One of the greatest pleasures of country living is the peace and quiet it offers; along with the chorus of native birds, I find solace in the quiet moments that are increasingly rare in urban settings. My personal haven is our expansive garden. I have a large herbaceous border-style garden and have developed my kitchen garden and orchard over the past four years as well as adding over 1,000 spring bulbs and a collection of peonies, dahlias, roses and annuals that I’m learning to grow from seed each year. Our goal has been to achieve self-sufficiency, and I’ve embraced the role of a modern-day squirrel, always preparing and preserving for the seasons ahead.

With a reduced scale of farming, I find myself to be far too emotionally invested in the lives and happiness of our 60 ewes. I do however draw the line at naming them – they are still commercial livestock. I live in the hope of developing an idea that will turn my lifestyle block into a profitable commercial venture of some kind, but for now, I’m a struggling sheep farmer who puts our wool clip on the garden.

Living in the country has taught us to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of a lifestyle intertwined with nature’s cycles. It’s about embracing the challenges of weather and seasons and finding fulfilment in the work of our hands. Our children are growing up with a profound understanding of where their food comes from and the labour involved in its production – a perspective we hope will shape their values and choices in the future. Whether I’m tending to our farm animals or immersed in the garden, I’m reminded daily of the privilege of living so closely connected to the land.

Pick up a copy of our August/September issue to see Abby’s top product picks of the moment!

When Abby and her husband left their deer farming business, they downsized to a 12.5-hectare lifestyle block. Despite the change in scale, their connection with the land and commitment to raising their children to understand the origins of their food remains. By day Abby is an Advice Product Manager for FMG as well as one half of the duo behind Hanmer Springs and Wānaka fetes. Follow her on Instagram @aspoonfulofcountry.