August, Mine

After two weeks in the sun in Bali in July, and the urgency before and after, to enable it, I consoled myself that August was mine to do seasonal work that would be be put back a year if not done this winter.
My mission for August, while one of my customers is away giving me a chance to do something other than picking for orders, is to prune, cull, and clean up the bottom paddock at the farm, making room for new plantings. I have numerous plants in pots ready to go in, plants I've collected and nurtured through the long hot summer and autumn. Another target is at Nobelius Heritage Park. We have set August 31 as the date to plant maples, magnolias and heritage apples, the commencement of the (long time coming to reality) Vegetation Management Plan.
At the farm it's very much hands on chainsaw work, and I've made a good start, cutting out a number of wattles, ti-trees and bluegums, but there's more to do this week. Then it needs dragging to a site for burning off to clear the way for planting. The plan is, when it's done, to have a memorial service for Lyle and disperse his ashes amongst the new understory plantings around the beech and oak trees. This part of the farm is nearest the creek and furthest from the road, a peaceful refuge.
In NHP the task is more organising others, and therefore may end up the more difficult. The trees have been ordered and the contractor organised to remove some large trees to make room. A contractor engaged by the council is to provide a man and machine to help me with the planting. A possible hitch is the coucil planning section, as we've not applied for a permit to remove the trees. Instead, months ago, we submitted the Management Plan to be passed as a whole, in order not to have to get a permit each time something needs taking out. The work will be ongoing over a period of years. No joy yet.
Touch wood and cross fingers!