Homesteading Challenge - 2018 goals for Tangwystl Cottage

When I read about this challenge, I thought it was something I should like to participate in, especially as it benefits me to sit down and clearly define the goals that have merely been floating around in my brain for some time. So ...

Broadly-speaking, my goal is greater self-sufficiency. This obviously needs breaking down into achievable steps:
Step 1) plant more heritage fruit trees
~I will be choosing from a catalogue of select trees, all heritage varieties. The genetic diversity of which is something I feel is important for the continued sustainability of our food supply (plus I get a kick from thinking I am growing a link to the past - this is my genealogical soul calling).
~I will be able to order the fruit trees, as I did a couple of seasons ago, from the South Coast Environment Centre (and in doing so I am supporting a wonderful cause as they promote organics, self-sustainability, local-produce and more); this will mean a bit of an expense in travel costs though to pick up the trees, and so the more I can order the more cost-effective this incidental becomes (luckily the town is scenic, and on the coast so we get a trip to the beach and the chance to scavenge for seaweed for the garden: win-win!).
~Most varieties on offer by the SCEC are apples, many of which they have collected cuttings from around the district off old established trees; other fruits on offer include apricots, peaches, pears, quince, plums, cherries, etc.
~The trees become available around August/September as it is the optimal time for establishing them in the garden in this part of the world, so I have time to plan ... and dream ... and plan some more. It also gives me time to put aside a bit of money regularly to save up for this project. I hope to have at least 300NZD to put towards my purchases. (Last time, it cost me 200NZD for 8 trees, but I imagine the prices will have increased per tree.)
~Siting of the trees around the property is important to figure out, as I plan to espalier as many as possible. Reasons for this include ease of maintenance and fruit-picking, and being able to cover the trees with bird-netting; and they can be used as a form of wind-break for other plants nearby; plus I can probably squeeze more into our section this way. I want to use areas around the garden other than the unsuitable boundary fences, so I will need to establish new places for the trees to sit.
~I already have a small number of the heritage fruit trees, bought two seasons ago, plus several that were already here when we moved onto the property so I want to increase the variety of fruit we'll have to choose from, as well as more staggered production, achievable by planting a mix of early-main-late season maturing varieties (not to mention those ones that need cross-pollination).
~A large, and important, part of my orchard is its organic aspect. I will be able to control exactly what products are used on the fruit, which only benefits our health to the good. I can use companion-planting practices by under-planting the espaliered trees with beneficial flowers & herbs (a win-win for the bees, too!).
~Aside from the purchase of the tree stock, I also need to invest in the materials for espaliering. I haven't quite settled on the type of fencing or trellising I want to use - it is a juggle between what will look nice and natural, or practical and budget-friendly. As part of the espaliering I am wanting to sit them inside raised beds, so need the wood for that (I try and use old pallets as part of my recycling theme but this is subject to their availability); plus more soil to fill the beds.
~The only real downside to this project is that there won't be any 'instant' results - aka it takes several years before the trees start to produce a good crop of fruit for us. But if I don't do it this year, then that is a whole nother year's potential lost.

One of the heritage apple trees from my previous purchase: Alfriston.

Watch out for updates on this project ... in about 9 months time!