A Growing Delight

As a Prelude .....

2011-10-23T20:23:00.007+11:00

...... to some of the magnificent gardens we visited yesterday at the Bundanoon Garden Ramble, I thought I should post a few photos from my own garden first as they will fade into insignificance when compared to the nine delightful gardens open for display in the beautiful little town of Bundanoon, in the Southern Highlands south of Sydney. I took 165 photos of those gardens, so you can imagine how impressed I was. Of course, Richard took nearly as many.

I admire these irises not only for their lovely flowers but also for their hardiness. I dug them up from another garden about four years ago, left them in a cardboard box for nine months, until they looked like withered up corks, then planted them as I wanted to get rid of the box! They all grew and began flowering the second year.

This birdbath was given to us by our son-in-law's Swiss parents one Christmas. Alas, it became rusty and continually discoloured the water. Richard painted it with special bronze paint and it looks very handsome now in the garden - even more so when visited by our very tame magpie, Rossini.

Wordsworth wrote about "a field of golden daffodils", but I don't know if anyone has waxed lyrical about "a garden of Californian poppy escapees"? But they are beautiful just the same.

The heady perfume of the lilac is matched by the glorious flowers. These are actually a deep mauve/purple with each petal edged in white.

Some of my Bearded Irises are flowering for the first time this year. The sunshine was a little too bright this morning but the lowest flower is fairly true to colour. It's called Tijara Blackjack.

A Western Australian native, Eremophyla Nivea, with velvety silver leaves and the prettiest lavender coloured flowers.

There they are again ... with a Crab Apple in the background.

Another Aussie native, Alagoyne (Native Hibiscus) with a Curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) behind.

Another first time flowerer - 'Zambezi'.

A clump of 'ordinary' yellow irises.

This was found by a neighbour on the roadside.

'Zambezi' again.

SPRING .....

2011-09-25T09:42:00.003+10:00

..... there's no season quite like it for stirring one into action, particularly in the garden as everything - trees, shrubs, bulbs, flowers, vegetables, AND weeds - burst forth and grow like there's no tomorrow. Whilst trying to keep pace with it all, one also needs to take a few moments to appreciate all that nature is once more enchanting us with.

Step out the front door to not only the magnificent cherry tree blossoms but the joyful sound of the thousands of bees enjoying them too.

Tulips, daffodils and ajuga.

Californian poppy escapees are too pretty to destroy before flowering.

Primulas and calendulas.

Lamium

? (I forget)

Single pink daisy - hardy and pretty.

Tulips

Cotinus (Smoke Bush) Forest Pansy

The ever-present Osteospermum (African Daisies)

More blossom - in case you forgot what it looked like .... lol.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

2011-08-30T19:13:00.012+10:00

On our recent trip to Sydney we visited the Chinese Garden of Friendship, which is nestled at the south end of Darling Harbour and a short walk from Chinatown. This was a second visit, the first being in June 2005. We must make sure that our next visit is in the summer time when the trees are in leaf. However, these gardens are beautiful even in mid-winter, and delightfully relaxing even whilst surrounded by high-rise buildings close by.

Entering the gardens is like walking backwards in time into the quiet solitude of ancient Chinese architecture and its relationship with nature.

The garden combines the elements of water, plants, stone and architecture.

Running water, towering willow trees, cool lagoons with lotus plants and large colourful fish all make this an idyllic spot to read a book or recharge your batteries.

The gardens occupy several acres combining waterfalls, lakes, pavillions, sculpture and animals; the fish and the ibis.

The key features to look out for are the Courtyard of Welcoming Fragrance, Dragon Wall, Water Pavillion of Lotus Fragrance, Twin Pavillion, Gurr, Rock Forest, and the Penjing.

I hope you enjoyed your photographic stroll through these lovely gardens. A few leafier photos can seen on my blog post for June 2005.

(Most of the text for this post was taken from the Internet.)

Dutch Hyacinths and other portents of Spring

2011-08-23T08:13:00.004+10:00

A good day for photography and an overwhelming sense of guilt for not having blogged for so long took me on a stroll around the garden yesterday, and this is what I found.

Highly perfumed Dutch Hyacinths ....

..... with a background of Jonquils

Primulas

Tritelia

Anemones

Daffodils

Euphorbia

Snowdrops or Snowflakes (I forget which is which.)

Who would be without mint?

Jonquils

White violets

More Daffodils

Banksia

Hellebores - I wish they weren't so shy and then they could lift their heads and we could see their pretty faces.

Crocus

Don't know its name but I've nicknamed it the 'jellybean plant' - delightful succulent that grows so easily.

Pink Correa

Leucadendron

Violet violets!

Perennial Wallflower

These lettuce seedlings were self-sown in the compost.

I must apologise for not acknowledging several comments. For some reason Blogger is putting them all in the 'Moderation' page and I didn't see them for ages. Thank you for all your comments - they are always very much appreciated.

A Very Enjoyable Week ....

2011-07-03T23:04:00.002+10:00

.... was spent in Victoria. Two days with my sister and her family followed by nearly five days at a very comfortable resort on the Mornington Peninsula, close to Port Philip Bay.

The concert by the Victoria Welsh Choir on the Saturday night was wonderful and it was good to meet up with a number of friends again.

The weather during the week ranged from wild winds, heavy rain, bitter cold to fine, sunny and reasonably warm. But the cold and the wet didn't spoil our holiday as the resort was very cosy and comfortable, and a good opportunity for reading, knitting and watching far too much TV.

On the Friday morning we boarded the Sorrento - Queenscliff ferry to cross Port Philip Bay. It's a 50 minute trip that I always enjoy, at least if it's smooth, which it was. We stayed the night with my sister in Geelong and helped her celebrate her 60th Birthday next day with most of the family.

We arrived back in Canberra on Sunday afternoon to eagerly await the arrival of Tanya, Geoff and Arlo the next day. We had a few delightful days with them and we looked forward to seeing them again in Brisbane next weekend where we'll have a reunion of the whole family (children and grandchildren) - the first time we will have all been together for 18 months, during which time two more babies were added to the family.

This will also be the first trip in our new car - we should know how to handle it by the time we return home in about 10 days time ...... lol.

Wind whipped waves along the Bay.

The ferry about to berth at Sorrento.

Can You Believe It?

2011-06-16T21:54:00.015+10:00

In order to find some warmer climes we've decided to head SOUTH! Sounds a bit daft but I'm sure it's warmer in Victoria than in Canberra, and with so much flooding in northern NSW, there's no point in heading north.

We'll be in Victoria for a week, staying on the Mornington Peninsula, and taking in a concert by the Victoria Welsh Choir on Saturday night.

We'll have the opportunity to catch up with most of the family and help my sister celebrate her 60th Birthday before returning home and welcoming Tanya, Geoff and Arlo home from China. We'll be able to enjoy their company for a week before they, and then we, travel to Brisbane for a grand reunion of all the Cornish family. Hopefully the cameras will be working overtime and we can share some photos with you on our return around mid-July.

They were here for a while .....

2011-05-31T18:25:00.008+10:00

.... before the wind blew them into every nook and cranny and they were eventually consigned to the compost heap.

Japanese Maple.

Smoke Bush and Silver Elm

Pear

Mountain Ash (Rowan Tree).

Sage.

Silver Elm

Liquidamber.

Japanese Maple.

Cornus (Dogwood)

Rowan Trees.

Plectranthus (yours, Shannon)

Another trip North

2011-05-30T20:26:00.010+10:00

First of all I must apologise to, and also thank, all of the people who have continued to check my blog throughout my 'lazy phase', and enquired as to our well-being during that time. I sincerely appreciate your care and concern.

Let me assure you that we are perfectly well and enjoying life. We've been busy in the garden, and then enjoying our new loungesuite when it's too cold to work in the garden.....lol. We've had some glorious autumn weather interspersed with some very cold windy days, but not much rain. The frosts are here but they usually herald a fine sunny day. The day may begin at -5º but if it reaches a maximum of 15º then it actually feels quite warm (relatively) with a 20º range.

I've also spent quite a bit of time in my sewing room, primarily making things for the smaller grandchildren. It's warm and cosy down there and I can play my music and sew to my heart's content.

