Kat's Fluffy Balls
100% compostable cat toys made from New Zealand wool, and filled with Kat's Nip.
LATEST POSTS
The garden in winter 2025
A wander around the garden highlights in winter 2025.
Upgrading the garden paths
There’s a secret under your feet when you walk through my garden.
Tidying up the catnip
A peek behind-the-scenes at how I grow wickedly-strong catnip.
Going back to growing garlic
And so it begins again.
Hi, I’m Kat,
I live in Te Hiku (Far North), New Zealand near the Bay of Islands with my partner Richard, our two dogs, three cats, six cows, 11 hens, and our rooster, Tommy.
A few years ago we managed to purchase a 15 hectare lifestyle block complete with regenerating native forest and paddocks. This website is where I record our adventures, experiments, ideas, projects, and plans.
I also sell some of the things I grow. Check out the store to see what’s available!Mastodon
Things I’ve been liking
As the world gets a bit dark and awful, here are some of the things that have brought me joy.
May in the garden
As the weather turns cooler, there’s still a few jobs to keep you busy in the garden.
65 Hours Without Power
Cyclone Tam roared through the country last week, and the fallout took a while to settle.
Boiled peanuts
Our third peanut harvest is our biggest so far; so I had the chance to try boiled peanuts for the first time. I am a fan.
April in the garden
Now autumn is in full swing, it’s time to start preparing your winter gardens and putting some care into your fruit trees.
The Vespex sting
Vespula wasp numbers have exploded at our place this year, so it was time to run a poison operation with Vespex.
Growing paprika
Paprika is made from specific varieties of capsicum, and this summer, I grew and processed my own.
Animal tales, part 4
Our lives are made richer by the creatures we share this place with. Sometimes I write short stories about them. This is the fourth post in that series.
March in the garden
Not sure what needs doing in your garden this month? I’ve got you covered.
Gran Shirley’s quick pickle
An easy-to-prepare vegetable accompaniment for summer meals.