november 11

 

Oh frabjous day !! Callooh, Callay!!.  The rowan tree has pink flowers.  Not common around here, so again I think I inherit the thoughtfulness and skill of my predecessor.

I can see the tree from my bed, which is a gift appreciated by, those, who like me have to spend too much time there.








In  keeping with the day, it was special to find some tiny remembrance day poppies flowering through the cracks in the concrete.





Things have changed.  With help, I have created a large bed around the virgilia.  We started spreading the clay dug from around the house which we sprinkled with lime.  Next, a thick layer of cardboard and paper [all that packaging from the move was useful].  On top, a thickish layer of yummy compost. 

The result was a choclatey bed waiting for anything to grow in it.  I overdid things a bit trying to get my seeds in, before the wind blown ones get to take all the space. I managed to plant a few of each of the seeds I had, but I was so tired by then I could barely think.  I am not sure what is planted where, but it should be fun seeing things as they come up.

I do know where I planted the zucchini. Tiger, who loves the warmth of the soil, is sitting far too close to the tiny emerging plant.

I have also been able to collect the pots my sister gave to me.  Gradually I should be able to include them into the garden.  For now they sit hopefully, being snowed on by the petals of the snowball tree.  And I feel hopeful, too, with things growing around me.  And the strength to sit outside and enjoy them.

october

It has been a slow month for me, catching up with myself after the move.  But the garden has been showing itself slowly as the sun and warmth come.

More time for sitting outside.

And I have found a few treasures. It seems there was a gardener living here before and I inherit some of her work.  There is a special feeling as I find things she has planted and enjoy the beauty of things she chose and nurtured

I have someone to help, which is such a relief.  Now I can plan and imagine things.  We have made space for a bed around the virgilia.  Maybe tomorrow we can collect the pots I have and plant some of the herbs.

Any day is good when I can see my mountain.

september garden

At least now the weeds are mown and some of the rubbish is collected up.  It is easier to see the shape. And now I have an idea of the size:  8 metres by 20 metres. 

There is more room close to the house but someone in the past has a had a love of concrete.  It will take lots ot thought, and muscle, to create something there. For now I might just fantasise about a mosaic path rather than the scraps of concrete I have.

For now, the parrots still visit my

garden.  And the neighbour's wisteria

is sending wands over the fence, 

which are about to bloom

 

  

beginning

I am not even sure how to do this but I will try.  I hope to keep  record of how my garden grows; the weeds, as well as the things I choose.

I will start with some pictures of how things were before I even moved here. The tangle of trees, and the mere fact of space, were what attracted me so much.  Now I am thinking of which trees I will cut down, and when. I hope I don't destroy the peace and beauty pursuing too many ideas.

Already some of the trees are gone.  The Lillypilli, the New Zealand Laurel, and two Plums. I have more sun and they were mostly self sown and weedy.  But now I need to be careful how I go.  There are birds who use my garden as part of their home.  I don't want to lose their company.

I will need to begin planting new trees now to replace anything that goes. Well I have lots of plans.
There will be a Lemonade lemon, a fejoia, a mulberry and an avocado.  I have an eye to silk production which will go well with the small carp pond I will fit into a convenient corner. There will of course be the backyard chook pen.

I begin to feel like a chapter from "Garden Rubbish', by Sellars and Yeatman;  a book which deserves a return in these days of instant gardens and backyard blitzes.

Their chapter on garden planning still rings true.


maybe this can be enough for a first post.  I am confused about how to use my camera, and possibly don't have a lot to say.  I might just keep this my secret for now.