Earlier this month we flew to Qld again to spend time with Russ and Michelle and their families. Unfortunately I seem to forget about taking photos much of the time. On Mothers' Day we visited the Cabarlah Markets and then had lunch at a delightful outdoor area a short distance away. The rest of the week passed far too quickly but enjoyably - playing with the Evie and Liam, relaxing with Russ and Shannon, plus planting bulbs, shopping, sewing curtains, while Richard had great fun in Russ's shed, sorting tools and building a few things like planter boxes and bird houses.

At the end of the week we spent a few days with Michelle and family, which is always a pleasure, as well as spending one day in Brisbane primarily to indulge in one of my favourite pursuits in that city - travelling the Brisbane River on one of the City Cats.

Whilst I was very happy with this photo with the grandchildren, we hope it will be superseded in a few weeks when Tanya, Geoff and Arlo arrive from China. There's still space there for Arlo to complete the Grandparent/Grandchildren photo.

I must say that I really love this photo - three generations - father, son and grandson. We must do the same for the ladies of the family soon.

A few (or more) shots of Brisbane from the City Cat.

I don't know the names of all the bridges .....

..... or buildings.

But I'm sure it doesn't matter! Those who know Brisbane will recognise them.

Well, that was a BIT more than a week, wasn't it !!!

2011-05-30T19:35:00.005+10:00

We had a fantastic week with Russ and Shannon and the children. We worked hard painting and building picket fence, lots of weeding in the garden, cutting back of trees and shrubs, but also time to relax and enjoy their peaceful surroundings. Even before we left there we were looking forward to our next visit.

Breakfast time for Evie.

Liam wants a chat.

Russ and Shannon checking what the postman brought in the rain.

Morning tea on the front veranda.

A delightful spot for a warm afternoon.

At the end of March we spent a week at the Nepean Country Club, at Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. It was one of the best resorts we've stayed at in Australia. Of particular interest to me was the lovely indoor pool since I have been learning to swim (better late than never) - with varying degrees of success.

Swimming pool area with gymnasium on upper level.

Outdoor pool and Spa.

Indoor pool.

View from our resort unit.

On the water at Hastings.

Not the water for a novice swimmer.

Another view from the unit.

Down the boardwalk at Cape Shank. Lots of steps down means lots of steps back up too, but it was worth it.

Portsea.

Back home in early April for a little spot of gardening....

..... and the first of the autumn leaves.

After I selected these photos for posting and sent them to the blog I got quite annoyed at how long it was taking. However, it didn't seem so very long at all when I discovered that all 18 photos had posted at once - instead of the 4 at a time as in the past, followed by lots of time-consuming cutting and pasting.

Up, up and away ....

2011-02-26T18:53:00.002+11:00

... in the morning we will fly up to Queensland to spend a week with Russ, Shannon and their little ones, Evelynne and Liam.

It's exactly a month since we farewelled all but Russ at Canberra Airport, and they've had a busy time since then moving into their own home.

I'm sure Liam will have grown quite a lot in that time; Evelynne will have learnt lots more words; while Russ and Shannon have been trying to childproof their yard, paint the house, unpack their belongings, and do a million and one other things.

Hence this visit from Grandma and Grandpa. I'm sure we'll find plenty to keep us occupied, ie, housework, cooking, grandchild minding and cuddling, definitely gardening and maybe even some painting. My gardening gloves and secatuers are already packed.

In spare moments we'll be able to explore the neighbourhood and just relax with this family whom we've seen so rarely in the past few years.

Household changes ...

2011-02-16T11:42:00.007+11:00

When Russell and Shannon decided to go to Belgium to live and work we readily agreed to store all their furniture in, around and under our house for the ONE year that they would be away.

Four and a half years later they returned to Australia, married and with two children and with a house interstate to move into. A busy few days were spent sorting, repacking and loading furniture and effects onto a hired truck which Russell drove to their new home.

It wasn't all work though and there was still some time to play with 2 year old Evie and get to know 8 week old Liam, as well as chat to Russ and Shannon. At last almost everything was packed, and sadly, the family departed - excited at the prospect of being in the first home of their own, but also aware of all the work ahead of them. We are very much looking forward to our first visit in early May. I am assured there will be plenty of gardening to do (don't mind if it is only weeding), and lots of cuddle time with the grandchildren.

The blue room hasn't remained empty for long - I had big plans for it. My new sewing room has emerged, and I love it. It's much larger and lighter than the one I had previously, which was on the south side of the house and didn't let in much light.

My plans included buying flatpack cupboards and shelves, and big crates for fabrics and little tubs or baskets for haby items. We searched the shops for shelves and cupboards, and couldn't find what I wanted, mainly because I didn't really know what it was that I wanted.

So I moved the sewing cabinet and the machines, then did a little measuring and found that my old kitchen table fitted in nicely as did a set of bookshelves when placed on top of the table (you don't want the shelves back, do you, Michelle?). Crates of fabrics fitted into the wardrobe and under the table, and there was still room for the sewing table with the side(s) either raised or folded down. Add in the ironing board and the clothes rack, blue and white baskets on the shelves, a chair, a fan, and something to play music on and I'm all set! Oh, I almost forgot two little yellow and blue ducks on the window sill (you don't want them back, do you Sara?).

We needed to find a home for stuffed toy bears which the grandchildren all seem to want to take to bed with them when visiting, plus a wombat, a penguin and Tanya's earless lamb, and now they're keeping the top shelf dust free.

The loungeroom too seemed to have acres of space now that several pieces of furniture had gone - Richard won't be able to watch two television sets at once any more - and after making good use of Shannon's roomy loungesuite for four years, we suddenly had nowhere to sit. Well, that's not quite true. We could rustle up 24 dining chairs and 4 other assorted chairs, but none of them suitable for a tired TV watcher. I find it difficult to sit up straight and watch my favourite programs when I'm nearly falling asleep, and off the chair. We have bought a new suite (2 recliners and a couch) but it won't arrive for another two months.

So the first project for my new sewing room was to cover two deck chairs which Richard repainted three years ago, and we bought new fabric at the same time, but it sat buried in a tatty cardboard box. I was quite pleased with the result even though the fabric wasn't quite long enough and I had to join pieces, and it's an irregular pattern which is why they don't look quite the same.

I finished them with Velcro strips, which I didn't fully trust to hold my weight, so added buttons for good measure. Okay, so the buttons are odd but the colours aren't too bad, and I even sewed each buttonhole and button with matching thread - how's that for being pedantic?

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" .....

2010-12-29T17:49:00.004+11:00

.... the bells were tolling at lunchtime today at the National Carillion as George Howe, Canberra's longest-serving Carillionist, played his last recital. George (now in his mid 80s) has given more than 1200 recitals over 32 years, averaging about 40 per year. Today's hour-long recital, which included Christmas carols and other popular music, seemed like a good incentive to pack a picnic lunch to eat in the shade of the trees beside the lake. We enjoyed the music, the fresh air, the cool breeze off the lake and the scenery. I hope you will too.

Kings Avenue Bridge

The National Carillion - which was a gift from the British Government - on Aspen Island. It's a very popular site for weddings, and today was no exception.

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Black Mountain Tower in the distance.

Looking towards Commonwealth Park

The National Library

43 Years Ago...

2010-12-16T15:00:00.003+11:00

... TODAY

A lot can happen in 43 years:

6 different homes in

2 different States.

Several overseas trips

and many within Australia.

Lots of people met and

Friends made.

BUT

Best of all is the treasured family

that has resulted.

Blessed with four wonderful children of whom we are so very proud,

their partners whom we love dearly,

and six gorgeous grandchildren

who are the delight of our lives.

What more could we ask for

except good health and

many more very happy years together.

The rest of my walk ....

2010-11-10T07:17:00.008+11:00

Bearded Irises

Smoke Bush (Cotinus - Grace)

Cistus (Rock Rose)

The second of our new Rhododendrons.

Sweet Peas

Self-sown (but transplanted) Calendula

Eremophila Nivea, which has been flowering for weeks

Jasmine

... yes, they are delicious! (Not as sweet as yours, Frankie.)

Violas and Jasmine

My Turn...

2010-11-09T21:44:00.007+11:00

Richard had his photographic stroll around the garden the other day, so yesterday it was my turn. It's almost a case of colour-overload at the moment. There is colour everywhere.

I have begun calling it the 'Charles Darwin Garden', ie. the Survival of the Fittest. You look at a plant one day and cannot find it the next because it has been swamped by something else. Such has been the result of the best season in years with regular good falls of rain.

