OCTOBERFEST in the SPRING

During the past 10 days I have had the help of two young Korean men and more recently a young German woman as Wwoofers - Willing Workers on my Organic Farm. The men have worked industriously to weed and thin the Flanders poppies in the Remembrance Field while Anika has assisted me in the household vegetable garden.

Anika with the first Flanders Poppy to bloom in 2008

I must have both the Remembrance Field and the garden ready for presentation by 19th October when I have about 150 visitors expected to view these attractions.

Korean wwoofer Joe

After the coldest August for 17 years we are now having a warm spring with the bees buzzing in the lavender bushes lining our paths. Potatoes are sprouting from the warm earth, sweet corn shoots have appeared, climbing beans are developing leaves and all the other seeds of lettuce, beets, carrots, radish, cucumbers, melons and pumpkins have germinated and are breaking through the surface of my friable soil.

Did you know that stinging nettles are a herb used in Europe as a strong tonic at the end of winter when made into a fresh tea by infusing the leaves in hot water? They are one of the first weeds to grow vigorously in my garden with the onset of warmer weather.

Before Anika could begin picking the peas this morning we had firstly to pull out all the stinging nettles growing amongst them. I explained to her that their growth was a compliment to the quality of my soil, as they thrive in fertile soil and are frequently introduced into gardens by the use of animal manures.

Anika picking peas

Spring is a busy time for everyone here on the Granite Belt as the wineries are holding a spring festival named Primavera throughout the spring months. Amongst the functions to be held this weekend is the Octoberfest at Thunderbolt Farm. Keith and Claudia Beverley have Thunderbolt Farm listed as a host property in The Australian Wwoof Book, and like me rely heavily on wwoofers to assist them during their busy seasons. What good fortune for them this year that they too have two German wwoofers, David and Sonya, presently with them. Now, Anika has been invited to join the festivities at Thunderbolt Farm this weekend.

Octoberfest at Thunderbolt Farm

For a German style Bed Breakfast this weekend, book your room now at Das Helwig Haus B&B by emailing helwig@halenet.com.au or phoning Fay on 07-4683 4227