Maes-y-Delyn

Maes-y-Delyn, Welsh for “harp shaped field”.

Welsh is a very descriptive language, and we felt this described our piece of the world perfectly; whilst putting a stamp on it, that is undeniable ours.

After dabbling with container gardens and owning a few domestic chooks in suburbia, it soon became clear that we wanted more. Not just to have chickens for eggs and to grow our own herbs with the odd container garden of toms and chillies, but to be able to grow and rear most of our own; to be responsible for what we grow, rear and consume.

This is not a lifestyle decision suitable for everyone. And many of my friends and family (on both sides of the world) think we're mad. 

Many others find meeting the source of their meals difficult to reconcile themselves with. But I do firmly believe in many ways that is truly the problem with commercially purchased produce. We are removed from quality of life the source of that produce has, and therefore any responsibility.

Now don't get me wrong I do not enjoy the process, but I do enjoy the animals and plants whilst they are with us and again once they reach the plate. And I feel much better knowing I am responsible for the quality of life they had whilst they were with us. This is most likely far better than that of anything you could buy as the better the life an animal or plant has, the better the out come- and you have to admit there is nothing fresher! 

I also believe that if you are responsible for the life and death of something, there is instilled a responsibility to do it justice. So you're less likely to waste anything, to make the most of it all. And there is something satisfying about serving a dish that you have grown, reared and prepared from scratch.

I guess this dream lifestyle had always been something we had discussed as our "one day" scenario. I have to admit some inspiration came from the UK TV series River Cottage. Both of us are avid fans-I actually bought Matt a day course for his birthday, on our trip home last year (and will probably reference the books constantly). But for us this love of smallholding goes back further than that.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are spending time in the green house with my Bamp (Grandfather), picking green beans or elderflowers and later berries; for his homemade wine. Blackberry picking or nut picking with my Nan's (Grandmothers), and preparing our glut for jams, tarts or for our dinner.

Matt grew up working as a farm hand for a family friend with his brothers from a young age. And his parents kept chickens and a small veg patch. So whilst many say it's strange for two young people to want to do this. I guess for us it was always inevitable.

So our first step was to look for somewhere with more space. And in 2011 we fell head over heels in love with a small acreage here in sunny Queensland- And so, in June 2011 we started our lives at Maes-y-Delyn; our touch of Wales in Oz.

So I am hoping I am not being arrogant in blogging our lives here, in the hope that others will read and share their stories, advise, highs and lows. But as two foreigners attempting this in a totally different environment, trying to make the most of our small piece of the world and learning as we go. I am hoping we can head on this adventure together, and (maybe be arrogant enough to hope) that we may inspire some others along the way... or at the very least, provide some food for thought