http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.barringtonongreen.nz en-us Wed, 13 May 2026 22:25:23 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/162535/crafts--products/ Barrington On Green is not only a place to learn about urban homesteading—it’s also home to a thoughtfully curated range of products that reflect a simple, practical, and wellbeing-focused lifestyle. Each item available through the shop is chosen or created with care, supporting both everyday living and a deeper connection to sustainable practices.Handmade knitted beanies bring warmth and comfort, crafted with a personal touch that reflects the values of slow, intentional living. Alongside t... Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:39:55 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post162535 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/162502/helpers-on-the-homestead/ At Barrington On Green, the garden is supported by a lively team of animal helpers, each playing their part in creating a balanced, productive urban homestead.The two cats are always on patrol, helping to keep rodents and small pests under control. Their presence alone is often enough to deter unwanted visitors, protecting both stored feed and garden beds. They’re a quiet but essential part of maintaining a healthy growing environment.The two dogs contribute in their own way, keeping a watchfu... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:29:37 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post162502 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/162501/kitchen/ For us, it all starts with planning: what we’ll grow, what we’ll actually use, and how we can make the most of the space we’ve got. Then comes seed sowing, nurturing seedlings, and tending plants through the seasons — in garden beds, pots, and anywhere else we can squeeze a little life in.A big part of this journey is feeding the soil. We keep things organic and circular: adding compost, organic matter, and yes… the good stuff from the worm farm (worm wee and worm p... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:15:54 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post162501 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/162500/garden/ A strong, well-established garden is the foundation of the urban homesteading lifestyle at Barrington On Green. Healthy soil, thoughtful planning, and consistent care create a reliable system that produces food year-round. This solid foundation not only supports abundant harvests but also builds resilience, helping to reduce reliance on external food sources and providing greater food security for the household.... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:12:04 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post162500 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/162496/glasshouse/ Some plants at Barrington On Green thrive best with the added protection of a glasshouse, especially those that need warmer temperatures or a longer growing season. A glasshouse creates a stable environment, shielding plants from harsh weather while encouraging stronger, more consistent growth. This allows for a wider variety of crops to be grown year-round, making it an incredibly useful part of an urban homesteading setup.... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:04:02 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post162496 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/162495/plants-and-seeds/ Barrington On Green focuses on self-sustaining its garden by harvesting seeds and growing plants from seed each season. By saving seeds from healthy, productive crops, the garden naturally adapts to its local environment while reducing the need to purchase new plants. This approach not only keeps costs low but also supports a resilient, ongoing cycle of growth, making urban food production more sustainable and accessible.... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:54:21 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post162495 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/162492/hydrosols/ Welcome to our fragrant corner of the web, where we bottle the pure essence of our Christchurch urban garden! Here at Barrington on Green, we lovingly grow and traditionally distill a range of exquisite hydrosols – also known as floral waters – capturing the very soul of the plants that thrive in our little city oasis.More than just beautifully scented mists, our hydrosols are the gentle, water-based co-products of steam distillation. As we extract precious essential oils, we also gather the... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:39:34 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post162492 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/159726/bog-meal-in-10-minutes-with-leftovers/ With the current cost of living every dollar counts. This simple meal is about making nutritious, filling food while keeping the budget in check and reducing waste at the same time. A true “use what you’ve got” dinner — mostly home-grown, plus a few leftovers rescued from the fridge. It’s a bit of a cross between scrambled eggs and an omelette… rustic, messy, and yummy. Ingredients 🌱 OnionsGarlic (home grown)GingerChilli (last year’s crop, frozen)Zucchini (home grown)Potatoes ... Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:30:05 +1300 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post159726 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/post/146468/how-barrington-on-green-sprouted-a-wonderful-accident/ Sometimes, the best adventures begin with a happy accident and a healthy dose of naivety. That's certainly how Barrington on Green, and my own deep dive into the world of sustainability, composting, and gardening, truly began. It was the mid-90s, and I'd just returned from the quintessential overseas experience, settling into a beautiful old cottage in Lyttelton. Our garden, bless its heart, was steep, full of clay soil and volcanic rock … somewhat challenging, but an ultimately gorgeous learn... Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:56:34 +1200 http://www.barringtonongreen.nz/blog/#post146468