Centranthus/Valerian, Silver Cineraria

African Daisy, Curry Plant, Purple Native Hibiscus (Algoyne), Yellow Daisy.

Gazanias

Mauve Lavatera, Yellow Daisy.

Yellow Daisy, Convolvulus

Convolvulus, Roses, Silver Pyrethrum

The cherries are a-coming. Should be a great crop if the weather and the birds are kind.

Centranthus, Gazanias

Centranthus, Gazanias, Wormwood

Silver Pyrethrum, Purple Hop Bush (Dodona)

Streetscape

Wormwood, Gazanias

Centranthus, Californian Poppies, Yellow African Daisies.

Californian Poppies, Bronze Fennel

Bronze Fennel, Nigella

Lime green Euphorbia, Centranthus, Miscanthus Sinensus (grass)

Yes, I realise that many of the same flowers appear in several photos, although from different areas of the garden. I think I got a bit light-headed with all the colour and just kept clicking away. Perhaps I should post the next lot as black and white?....lol

.... and still they come!

2010-11-06T20:25:00.008+11:00

A few more of Richard's photos from when he took his camera for a walk around the garden.

Eriginon (Seaside Daisy)

Geranium

The Bridal Veil Broom (centre) has been spectacular this year, flowering for weeks.

Cercis Forest Pansy, and Pittosporum

Alogoyne (Native Hibiscus)

Cornus (Dogwood) - it's meant to be white but the flowers are actually more green than white.

Columbines

Yellow climbing roses and white Icebergs. (I'm sorry that I either never knew or have forgotten the names of most of the roses.)

Banksia.

Acanthus (Oyster Plant)

We bought 5 rhododenrons this year. Three didn't flower but have put on masses of new growth, but this very dark purple one is a beauty, and a red one is just beginning to flower.

Driveway littered with male cherry flowers.

Cotinus (Smoke Bush) grows nearly two metres in a season....I'm sure I could see it growing if I tried.

View down the length of the deck (74sq metres). At the far end is where most of our propogation is carried out. It's not the tidiest of areas, but what 'nursery' is?

Down the back steps to the garden and courtyard.

From the deck.

'The Man About The House' ......

2010-11-02T19:54:00.008+11:00

..... this afternoon became 'the man about the garden' and took a few photos - 110 photos to be exact!!! Here are just a few...

Roses, lemons and Virginia Creeper

Lavender

Jasmine

Violas

These irises were dug up from another garden three years ago, left in a box for months until they looked like wizened up corks. I planted about 80 of them along the fence in the vague hope that one or two might eventually flower, and this year they have come up trumps. I'm thrilled not to have lost this purple and white one, though it looks like a couple of other special ones may have 'gone to God'.

I now have dozens of the next two, and also some others which I bought last year, but they don't look like flowering this year.

Vegetables

Celery and potatoes

Broad Beans

Lettuce and onions (gone to seed)

Smoke Bush budding up.

'Rambling Rector' doing likewise.

Daisies.

Lilacs.

Boysenberry flowers.

Pansies

New solar lights.

Still more pansies.

Japanese Maples.

Crab Apple Crazy

2010-10-28T21:32:00.003+11:00

Every year Richard watches the Crab Apple trees come into bud, anticipating the beauty of these trees in full blossom.

Worth waiting for, don't you think?

Vistas

2010-10-10T12:17:00.018+11:00

I often take photos of individual plants but haven't taken any distance shots, or vistas, of the garden for a while. One usually sees a garden as a 'landscape' rather than plants 'one at a time', so here are a few 'gardenscapes' from this morning. (The last four photos are out of order - they should have been somewhere in the middle.)

Some of the dozens of plants in pots waiting to find a permanent home. A lot of these are Silver Birches which grew up through the holes in the brick path.

I tried to get a low shot of the newest garden, but kneeling is out of the question these days.

I have very pedestrian names for the garden beds - this is the 'big' garden (because it is), or marginally better is the 'east' garden. The house belongs to our neighbour across the road.

Full marks for persistence - they keep coming up everywhere, in the hundreds.

Eremophila nivea. It has the most velvety silver leaves and the prettiest mauve flowers. An Australian native.

Cercis Forest Pansy

Next four are the 'big' garden from different angles.

Where the plastic water bottle is used to be a Camphor Laurel. We removed it recently before it reached its mature 30 metre height (it was only about 2 metres). In its place are four Chinese Lanterns, a Bridal Veil Broom, several succulents and two punnets of snapdragons. It should be a bit more colourful, if nothing else. This is the top end of the 'big' garden, near the front footpath.

This is the very top corner of that same garden. An area that is constantly being run over by neighbouring cars as they cut the corner. Yesterday a gravel truck managed to destroy a barrowload of plants so, short of building a brick wall, I planted 10 pieces of Miscanthus zebrini (a large clumping grass) around the corner. I know I will live to regret it and have to grub them out eventually - but it salved my frustration in the meantime!!!

Another Cherry Tree shot.

This is the 'top' garden - see, I have no imagination - which runs along the road next to the footpath. (Yes, Kerri, that's the Centrathus just coming into flower. Can you hear Richard gritting his teeth?)

Looking down the street.

Red-stemmed Cornus (Dogwood) in foreground is one of my favourites all year round.

This is known as the 'lounge room' garden. Yes, you guessed it!

And this is the 'deck' garden because it runs alongside the deck.

It gets better .... this is the 'clothes line' garden, because of the ubiquitous Hills Hoist in the lawn.

Vegetable garden is pretty self-explanatory!

This is the view from the deck, looking northwards over farmland.

There's that tree again!

Proof that it is the 'lounge room' garden...lol.

'Inside' view of the top garden.

This is the 'woodland' garden, mainly because it's shaded by two Sorbus (Rowan trees or 'Mountain Ash') and a large Banksia. The Acanthus in the centre is stunning at this time of year but suffers during the dry weather. The 'stick' shrub beside it is/was a beautiful red Chinese Lantern. We pruned it so hard that it may have 'gone to God', but we're hoping that He either has enough, or won't like it, and will send it back to us....lol.

The front lawn, between the 'top' garden and the 'driveway' garden.

I think I could do with some inspiration for naming gardens - a couple I didn't mention are the 'new' garden and the 'back' garden, which runs along the back fence. I feel quite depressed reading this ...... I think I'll go and make a cuppa!

Room for more photos...

2010-10-06T20:58:00.012+11:00

From the time that Richard bought his camera early last year, he has for some reason been loathe to clear photos from the camera even after they've been downloaded to the computer. Consequently, he would often have to delete a few to make room for others, usually while I stand around impatiently waiting for him to get on with it.

Since he doesn't know how to put them on the computer, I would usually nag him after each download to "Get rid of the thousands of photos on the card", but all to no avail. Until yesterday when he said I could clear the card entirely. Before he could change his mind I wiped the lot.

He picked up the camera. Perhaps it felt 'lighter'....lol, or maybe it was just the thrill of knowing he could happily snap away for a few thousand more photos, but he went for a stroll around the garden just to see what he could see.....and this is what he saw!

Every year we take countless photos of this cherry tree because we never tire of the masses of the beautiful blossom - and the anticipation of delicious cherries in a couple of months.

Cercis Forest Pansy, with Petosporum behind.

Ranunculus.

Calendula. I love the symmetry of their petals.

Japanese Maple

Anyone for Broad Beans? If all the flowers become beans I think we'll become a strange shade of green.

Pear blossom.

Very hardy Marguerites.

Violas.

Lavender

Bluebells.

Gazanias.

A rather pretty tulip, neither quite double nor single.

'Shay's' tulips.

Banksia.

Californian poppies.

Tulips.

I wish you could hear the bees in the cherry blossom.

Our one Rhododendron for many years, but we bought 5 more this year.

This is the view through the loungeroom window.

Lamium.

More C.poppies.

Erimophola nivea.

Photinia.

I thought I pulled out about a tonne of these, but they keep coming up.

Blossom Time

2010-10-06T07:42:00.014+11:00

Yesterday we made a return visit to the Tulip Top Gardens to see if the Crab Apples (Malus) were in flower. As you will see by the photos, they certainly were.

Richard took his camera this time, which was just as well because after only a few shots I discovered I had a camera with two flat batteries. Nor could I find my old camera, which is always in my bag. But you guessed it - it was the first thing I saw in my bag when I got home!!! Perhaps that's a hint that I should clean out my bag more often???

The Bradford Pears had just finished flowering in time for the Crab Apples to take over.

Most were of the pale pink/white variety, but there were a few very deep pink ones too.

I'm sure you won't mind a few more tulip photos, will you?

The Crab Apples (Malus) were a wonderful contrast to the Willows and Conifers.

The Dutch Pancakes were just right for morning tea.

The next three photos were taken from the viewing platform above the gardens.

Tip toeing through the Tulips

2010-09-27T20:53:00.030+10:00

From mid-September to mid-October Canberra, like many centres with cold winters, becomes a mini-Netherlands with several towns in the area producing beautiful displays of tulips in their public and private Gardens. Floriade, in Commonwealth Park, Canberra is renowned throughout the country for its massed gardens of tulips, hyacinths, pansies, and many other flowers.

The flower beds are cleared away, soil and all, at the end of Floriade each year, and then re-built and planted the following autumn in time for blooming the following Spring.

However, another display which is rapidly gaining prominence during this time is at the Tulip Top Gardens, a few kms north of Canberra. These gardens actually appeal to Richard and I more than Floriade does. We visited there yesterday and took just a few photos....lol.

Avenue of Snow Pears and Crab Apples. The latter are still only in bud so we hope to go out again in a few days as they will be magnificent in flower.

The Willows too will be more in leaf in a few days.

Japonicas and Flowering Peach trees add to the delight of these gardens.

Wallflowers and Forsythia

The flowering peaches were breathtaking, especially multi-coloured pinks and whites.

A few deep red Crab Apples were more advanced than other.

Wide pathways and grassed areas meant plenty of room to wander at leisure.

Going to extremes

2010-09-25T15:42:00.003+10:00

This morning we visited a nearby garden as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme. I read about it in a local newspaper and thought it looked quite interesting, in an 'English Cottage Garden' way. The owners have won many awards over the years and are great plant collectors, which in my opinion, was the garden's downfall.

It was on a reasonable sized corner block and almost every centimetre of space was filled with plants - decidious trees, ornamental fruit trees, camellias, over 300 roses (not in flower yet), shrubs, perennials, bulbs, annuals and vegetables. In fact, if it can be classified as a plant, then I'm sure it's in that garden. All of the nature strip and the entire block - front, back and sides - had been planted with thousands of plants, with very narrow winding paths throughout.

There were some magnificent camellias, but the majority of trees and shrubs were so densely planted that nothing could be seen to its best advantage, and indeed, many were distorted and drastically pruned due to lack of space. The garden would be lovely and shady during the summer months, but overall I found it so disappointing that I didn't even take any photos.

I'm sure the owners love it, and they've certainly put in a lot of work, but I felt quite stifled and overwhelmed by it all. I did see many things that I would like to grow, but not crammed 'cheek by jowl' with everything else.

However, I better not be too critical as this afternoon, after mulching the most recent plantings in the new section of garden at home, I counted the plants. Excluding all the pansies, tulips, calendula and ornamental grasses around the edge of the garden bed, there are still 89 plants in there!!! I'm well-prepared to remove some of the in-fill plants as the shrubs grow (I think....lol), but it will be interesting to see how it looks as they begin to grow a little more.

Richard pulling up self-sown Sycamore Maple seedlings to repot on the deck.

Up the garden path...

and down again.

I decided not to turn the remaining dirt heaps into a 'wildflower meadow' of flowers and weeds and ripped the lot out yesterday.

HELP, please.......can anyone tell me how to reply to comments on my blog directly under a particular comment? Or do I just have to be lucky enough see a comment and reply before the next one appears? (Tanya - you seem to be able to do it very well, but I know you are using Wordpress. Perhaps it doesn't work with Blogger?)

Morning Stroll

2010-09-24T20:01:00.011+10:00

An overcast morning seemed the perfect time to take garden photos - no shadows or overly bright sunshine to worry about.

I've not grown Dutch Hyacinths before and I'm so thrilled with them that I can't stop taking photos - as you will notice!

I probably love the deep purple best, but this blue fascinates me.

I can't remember the name of this plant but we bought two of them a couple of years ago, hoping they would climb and cover the trellis. They survived considerable neglect in that time and this year have provided a beautiful display of such pretty pink flowers. I need to tie them to the trellis to encourage them to climb or else the Chinese Jasmine will beat them to it.

These deep pink Dutch Hyacinths are my second favourite.

Daffodils

I love these daffodills with pale peach coloured centres. They've been there for many years but don't seem inclined to multiply very quickly.

Primulas

Daisy shrub and Eriostemon

It's been a great season for the Leucodendrons.

Banksia (bottlebrush)

Tulips planted for the birth of our second grandaughter, Shay, nine years ago.

These wallflowers just keep coming back better and better each year.

I love the variety in colour, especially the depth of colour in the buds.

Pink Rosemary

Hyacinths again.

Pansies and Calendula

Helibores

Our only Rhododendron for years, but we've planted another five recently.

Yet again !!!!

Worth a second shot, weren't they?

The Face of a Winner...

2010-09-19T21:05:00.010+10:00

Sara...

... and her team.

University of Canberra A Grade Womens Hockey team defeated St Patricks, 2-1, in the second minute of extra time. This is UC's fourth consecutive Premiership.

I have just scanned the next two photos from Monday's Canberra Times.

Sara is #10 in yellow.

A Garden in Progress

2010-09-17T20:19:00.009+10:00

From a weather point of view we have had the best lead into Spring for many years. Very good rains through Autumn and Winter have left the soil in the best condition I can remember, and with quite a few warm (comparatively) sunny days, it's been ideal gardening weather. So what have we been doing? Quite a lot, actually.

Here is a photo of our backyard soon after moving into our house. All we had was the house - no driveway, no garage, no fences, no deck, and definitely no gardens.

Over the years (far too many to mention) the above deficiencies were rectified, although even now the garden is still not complete. It's undergone quite a few changes over the years, not only in planting, but also in landscaping. I have often posted photos of the front garden, the vegetable garden, and other areas, but much of the backyard has remained a seemingly neverending bugbear.

For years it produced nothing but weeds, due to neglect while the rest of the garden took shape. Although for a time it was sown down to lawn which eventually died. The area then became a depository for temporarily unwanted heaps of soil, moved from elsewhere on the block. I couldn't count the number of times I have weeded these heaps of soil of their metre high weeds. The only consolation was that it provided plenty of material for making compost.

Apart from the weeds, Californian Poppies and Alyssum flourished, and several good crops of pumpkins - 14 last summer - were harvested.

Alyssum and Osteospermum (African Daisy) grew by the thousand.....

..... largely as a result of the mountains of prunings dumped there prior to shredding.

For a few weeks in Spring it was transformed into a 'wildflower meadow' - where some very special 'flowers' could hide from Grandma.

BUT this year, we decided 'enough was nearly enough'!!!!

I wanted to employ someone with a bobcat to move the heaps and level the ground, which would have taken half a day at the most. However, one of the reasons it has taken half a lifetime to establish our gardens is because a certain person wants to do it all himself!

I have to admit that he didn't quite kill himself, and it didn't take as long as I dreaded it would. Between us we concreted a path on one side and made a blue metal path on the other. (The cost of hiring a roller for the second path was exhorbitant so I tramped the metal down myself - I knew my weight would come in handy one day.......lol.)

I think this photo and the one above should have been reversed, but we did eventually level the ground and prepared it for planting.

For the past few weeks we've had the dilemma of where and what to plant, although since our deck resembles a commercial nursery, much of which we have propagated ourselves, we've been spoilt for choice. We eventually selected about 15 smallish trees and shrubs. There's always the temptation to plant too close when you want to fill up a large area, and we may well have done just that - time will tell.

I've been 'in-filling' the garden with groundcovers and perennials from around the rest of the garden (nothing is safe from being dug up and divided anymore), and even this afternoon couldn't resist emptying some of the pots on the deck - about 21, in fact - into the garden. (I'll take more photos over the coming weeks.)

Whilst we can't really plant more trees and shrubs at this stage, as they need room to grow, there always seems to be space to fit in just one more small thing, such as a geranium, which will provide colour and can always be ripped out as the shrubs encroach.

Above and below, yesterday's plantings.

BUT ..... before you congratulate us too enthusiastically...lol, you may well ask, "Where did the excess soil go to?"

Of course, HERE IT IS, along with two truckloads of topsoil just waiting to be spread in this area to create the LAST of the gardens! Well, it only needs spreading, and the removal of the weeds and poppies ..... or should I let them flower first?

