The Start of Spring — Signs of Return & Beginning Again

We often have a lot of rain at this time of year here in Karamea, but we get these magic little pockets of beautiful weather and lately, it has been just like that.

The blueberry plants are flowering, the bees are buzzing, and there is a real sense of life returning to the property. We have a few hives on site, and we leave our bird netting open to encourage the influx of our wild bumblebee population. It is a lovely sight to see all this activity amongst the plants.

The kōwhai has bloomed too, and with it we are often greeted by the big kererū flying closely overhead, or sitting in the tree outside our home.

There is something exciting about the plants beginning to flower. All of the effort that goes into caring for them through winter is starting to show. The new growth always reminds me how important it is for us to reset and give ourselves grace throughout the seasons of life.

In winter, our plants change colour. They become quiet and, in some ways, less attractive. They go inward. But that conservation is so perfect. They rest, protect their energy and, when the time is right, they bounce back quickly and look stunning.

This year is particularly special for us. It is the first year we will be selling some of our blueberries to market, a small but significant harvest after five years of hard work developing this property, building the soil, learning how to prune, working alongside people in this small community and, all the while, watching our own children grow.

As soon as these little pockets of good weather arrive, you can feel the whole community getting excited. Summer here is good old-fashioned fun: afternoon swims in the river, hours at the community pool watching the kids make lifelong memories, walks on the beach, incredible sunsets and, for us, fresh blueberries.

Because the rain often pours here, we have to remind ourselves to enjoy these moments when they come. To appreciate the last of the colder days, and the gentleness that spring can bring when the rain quietens and the sun is still soft enough that we aren't constantly being pulled towards the cold river for relief. 

For me, it is also a time to prepare my skin for the season ahead, getting into the habit of hydrating, nourishing and caring for it consistently, rather than waiting for summer to arrive before I give it the attention it needs.

Springing into summer with confidence, and ready to take on what I think will be a very memorable one for our wee family, on this wee farm, in this isolated wee town.