Where did February Go

Where did February go, plus we are already one week down into March!!! The general conversation everywhere seems to be about the ‘weather’. Really, Central Otago has been dealt a pretty good summer compared to the constant rain on the East Coast and with devastating results in many regions of New Zealand. Our growth is certainly not as good as in other years, although the weeds seem to cope. Our site overlooking the Clutha river has been inundated with winds, I swear, from September when we arrived back from Turkey and Rhodes. We are the ‘Constant Gardeners’ and our garden project is rather daunting; however, the trees are growing, the perennial bank is all planted out and our vegetable garden produces vast quantities for us and our friends and neighbours.

Our summer was spent by ourselves as it was the ‘Off’ year for having our families. Actually, we have been quietly pleased since, for some reason, our calendar has been constantly filled with visitors. Time in Wanaka with my sister Wendy and husband Pete, along with my nephew Josh and his family was special,. a new baby for our German children Julian and Inga - we are now grandparents to the dearest little Matteo. Four busy days was spent with our friend Jeffrey from Piedmonte in Italy – a few serious days of wine tasting and a Long Lunch at our house for local wine makers - serving Italian food and Barbaresco wines - it was definitely long. There has been many events and Birthday celebrations - even on Waiheke, trips (albeit very briefly to Dunedin). Catering!!! for a Folding Hill wine event including Long Lunch in Bendigo, a flight to Auckland for a week to be on Grannie duty with Asher and Emme, where we travelled for a week on buses, ferries and trains visiting the Devonport Naval Museum, Motat and a super lunch with Delwyn in Pukekoe. Built Lego coloured towers and cooked together.There were some lovely lunches and quite a few gelato ice creams consumed  - hard to get through the ferry terminal with two children and not stop for our favourite flavour. Two fabulous, hilarous days in Christchurch for my flat mates reunion - 50 years since we started college together. Discovering myself as a florist and helping with the gorgeous Paris and Reagan’s wedding on the Taieri. was a learning curve. Although I owe so much to Peter Johnstone from the Orchid Florist in Dunedin. My cafe was over the road and I think I learned by Osmsis and aided by the Friday night Gins. Last week we watched my brother play in the NZ Open at Millbrook and I am so proud of the charitable trust he has helped set up along with 36 guardians to support golf and donate money regionally.

This afternoon, I am sitting in the shade, enjoying a peacful time with my computer and my newly delivered gardening magazines.  We have just delivered several car loads flowers to our neighbours in Tarras. The marquee for their daughter Madeleine's wedding has been transformed and filled with flowers and huge baskets of Lime Light Hydrangeas. We have just said goodby to our wwoofer Annicka from Austria, she was delightful, energetic and hard working. After walking the Keplar, climbing Mt Roy to watch the sunrise, she is now off to the Mulller hutt on Mt Cook. Working on a diary farm in Canterbury - they are lucky to have this lovely enthusiastic young girl.

Who would have thought that this is what I would be doing? However!! We do have a rather large picking garden of many dahlias and Gladioli and I am thrilled to be able to share buckets of flowers.

Now I am thinking I will have “Friday” Tarras day.

Order a bucket of flowers, Pay on line, pick them up at our shed, then go to the Tarras café for lunch, browse through the Perrium shop and the Tarras store gifts before a must-visit to Mrs Robinsons who will undoubtedly get you inspired.

Watch this space !! or at least ‘Market Place’

Our next few months include a roadie to Auckland and Easter with my extended family at a school camp !!!I can’t wait to do the drive and catch up with friends along the way. A brief trip to Melbourne for our brother-in-law's 60th Birthday and when we will also get to have a special time with our Melbourne family.

Both tours this year are fully booked. Italy to Puglia, Abruzzo, Umbria and Emilia Romagna is similar to last year and staying in the incredibly beautiful Masseria Pistola.  Although I  have visited all the regions on the French tour, the route from Burgundy, Loire and Normandy is new. Alessandro will be coming to cook at the Chateau in Normandy. He always makes our week fun.

Obviously, the events in the Middle East are distressing and concerning and I feel for the civilians who are being affected at this time. I can’t go without saying that this is all worrying. However, at this stage, I have  ‘No Comment’ regarding tours.

I am looking forward to travelling with the two wonderful groups this year. They are made up of people from all over New Zealand. I have the best job in the world to be able to meet, travel and spend time with so many groups.

I am already fielding inquiries for 2027 tours. I am still not sure, but looking at the brilliant  Victoria trip encompassing Melbourne in the Autumn.

Malta, Sicily and Sardinia are on the books along with Turkey.

 Come back to me if there is anywhere you would especially like to tour.

I hope everyone else’s 2026  has started well and that you can find time to do what you want, tick off the bucket list and spend time with your friends and families.

 xxxJudith