It sounds like HERE WE GO AGAIN !!!!!

Childhood Revisited

2010-09-07T20:51:00.011+10:00

In mid July we spent a few days at the coast before travelling south along the Princes Highway to Melbourne. Along the way we spent a night in Lakes Entrance before continuing down through several Gippsland towns on the highway. It was a beautifully sunny winter's day, and as we were driving through Yarragon, I suddenly thought that I would like to go and see the farm on which I lived until I was 2 and a half. I had never been back to the farm since my parents, two older brothers and I had left there in August 1946........a long time ago!!!

We turned off the highway and set the GPS (or Persephone, as we have nicknamed the voice) for Childers in the Strzelecki Ranges in the South Gippsland Region of Victoria.

This is primarily a dairying area with good pasture and high rainfall.

As we climbed higher into the hills more forested areas emerged, with tree ferns....

... and tall eucalypts.

The only indication that we had reached our destination was 'Childers' on a large wooden sign and a couple of houses. I realised that I had no idea where the farm was so I rang my eldest brother who had been to the area a couple of times in the past two decades or so. He said that we needed to drive on until we came to Settlement Road and our farm was in the corner, on the left hand side. That sounded simple enough so we continued on for about 7km and sure enough we came to the intersection with Settlement Road. But rather than the farmland I expected to see, we were in a plantation of eucalypt trees. Obviously this was a commercial enterprise and nowhere could one fit a cow, let alone an entire herd.

Reasonably undaunted, we continued for about 17kms along an unsealed, winding road, with steep forests rising above us on the right and dropping away into deep gullies on the left. We were grateful that it was a Saturday afternoon and we didn't encounter any log trucks on a narrow bend.

Gradually the forest gave way to more open farmland with some quite spectacular views. Occasionally we were able to pull off the road a little and take a few photos.

It is hard to convey in these photos just how steep the countryside is, but we were impressed with this paddock which needed to be cultivated in one direction only, ie. the tractor would have to come down the hill, then skirt around the steepest parts until it could reach the top of the hill and then come down again. The land is too steep to drive up or sideways.

The next four photos give some idea of the beauty of this area, although the farms would not be easy to work due to the steep terrain.

We eventually came to the other end of Settlement Road. After receiving instructions from my brother we had actually headed south instead of north and come in at the wrong end of the road.

So there, on the right hand side of the road now, was the farm we were looking for. We couldn't see the house, and I think we may have passed it before we realised we had come to the farm so we didn't turn around and go back. I was happy enough to have found the farm and could take some photos.

My brother is five years older than me, so he remembers more about living there than I do. Apparently, the land had only recently been opened up for farming when my parents arrived there in late 1943 and much of the land was still covered in blackberries and bracken fern.

I don't know exactly how many acres Dad farmed but these are the views from the road just above the farm.

It is undoubtedly beautiful countryside now, although its beauty may not have registered too often with Dad as he tried to clean up a dirty farm and eke out a living for his family milking a few cows and growing potatoes.

As I stood there I tried to imagine what it must have been like living there more than 60 years ago with very poor road conditions and unreliable transport.

A few more scenes along the way.

Although it was a beautiful day, it was quite hazy in the distance.

I have almost no memory of living there and I wish now that I had gone back years ago. Perhaps even with Mum and Dad so that we could have talked about their time there. So often we don't see the need to do these things until it's TOO LATE!

The First Day of Spring .....

2010-09-01T15:03:00.017+10:00

..... is always a good day to take camera in hand and see what's happening in the garden.

Iceberg roses are shooting.

Tritelia are everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE!

Self-sown Calendula

Pansies grown by my lovely neighbour, Lorrie.

Tesselars half-priced Dutch Hyacinths pushing their way through. Oh, the anticipation of that perfume!

Snowflakes

Grevillea

New shoots on the Lilac and Sweet Peas on the fence.

Red tips on the Photinia

Tiny flower buds on the Cercis Forest Pansy

Pink Rosemary

A couple of snazzy daffodils

Euphorbias

I have plans for many more of these hardy, colourful plants.

Bronze Fennel

Not jellybeans but an equally colourful succulent

Primulas

Leucadendron

Hop Bush

Acanthus. If only they would look like this all summer.

Lace Bush

Highly perfumed Erlicheer

Perennial Wallflower

Violet violets and non-violet violets.

Broad Beans

Apricot blossoms suggesting lots of fruit if only the parrots and cockatoos will leave them alone.

Helibores

More buds than you can poke a stick at.

Sneaking in a few more ...

2010-08-31T06:49:00.011+10:00

... (now that my new photo storage allowance has 'kicked in').

In case you thought that winter in Australia was all blue skies and sunshine - behold...

Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.

Flowering eucalypt.

Grand old homestead, Moonta, Yorke Peninsula, SA.

In beautiful Adelaide city.

The cottage where we stayed in Adelaide.

The reason for our trip to South Australia - the National Hockey Championships.

At Playford Lake in the Adelaide Hills.

'The Cedars', the home of one of our most famous painters, Hans Heysen, at Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills.

Glenelg, Adelaide.

Langhorne Creek, SA

Not sure if these are poisonous or poisonless, Tanya ..... lol.

Banksia

A tree with 'character' despite having been dead for some years - Port Macdonnell, SA, in the garden of a home once owned by poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon.

Sunset over The Currong, SA. Sadly there was little water in this vast lake a few months ago.

Winter in Retrospect

2010-08-29T09:06:00.009+10:00

As tomorrow is the last day of Winter in Australia, I have selected a few photos at random taken during the season whilst on trips to various parts of the country.

Some of you may be wondering "if it's Winter time, where is the snow?" Actually, the snowfields are having their best season for many years, with many resorts currently having between one and two metres of snow.

However, the snowfields were not on our agenda this year - or any year, for that matter - so this is Winter in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

These first four photos were all taken at Lakes Entrance, a popular holiday resort on the Ninety Mile Beach in Eastern Victoria.

Reflections on the Tambo River at Nicholson, East Gippsland, Vic.

Farmland at Childers in the Strzelecki Ranges of Victoria. (The farm in the foreground is where I lived until the age of 2 and a half, and the story of our visit there a few weeks ago will be posted to the blog shortly.)

Moruya River, south coast of NSW.

Seagulls circling a fish'n'chip shop at Narooma, south coast of NSW.

A seal sunning itself on the rocks at Dalmeny, south coast of NSW.

The surf beach at Moruya, south coast of NSW.

Frost on the lawns at home in Canberra.

Swimmers enjoying The Strand, Townsville, north Queensland.

A Billabong (waterhole) at Bordertown, South Australia.

Fishing on a sunny winter's afternoon just south of Adelaide, South Australia.

I had more photos to post but I've used all of my 1GB of free photo storage from Google. I meant to purchase more last year but didn't get around to it. Luckily I didn't because it is now 1/8th of the cost that it was before Nov. '09.

I bought more last night but apparently it takes 24 hours or so to come through....so hopefully I can post some more photos SOON!

Arlo Margaret......continued

2010-07-24T17:31:00.006+10:00

Since my last posting I've spent a week in Townsville with Tanya, Geoff and the beautiful Arlo and met more of Geoff's family; been home for a few days before welcoming Arlo and family to a very cold Canberra; and travelled to the south coast to introduce her to the sand and surf before bidding a tearful "Goodbye" to them all. Tanya, Geoff and Arlo will fly to China for a two-year posting on 1 August.

In this series of photos Arlo actually gets younger, ie. in the first one she is four weeks old, but only a week old in the last one.

Arlo Margaret......

2010-06-21T06:25:00.002+10:00

...... our newest darling Grandchild was born on Wednesday 16 June - right on her due date, and according to her very proud parents, Tanya and Geoff, only 4% of babies do that!

One-eyed parental bias aside, I understand she is perfect and beautiful, and already likes watching the soccer in the early hours of the morning and has the requisite negative views of the referee. Don't they say "Out of the mouths of babes...."?

Tomorrow I will be winging my way to Townsville to meet and get to know this latest treasure and spend a week with Tanya and Geoff, and also some lovely 'Grandmothers-together-time' with Geoff's Mum.

Do you think the camera will get a workout? I hope so!

Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road

2010-06-17T15:26:00.025+10:00

Along Victoria's famous Great Ocean Road, between Lorne and Warrnambool, there is a stretch of coastline known as 'The Shipwreck Coast', for obvious reasons. Many ships came to grief along here and it's not hard to understand why when you stand at various points and watch the powerful waves crashing onto the towering cliffs.

There are several sites which have become major tourist attractions such as 'The 12 Apostles', 'London Bridge' (not quite as spectacular since part of the span collapsed into the sea several years ago) and 'The Grotto'.

These photos were taken in the region of Loch Ard Gorge, the scene of one of the best known shipwrecks of the mid 19th Century, and subsequent amazing rescue.

The Razorback.

If you click on the photos of these signs you should be able to read the text quite clearly.

Sheer cliffs rise from the sea.

You can see the crack in the end of 'The Razorback' on the right side of photo. No doubt it will only be a few years before another piece breaks off.

These outcrops would have been one piece a long time ago before being separated by the relentless waves.

You can believe that any ship which founders on these unfriendly shores would mean almost certain death in those early days for passengers and crew.

Caves and grottos carved out by the force of the sea.

The beach looks enticing. However access is difficult and the risk of being swamped is ever present.

A brief outline of the wreck of the Loch Ard.

Amazingly two people survived this wreck and were rescued.

At the end of the Great Ocean Road, in the beautiful city of Warrnambool, there is the Maritime Museum, called Flagstaff Hill. Every evening (except Christmas) visitors can witness after sunset an amazing Sound and Laser Show giving graphic details of one of the most famous events in Australian history. This internationally rated $5m show lasts for approximately one hour, but here is an excerpt of just a few minutes from "Shipwrecked".

Nearly 5000km later ....

2010-06-12T21:18:00.010+10:00

..... we're home from our trip to Melbourne and Adelaide.

In the next couple of weeks I will post more photos of various areas we visited, but just for now here is a mini travelogue between home and Adelaide.

On the road to the Yarra Valley.

Tesselars Bulb Farm in the Dandenong Ranges.

The Yarra River from the Swanston St. Bridge, Melbourne. Taken on the way to the State Theatre for the opera, Fledermaus.

The Sorrento to Queenscliff Ferry crossing Port Phillip Bay. Two ferries run in opposite directions every hour, 12 hours a day, all year round. The 40 minute trip saves many kms of city travelling across Melbourne.

Quaint hotel in Queenscliff.

Lorne, a popular holiday town on the Great Ocean Road.

The coast at Lorne.

Along the twisting Great Ocean Road, skirting the cliffs.

A sign that could mean the difference between life and death on this narrow, winding road.

But not all of the Great Ocean Road skirts the coast; much of it runs through beautiful farmland and tall bushland.

Loch Ard Gorge, near Port Campbell, named after a famous shipwreck. (More on that in coming days.)

'The Razorback'

Tower Hill Nature Reserve near Warrnambool.

Emus.

Thousands of birds nest in the cliffs at Tower Hill, an extinct volcano.

Port Fairy.

Wind farms between Port Fairy and Portland.

Overlooking the Portland Harbour from our lunch stop.

The Blue Lake at Mt. Gambier, South Australia.

Mt. Gambier.

Mid 19th Century home of famous Australian poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon, at Port McDonnell.

Approaching sunset over the Coorong, Meningee, South Australia.

Heading South

2010-05-20T02:24:00.004+10:00

We're heading south for a couple of weeks or so. Firstly to Melbourne to see family and friends, and the final performance of 'Fledermaus' at the State Theatre on Saturday afternoon. It's had fantastic reviews so we're really looking forward to an afternoon of great music and laughter, plus meeting up with more friends there.

After the weekend we'll spend a few days gradually wending our way across to Adelaide where we'll stay for 9 days, primarily to watch the National Hockey League finals, but also to see the sights of this beautiful city and surrounds. Russell will join us for the first weekend in Adelaide during his one-week flying visit from Belgium.

ACT Strikers warming up for a match (photo taken in Melbourne last year.)

After the hockey finishes we'll drive back home through South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, staying overnight with friends on the way.

Should be a great trip with lots of photo opportunities.

Take care, one and all.

"This is the life!"

2010-05-14T19:02:00.002+10:00

About 18 months ago Richard constructed this wood-burning BBQ. Naturally we don't use it during the summer months, not only due to the possibility of fire danger, but there is so much heat given off by the fire that it would be very uncomfortable during the hot weather.

However, now that winter is almost here and the evenings are getting very chilly, the warmth of the fire is very welcome, as well as doing a great job of cooking the meat for dinner.

Sitting by the fire, nursing a bottle of beer, is becoming Richard's favourite time of day, and always elicits the comment, "THIS is the life!!!"

Winter Sunset

2010-05-13T19:28:00.002+10:00

A pretty sunset is always a good excuse to go for a walk, camera in hand. One needs to walk in the right direction though. Last night I went east and didn't take the camera, and when I turned around the sunset was magnificent. Tonight's wasn't so good but I thought it might still be worth a shot or two, and I enjoyed the walk as well.

Through the kitchen window

2010-05-11T21:12:00.002+10:00

Autumn leaves often seem to create their own light but at other times the sunshine highlights their beautiful colours even more.

The first two photos were taken through the kitchen window yesterday morning.

These were taken around the garden yesterday and today. We are entering the frosty season and this will enhance the autumn colours, although some trees are almost bare yet others have scarcely begun to change colour.

Japanese Maples

Sycamore Maple

Another Japanese Maple

Smoke Bush. These branches grow about two metres each summer and will be pruned right back when all the leaves have fallen. They always look so stunning against a blue sky.

Claret Ash still has quite a bit of colouring to do yet.

More Cairns Beauty

2010-05-03T22:00:00.009+10:00

Cairns Botantic Gardens

2010-05-02T15:48:00.007+10:00

I know that Cairns, in far north Queensland, is a very popular tourist spot for overseas visitors of all ages. If ever you are lucky enough to visit this lovely city, a walk around the magnificent Botanic Gardens will be an added delight. Although these gardens are not very large, the collection of plants could keep you enthralled for hours.

Many tropical plants are unfamiliar to me, so rather than mis-name them, I have chosen to leave most of them un-named.

I hope you enjoyed your trip around half of the gardens......I'll post more photos in a day or two.

Canberra to Cairns

2010-04-28T15:41:00.008+10:00

A couple of weeks ago we ventured further north in Australia than we've ever been before. All the way to Cairns in tropical far north of Queensland. We spent a week at the Cairns Beach Resort at Holloways Beach, a few kms north of Cairns. It was a lovely resort, with a fantastic pool which even enticed Richard and I to make splash each day. How annoyed am I that I forgot to take photos!!! There's a restaurant across the road called 'Strait (sic) on the Beach', and it literally is, so you can hear the waves breaking only a few metres away as you enjoy a delicious meal.

Leaving Canberra Airport.

Canberra from the air with the Bindabella Ranges in the background.

Clouds can be even more attractive when you're right up there with them.

Arriving at Brisbane Airport, to change for Cairns (there are no direct flights Canberra-Cairns).

Through a somewhat grimy plane window I could see lots of tiny clouds - definitely not rain-bearing clouds coming your way, Michelle - and what I thought were small, indistinct islands.

Soon I realised that we were in fact flying over the famous Great Barrier Reef. I hadn't expected to be able to see it so clearly from the air, nor was I prepared for the fact that it stretches for almost the entire length of Queensland. (Please check the link if you are unfamiliar with the GBR as it will give you much more information....... and I'm lazy.)

Coming into Cairns.

I hope to post more photos of our trip in the next few days.

I apologise for my long absence from the blogging scene.......I have no good excuse, so I won't try and invent one....lol.

Hello and best wishes to anyone out there who may still be checking up on A Growing Delight.

Tamworth Tempest

2010-03-19T19:27:00.008+11:00

Whilst staying with Shannon and her family in Tamworth, northern New South Wales, a few weeks ago, the evening sky turned on a performance of its own. Each time we have been there we've witnessed wonderful cloud formations all around.

Look what happens when it rains,...

2010-03-11T10:24:00.006+11:00

... the garden comes alive again!

Pink Tecoma creeper.

Self-sown Silver Birch seedlings growing in the pathway. Their roots are well-protected below the bricks and they never wilted throughout the summer. There's about 40 of them in a few metres of pathway. It will be fun trying to extract them when they become dormant.

Cotinus Smoke Bush reaching for the sky. These shrubs grow around two metres in a season - all of which will be pruned off in the early winter.

