Finally, after 6 weeks without decent rain (not counting the pitiful amount that arrived 4 days after the 115mm deluge), and enduring higher than normal temperatures, the dry spell has been broken. This has been looming tentatively on the weather outlook for weeks, teasing us with its variably as it finds its final position on the forecast. But even as recently as yesterday morning they … Continue reading The rains came!
The garden seems to be in some sort of holding pattern. The old summer plants are limping along, being supplemented by frequent watering and liquid feeds like they are on some kind of life support. They are still productive and there is a modest harvest, but it is so dry. And while we are no longer in those heady high temperature days, it is still … Continue reading Waiting for rain
… And a few words to go with them. The mornings are turning out to be quite productive as the cooler starts stretch well into the day before the heat drives me indoors again. The temperature is still getting up to 30C in the garden in the hottest part of the afternoon. But it isn’t just the pleasant working conditions that make gardening great, the … Continue reading Mostly Pictures
Last week was a strange week. In fact, it seems we are living in a strange world and there is so much uncertainty than concentrating on anything for too long can seem overwhelming. But the garden is always a place of peace and somewhere to lose yourself in. The mornings have been much cooler and it has been lovely to potter about without overheating, but … Continue reading Dry Days
(A paid post with the good people from GARDENA NZ) Historically, back in the day I was a bit of a malingerer, I would be slow to clear away the seasons end. Not because I was lazy, but to acknowledge the season was over was too much to bear. I’m just as bad with my Christmas decorations and this year they made it to Valentine’s … Continue reading Tidy up time
At this time of year, the harvest settles down to a trickle. And the immediate demands from the garden aren’t nearly as intense as they were a month ago. Now that we are passed the autumn equinox it is easy to get a little complacent, especially now the mornings are getting a little chilly and there is a heavy dew on the grass. But then … Continue reading Hot and Dry
It has been a long and difficult couple of weeks outside of the garden. Sometimes life is like that but that makes the garden all the more of a sanctuary from all that worries you. Fortunately, there hasn’t been too much to do in the garden as we are at the end of the season and not at the beginning. I think if I had … Continue reading Breaking wind
Every year I sow melon seeds with great anticipation. I like a bit of variety with my melons and I have the room, so I start off with Sugar Baby Watermelon. It is always reliable and even in a poor summer the chances are you will get something. This season I got 4 somethings. Most were around the 5 kg mark which is pretty big … Continue reading Melon Jam
I have a lot on my computer gardening plate. But I need to keep my hand in the soil to keep the garden on track and stop my eyes going square in front of the screen. It is so nice to be able to take breaks to be responsible by indulging in a great love right outside my office door. Since autumn began two days … Continue reading Moving slowly into autumn
Staying busy is a great way to keep your mind from the worries of the world for a while. While in lock down it is so tempting to be glued to each and every update that comes in, seemingly by the minute. But being an active relaxer with a tendency to worry about things, I decided it was in my best interests to just check … Continue reading Monday Message:
