In the past few weeks we've taken a break from the cobbing and been working on getting the entryway to our property looking tidier. Since we started this earth building project in 2007, we had been so focused on the building, we've neglected the grounds. Once the blackberry and overgrown shrubs have been cleared, we'll begin planting native and edible trees and shrubs. Wwoofer Marie hales from California, and quickly proved she is the Blackberry Queen, relentlessly removing the thorny vines ready for burning.
Wwoofer Alex, from France kept the tools sharp, making cutting much easier.
Once the blackberry was cut or pulled, it was piled up on a bonfire and burned. Alex and Marie became very accomplished fire bugs.
During the winter we've been using the fire in the Earthouse a lot , and needed a bucket for the ashes and tools. This old copper coal bucket, which had been kicking around the property for years has come into it's own with a bit of polishing from Alex.
I managed to find matching cooper brush and shovel in a second-hand shop, and now they look so good together, and are keeping everything tidy.
One of Marie's morning jobs is feeding the chooks. The mornings are cold now, and her beanie is not just a fashion statement.
Ali has been teaching Alex how to chop wood. Ali says he needs to learn because it is something only "real" men can do.
Marie stacked all the wood Alex cut, building the pile in the greenhouse almost to the ceiling.
Marie is not only a wonderful worker outside, she is also a fantastic cook, and loves nothing better than to cook up some sweet treat. Here she is cutting the citrus for marmalade.
She also made a pumpkin to celebrate the 4th of July. On the window ledge in the background is the bottled marmalade ready for naming and storage.