Mixed Guara and Parsley

Not sure why our Crepe Myrtle is still only in bud whilst they have been flowering in other places for at least two months.

From 7 months to 70 years.

2010-03-07T10:23:00.009+11:00

Wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Richard.

1940

1941

December 1967

With Tanya, Russell and Michelle, about 1978

With Tanya and Sara in Canada, 1993.

With Grandchildren Luca, Shay and Zoe, 2008

With Grandaughter, Evelynne, 2009

Choosing Birthday Dinner last night.

Thank you to all the family.

Undoubtedly the best birthday 'present' Richard ever received was our lovely daughter, Tanya.

1972

In Qld rainforest, 2007.

At Russell's wedding, December 2009.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday, darling Tanya.

WHAT IS IT ........

2010-02-15T16:24:00.017+11:00

that's making the driveway so shiny? Blessed, lifegiving, wonderful RAIN.

Over the weekend we had 36 hours of non-stop rain - well over 100mm (4 inches). Gentle, steady, soaking rain - the plants are singing, I'm sure. Our first good rain since Christmas.

Overflowing tanks

It's such a long time since I last posted that I'm sure you've given up looking. So what have I been doing? Not a lot really - staying inside when it's been hot because the house stays cool - and watching the tennis, of course.

I've sewn and knitted a few things for Evelynne, whom we will see for a few days next week before she and her mother return to Belgium, where I'm sure Russell has missed them both very much for the past five weeks.

In mid-January we spent 3 days at Beechworth in north east Victoria. The main purpose for the visit was for 'Opera in the Alps' in the grounds of La Trobe University Campus.

Some of the 5000 audience who enjoyed the balmy evening and the beautiful music.

We were lucky enough to attend the rehearsal on the Friday night ...

plus the actual performance on the Saturday night. I'm sorry I don't have any decent photos - the light not being conducive to good shots.

We also visited the very picturesque town of Bright, and caught up with some relatives who were enjoying their holiday there.

Talk about 'gadding about' .... at the end of January I flew to Sydney for a free 'Opera in the Domain (part of the Sydney Botanic Gardens)'. The opera was Leonard Bernstein's 'Candide' ......Based on Voltaire's satirical novel of 1759, 'Candide' is a hilarious, harsh and hedonistic adventure....... Blindly following the advice of his tutor Pangloss (Paul McDermott), the relentlessly optimistic Candide (David Hobson) careers through a series of wild experiences and astonishing coincidences to return home to his beloved Cunegonde (Emma Matthews) enlightened by a new, more realistic philosophy of life.

Some of the crowd of 30,000 who enjoyed a very amusing performance, on another lovely evening for sitting outdoors listening to beautiful music.

David Hobson (Candide) and Emma Matthews (Cunegonde)

Paul McDermott, well-known TV presenter, writer, painter, dancer, singer, in centre of photo. This was Paul's first foray into opera and I was very impressed, although his role didn't actually require an operatic voice.

(Last two photos are from Opera Australia).

But we can never stay home too long and on Wednesday we'll head off to Brisbane to help Michelle celebrate her ??th Birthday on Saturday (?? - let's just say she was born somewhere between the Mexico and the Munich Olympics....lol)

We'll be away for just over a week, and with the recent rain we expect to come home to a jungle. What fun!!!

Antics and Surprises on the deck

2010-01-08T20:40:00.003+11:00

Our mid-morning cup of tea on the deck took on a new dimension this morning when our regular friendly magpie, Rossini, flew down onto the table to see if we had brought anything for him. A few minutes later his 'wife' paid us a rare visit and they warbled in unison, perched on the back of the chairs.

Evidently Rossini had urgent matters to attend to and flew off, but the 'wife' stayed and was soon joined by Junior Magpie, squawking for a feed. Mother did her best, even trawling through the flowers to get to Junior......anything to shut him up.

"Say 'please' and I'll feed you."

"Still trying to fight my way through this 'undergrowth'"

"There, that should keep you quiet for a while."

"I'll try playing deaf and ignore you."

A short time later Richard was thrilled to discover that two of the Hoyas he had grown from cuttings were not only threatening to overun the deck but had also burst into flower....the first we've seen.

..... and just a few more!

2010-01-01T09:07:00.002+11:00

With Michelle and Lachlan - Evelynne's Godparents.

Russell and Shannon .....

2009-12-31T14:17:00.003+11:00

..... a beautiful Wedding Celebration.

May your lives together be just as beautiful and happy.

Shannon and Russell with Marriage Celebrant, Christine.

Sara, Bec, Christi, Ailee, Greg, Jason, Michael, Lachlan,
Shannon and Russ

The happy family - including Evelynne.

Lots of bubbles after Evelynne's Naming Ceremony.

About to cut the cake......and make a wish or two.

Sara

The Wedding Celebration took place in a delightful outdoor setting. The bride looked stunning, the bridesmaids lovely, the groom handsome and the groomsmen pretty good too...lol.

Forget-me-not?

2009-11-18T12:27:00.010+11:00

Not a chance - not when the seeds cling to everything in sight, like gardening gloves, shoes, socks and other clothing.

The handyman has been at work and made this snazzy screen to partially separate the courtyard from the garden. It's all concreted into the ground, and it's very heavy......just in case you thought it would look good in your garden.......lol.

I think two potted bamboo plants would look rather good on this side of the screen.

It's hard to get a pure white geranium, so I'm very happy with these. I must propagate some more.

Some colour on the balustrade.

I'm not sure of its name but the silver grey leaves are always attractive, and the pretty pink flowers make it a real winner. Easily propagated too.

One of the lavenders that escaped the purge a couple of months ago.

I love coriander in my food, but I think I like it even better when in flower as it is here. The leaves and flowers are so fine and lacy.

'Curry' plant. Has anyone actually used it in cooking?

Geraldton Wax.

The icebergs are just browning off, not melting.

Callistemon.

Even convolvulus deserves to be photographed now and again.

Acanthus enjoying the shade.

The almost black leafed Aeonium zwartkopf makes a striking contrast to the various greens. Another plant which is easy to propagate.

The carpet rose will soon be a mass of flowers too.

In the Pink

2009-11-15T17:26:00.003+11:00

If you look at Jane's blog you will see photos of her beautiful white Epiphyllum cactus.

That reminded me that ours flowered for the first time this week so I thought I'd share it with you too.

It's amazing that such a lovely flower can emerge from some pretty ordinary-looking thick strappy leaves.

The Truth Will Out......

2009-11-11T20:11:00.017+11:00

Laura, who creates the most delicious-looking gastronomic delights, which I can only drool over but not replicate, has issued me with a challenge of posting 10 Truths About Myself.

Rules of this award:

Post 10 truths about oneself:

Pass the award to 10 others (with their links):

Include the link of the person who honored you with the award :
My Ten (Random) Truths!

(not necessarily in order of importance)

1. I hate olives, blue-vein cheeses, and most Champagne......that pretty well does away with inviting me for drinks and nibblies, doesn't it?

2. I would love to have a really large garden......yet I find this one of 1440sq metres too large to maintain with ease now, especially during drought.

3. I grew up on a dairy farm and by and large had a happy childhood in a big family, and am thankful for the parents and siblings I was blessed with.

4. I live in Australia's Capital City, but often think I would like to move somewhere else. However the thought of packing/selling everything means I shall probably stay here.

5. I sometimes wish some things I could do better, do more often, or had never done at all, but realise the futility of wishing for what I can't change. I shall just have to do things differently from tomorrow......if I remember....lol.

6. I love interracting with my blog and internet friends and would really like to visit and meet every one of them, whether they be in Australia or overseas.

7. I love watching the ocean when it is very rough (but don't want to be on it), clouds/sunrises/sunsets, trees, flowers and winding pathways, the worms and other 'animal life' at work in the compost heap, and especially love watching my grandchildren's fascination with plants, animals, insects, etc.......even when they bring them into the house!

8. I am so proud of my four children, what they have done with their lives, and the wonderful adults they have all become.

9. I would like to finish our garden, make up all the fabric in my sewing room, learn how to shop for clothes (my sisters will be laughing hysterically at these three tasks), and cook because I want to, not because I have to.

10. I would like to be more computer-literate, but more than that, I would like a computer that is FAST!!!

Now this should be fun....who can I torment with this challenge?

1. The first one was obvious - Kerri, from Colors of the Garden, who takes such wonderful photos of her beautiful garden in Upstate New York, and has become a very dear friend.

