The old adage Older and Wiser is something heeded by our retiring friends hot footing it to recently opened holiday destinations or happily chasing energetic grandchildren. Not so, for Philip and I as we left a comfortable Auckland life for a farm with a panoramic view surrounded by native bush and farmland.

Filled with enthusiasm to apply newly acquired knowledge on creating the best soils to grow great fruit and vegetables, we slowly disentangled ourselves from Auckland life. We reclaimed the only bit of flat land (a dressage arena) with a brand spanking new tunnel and busily cut beds into steeply sloping fields and planted our first lettuce crop under caterpillar cloches snaking across the hillside.

“The lettuce looks amazing, we can do it”, we said optimistically. “Watch out for the winds and the rain” a helpful neighbour advised. No sooner said than a roaring wind hurtled down the mountain crushing the newly erected tunnel and flattening our flimsy wind breaks. The rain came and highlighted blocked drains and steep slopes, floating footwear from our front door.

The recovery period has been sobering as we cautiously build back better with stronger tunnels, wind breaks, and swales. There have been unexpected successes with a beautiful crop of sweet peas, shiny, early courgettes, healthy lettuces, and out of control cucumbers. Our forays to the local market have been surprisingly fun making connections with delightful locals gleaning helpful tips and advice from seasoned growers. Our confidence is increasing as we deepen our roots in the community and our passion for growing healthy, life sustaining organic food.