on the hills! I have friends that have nice flat farms and get a tad green with envy … only a wee bit mind you. I have got so used to our place now – staggering around my garden LOL … Glad to be able to share some greenery with you Sherry 😀
Julie, I felt so at home visiting your post. My special beach is just down the coast from you, at Te Henga, and on an active day we could actually walk from one to the other. Your land looks so green and productive and the house is beautiful.
Oh wow Juliet, I just googled Te Henga. You are so close! I don’t mind walking either 🙂 Thank you so much for your lovely comments, I’m so pleased you felt at home .. yay
Beautiful slice of heaven! New Zealand tourism should pay you for the wonderful publicity you, your photos and your blog give to your great Country.
Hello Miss … good to see you here. Love it! Thanks for that comment .. I have a red face. Gotta love NZ 🙂
Reblogged this on Effervescent Francois! and commented:
Frog ponds coming soon!
Thank you ..
Somebody once told me that the climate in new Zealand is similar to ours in Ireland. Only sixteen days until our clocks spring forward, and your photos bring hope of bright days and lush greenery. Thank you for taking care of the farmy for a day.
We do get quite a lot of rain in Auckland – but in saying that it has been a very dry summer. Oh you are counting down the days – I don’t blame you. I’m looking so forward to autumn. I’m so pleased that my photos brought some brightness and greenery. And it was my absolute pleasure to look after the farmy for a day. I’m so very lucky 😀
Thank you for this visit with Julie and Andrew, Cecilia. Nice blog you have there. I always love visiting with Frog Pond Farm too. Great stories, warmth, and lovely pictures.
What a lovely place you have. Nice view down the path to the gate. And near the beach! You have the best of all worlds in one spot. Thanks for sharing it with us.