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I just had to share this awesome flower with you all. I was getting out of my car today and noticed this amazing flower on a hibiscus bush down the side of our fence that I hadn’t even noticed before.
And just for a little perspective…
I’ll be keeping my eye on this bush, ready to enjoy the next flower!!!
…that make you happy to be alive.
The Jacaranda in the backyard is in full bloom.
Nick and I began the day with a cycle to the beach and a swim, before coming home, buying some awesome smoked bacon from the butcher across the road, and having very tasty bacon and eggs.
Simple things. Life is wonderful.
Nick and I scored an absolute bargain today! Currently, our local Woolworths is selling these big pots for very, very cheap. These were $15 each, and the next size up, which are enormous, were only $21. We’re seriously considering going back and stocking up!
These are going to be the new home of our fruit and nut trees. We’ve got a ruby grapefruit, lime, lemonade tree, macadamia and a mulberry. They will be much happier once we put them in these nice big pots!
We also got a few more strawberries today - though they are a bit bitter. Any ideas what we can do to boost the sweetness? I’m thinking there must be some nutrient imbalance, but I’m not sure what it is.
I was very excited this morning when I wandered out onto the balcony, and saw this!!
I have always loved tulips, and this year I thought I’d try to grow some for the first time. And, it seems I have been successful! I was so excited that I ran inside and got Nick out of bed, saying I had to show him something… and when he saw it he said “yes, it’s lovely, I saw it yesterday!”. Next time he’ll know to tell me when a tulip blossoms 
I’m keeping my eye on my other bulbs now - I’ve planted a number of different things in random pots, wherever there was some spare space around another plant. I can’t wait for my other tulips to flower, not to mention the daffodils, irises, and others. Something so bright and lovely is a wonderful surprise 
Today was a sad day for me, and for many other Aussie gardeners, I’m sure.
Peter Cundall, the host of Gardening Australia since it began many, many years ago, has retired from the show. For many years I have watched GA, and been inspired by Pete’s enthusiasm for all things gardening. His passion is infectious, and I’ll miss my weekly dose of it.
One of the things I love best about his style of gardening is his relaxed attitude towards planting, pruning, and all other gardening tasks! He just makes everything so simple, and manages to allay the fear that I might be doing something wrong. There is so much you can learn about how to garden ‘properly’ - knowing your nutrients, soil composition, companion planting… etc. But when it comes down to is, all you really need to do is dig a hole, bung in the plant, and Bob’s yer uncle.
So, farewell Pete - I’ll miss you!
Okay, my mushroom kit is finally growing!
I followed the instructions on the box… which meant I didn’t open up the casing for a few weeks. I was supposed to wait until the compost turned white, but I got impatient!
So, I spread the casing over the compost, and preceded to spray it every day or two with water, as instructed. I have been spraying for weeks… and finally, some baby mushies are appearing!
I shall photograph and share with you all in the next few days. But I am really looking forward to some fresh mushrooms fried in butter. Mmmm. So unhealthy, but so tasty!
Check out this video! John Patrick shows you how to build a garden that takes water straight off the roof… and it’s a really great idea. Lots of other videos to watch there, too…
Due to the inordinate amount of time I’ve been spending online lately, I have to admit that I have been neglecting my garden.
I walk past it when I go out, and the little plants have seemed to be looking at me forlornly, wondering why I have been neglecting them.
Well, no more. I went for a nice long walk this afternoon, and when I got home I got stuck into the garden. I’ve now planted out a few of my cherry tomato seedlings into the big caged garden bed, as well as a whole lot of sugar snap pea seeds and my nasturtium, which had been starting to look a little sad in its pot.
It felt really good to be digging around in the dirt! It made me long for a place of my own, where I will be able to really get into it and make a proper garden in the ground. Pots are great, and my collection of potted plants has become somewhat mind-boggling… but it doesn’t compare to the ability to just dig in the ground and transform a piece of the earth.
So, my need to garden has been assuaged, for now…
P.S. Apologies if you had any trouble accessing the site yesterday - my host was doing maintenance.