2. Annie, from annie-flowergarden, whose love of life is so inspiring and I'd like to know her better.

3. Rachel, from lawntea.blogspot, who draws people to life with her imaginative writing.

4. Annette, from coolabahcapers.blogspot, who is travelling Australia and I want to hear more about it. Come on, little Sister!

5. Susan, from susaninstitches.blogspot, who writes me the briefest of emails and I want to see if she can write more....lol.

6. Noella, from australiannightowl.blogspot, who wants to take a break from Internet Scrabble ...... you do, don't you, Noella?

7. Jane, from five-minutes-of-fame.blogspot, who kindly allowed me to come and stay with her for two nights, sight unseen, and then spent two weeks in hospital recovering.......I'm a dangerous guest.....lol.

8. Chloe, from chloesgarden.blogspot, who was my very first blog contact and helped me get started. Perhaps this challenge will entice her back into blogging regularly as her gardening posts were always 'down to earth'.

9. Michelle, from shellsandbeans.blogspot, who suggested to her mother (me) that she start a blog as she might meet someone with similar interests. What an understatement that turned out to be!!! Thanks, Shelle.

10. Tanya, from purplegiraffes.wordpress, whom I gather needs to update her 100 things, so perhaps we could start with just TEN. I'm waiting, Tanya........see if you can beat Shelle....lol.

Thanks, Laura ........ this post took me forever to do!!!......lol

Too Much Sunshine......

2009-10-30T20:12:00.009+11:00

...... means too much shade.

Too much bright light, and too much shade to take good outdoor photos, means that flowers don't show up to their best effect. However, waiting for optimum conditions sometimes means I miss the flowers altogether.

Iceberg roses are budding prolifically and should produce a wonderful display.

Another Cotinus (Smoke Bush). Perhaps Jane will like this one better?...lol.

Anyone need some Alyssum or African Daisy seedlings? The result of piling plants in a heap waiting to be mulched.

Japanese Maple, Silver Birch, Calendula and Californian Poppies.

Poppies in the shade of a Sycamore Maple.

Mauve and white Lilac.

Claret Ash, yellow Broom, African Daisies.

Self-sown Sweet Peas.

Smoke Bush, Crab Apple.

Eriginon (Seaside Daisies).

African Daisies.

Overgrown Silverbeet vying for space with the Alyssum.

Lavender, Centranthus and Bronze Fennel.

Centranthus, daisies and Ceanothus.

Gazanias.

Silver Curry Plant. The leaves actually taste like curry and can be used in cooking.

Ceanothus.

Crab Apple.

Only a few months ago this daisy was a cluster of thick, stumpy branches without a leaf on them.

Columbines in the shade of the cherry tree.

Yesterday's Garden

2009-10-17T09:25:00.002+11:00

Yesterday was the sunniest day we've had for a while, so I managed a couple of photos while the sun was out and there was a lull in the wind. Ever notice that just when you want to photograph a plant, the wind begins to blow and the plant waves about madly?

Now, if only I could find a space for all the plants we bought in the last week or so!!!

You are invited ....

2009-10-16T07:48:00.016+11:00

.... to come on a photographic journey with me through Victoria and New South Wales.

The 600km trip home on Tuesday provided plenty of opportunities to snap roads, GREEN paddocks (fields) and ever-changing clouds, albeit through the windows of a moving car. Believe it or not, this is the order in which the photos were taken so you can see that the cloud scenes varied all along the way. Sometimes it was a case of 'be quick before the windscreen wipers pass again'. If only the countryside would stay this green!!!

I took about another sixty photos on the trip......aren't you glad I didn't post them all?......lol.

Around the garden ....

2009-10-15T07:28:00.008+11:00

..... between the showers.

25mm (1 inch) of rain while we were away and the garden is just loving it. Very cold wind at the moment is stopping us from getting out and planting all the plants we bought, but hopefully we can sneak a few into the ground in the next few days. Meanwhile, we're loving the rain too, even though the lawns now need harvesting rather than mowing.

Pink Dogwood (Cornus)

White Dogwood - fairly insignificant flowers, lovely leaves and stunning red branches.

Yellow Broom and Red Valerian or Centranthus.

Pink Valerian and Yellow Daisy (?)

Silver Lace Bush, Purple Hops and White Osteospermum.

A bit of everything including Californian Poppies and Bronze Fennel.

Smoke Bush (Cotinus) - Grace.

Rhododendron

Lavatera

White Lilac.

Purple and white Lilac.

Single pink Marguerites.

The lettuce are thriving and the pansies are blooming.

Contemplative gardener.

Broad beans and spring onions that have been growing continuously for about 15 years.

Apple blossom.

Food for the Future

2009-10-01T20:00:00.005+10:00

We've been busy this week! Lovely Spring weather - sunny days, occasional rain, and life seems to be bursting from every branch and the warming soil.

Gradually growing in size over recent months has been this large heap of discarded plants and tree prunings, and the occasional nasty surprise like rose branches full of thorns and ornamental grasses (Miscanthus), which is impossible to shred without bringing the mulcher to an abrupt standstill.

So, on Tuesday morning this was the heap......

...... and five hours later

this was the result.....except for what was embedded in my hair and down my shirt!

In two or three months it will resemble what Kerri calls 'black gold' and help produce more

Lettuces...

Broad Beans,

Tomatoes (in black pots for protection and to direct water to the roots), Spring onions and rampant Parsley

and even more onions. Irises by the fence seem to be thriving without any 'black gold'.

Plus the carrots, parsnips, French beans, peas, potatoes, beetroot, strawberries, spinach and silverbeet that are also coming through.

So after all that activity, we're heading back to Victoria tomorrow with friends to spend a week exploring those beautiful old towns, delightful gardens and magnificent scenery.

Oh, it's a hard life....but we're ready for the challenge.....lol.

I hope you all have a great week, too.

Springtime......

2009-09-30T17:46:00.011+10:00

..... a time for flowers.

Although I've pulled a great many plants out of the garden in the last few weeks, a little colour is gradually returning.

This was today's offering.

White Azalea - almost smothered by violets....their days are numbered, too!

Yellow Osteospermum (African Daisy)

Pink Correa, Bronze Fennel and Euphorbia.

Gazanias.

Cercis Forest Pansy in front of Pittosporum

This Californian Poppy provides such a bright splash of colour on this heap of soil that I thought it deserved to stay there and be photographed.

Pink Marguerites.

Apple Blossom

Freesias, Alyssum and lettuce.

Gazanias, Luecadendron, and Eriostemon (now called Pilotheca)

If I'd not been so lazy I would have removed the hose!

Lavatera, on the right.

Forget-me-nots - love them now, hate them later!

Front garden.

Cherry tree with astonishing amount of blossom.

Despite the Dust.....

2009-09-27T12:23:00.009+10:00

.... there was still some colour in the garden this week.

Camelia

Wallflower

My favourite daffodil at the moment.

Tomatoes waiting to be planted out - hopefully when frosts are finished.

Home grown 'nursery'. Most of these trees and shrubs have been propagated by Richard from seed or cutting.

Lamium

Surprise cyclamen - surprise because we didn't know it was hiding in this pot.

Cherry Blossom against a briefly blue sky.

Fresh new leaves on the Claret Ash.

Pinkish flowers and seeds on the Canadian Maple.

Pink Rosemary

Grevillea

Bi-colour perennial wallflower.

Hellebores

The Place Needs Dusting......

2009-09-22T17:36:00.004+10:00

..... OUTSIDE!!!

As a result of wild weather across southern Australia, we have been 'visited' by tonnes of topsoil from South Australia and western New South Wales.

Whilst we may be covered in dust, the farmers out west will have suffered heartbreak and financial loss from the stripping of their topsoil.

The sun struggling through at about 8.30am.

Multi-layered clouds this afternoon against what should be a blue sky.

At least the fields are still green.

The thunder was rumbling too.

Slightly clearer in the upper atmosphere.

Believe it or not.....

2009-09-20T19:44:00.007+10:00

..... this is the face of Victory!

Sara was happy - she just didn't want her photo taken.

A hug from Dad was okay.

Pre-match warm-up. (Sara is #10 - standing on the white line)

University of Canberra won its third successive hockey Premiership today by defeating the Australian National University 2-1

The clouds looked ominous early in the afternoon, but the weather remained fine and sunny.