Let the little birds come

It is such a joy to watch

the little birds 

frolicking in the water.

More Success with Sean

Sean inserted the terracotta tile border which defines the path and should help to contain the berry plants in the garden beds.

Rod created the trellis to support the berry canes. The one closest in the picture in version 1. Version 2 was easier to stretch the wire on.

Trellis Version 2

The tiles have special significance to Rod and I as they were
reclaimed from the roof of the Lych Gate at the church
where we were married.

   

Success with Sean

I have a garden I which needs more time than I have to give. I have a nephew who has more time than money. Successfully I have joined the two and here is the outcome of a sessions of hard work in the sun by Sean.

Bricks left over from the barn paving border both vegetable garden beds,
making it easier to stop Kikuyu grass from taking a hold in the garden beds.

The grass and the bricks contrast nicely.

Lobelia Teirs

I try to replant these terracotta pots a couple of times a year by purchasing 3 or 4 punnets of seedling. This spring/summer the display is self seeded. 

Lobelia erinus

Christmas has come to Ashwell

Merridy and Pierre

I have decided to dedicate my Pierre de Ronsard climbing rose to Merridy Schultz who passed away in October after a short but aggressive Cancer illness. Merridy was joint owner of the Flower Garden at Nairne with her husband Brian.  The Flower Garden was where I first saw Pierre in all its glory and I subsequently ordered two for my rose arch that Rod made. I ordered many a rose from Merridy and Brian who's nursery and display gardens were an inspiration to behold. I also have 'Flower Garden'  furniture and pots that  have been purchase over many happy years as a FG customer. 

Rest in Peace Merridy

The Arch that Rod made

Out on a Limb

When we moved to the area 30 years ago it was a rare treat to see a koala. To see a koala with a young one was worthy of gathering the neighbours to come and have a look. The koala population has definitely increased since then, we now see these cute creatures daily. 

Climbing Clematis

A bigger display this year, maybe by the time we have a seat installed in the arbour the coverage will be amazing. 

Clematis - The President

Lace Cap

A trip to our local nursery on my birthday resulted in me selecting this beautiful Hydrangea - a present from Rod to go with the Paul Bangay 'Guide to Plants' book that he also gave to me.

Golden Leaves

It was years ago that we were first aware of this amazing native bush - Hakea Laurina and it was the leaves that caught our attention. 

A very fine tinge of gold appears to embellish the new leaves
 at this time of the year - November.

The seed pods are very hard and also interesting.

And yet the rewards keep coming with these beautiful flowers.

Our bushes have been quite messy but I have seen shapely examples so I wouldn't be put off trying for a better form next time round. We planted seeds from the bush that first captured our attention nearly 20 years ago.

Welcome Velour

It's been quite some time since I welcomed a rabbit to my bunny community. After calisi virus took its toll on my two girls - Martha and Moo it was time to bunker down and spend some time in quarantine mode. Velour has been adopted at 15 weeks of age and is a female (I am told-but it wouldn't be the first time the facts have been distorted). I am told she has some cashmere in the mix.

It's A Square Weld After All

              

Years of collecting off cuts and miscellaneous items of metal by Rod has now resulted in our first sculpture.

8 identical 'I' beam ends

and painted to experiment with

 miniature scale models were made  

design settled on, Rod set about welding the pieces together 

                        

                                   a last minute change in arrangement

painted in situ

                        

I've got it covered

The new addition to the Iceberg Rose arch has settled in well despite only one of the two transplanted roses surviving the shift. The coverage is sufficient and the desired tunnel effect has been achieved. 

Newly installed arch waiting for Spring

A sign of busyness

An absence of posts should now be rectified as I have now submitted my photo book - Ashwell 30 Years in the Making. 13 months ago I ordered the voucher which gave me 12 months to compile and upload my story into a photo book. I procrastinated for many months then panicked before paying for a one month extension and then I knuckled down to scanning, cropping, colour enhancing, choosing, creating text and finally with 4 days 'till expiry I submitted the project for printing. Now I wait.

Prunus blireiana

Branches are lined with fragrant, rosy pink flowers in late winter before the purled new leavers emerge.

 A hybrid deciduous small tree, Prunus x blireiana is the result of a cross between the Japanese apricot and the purple leaved cherry plum. It is highly regarded because it is the only double flowering purple-foliage ornamental plum tree. Our tree was planted in 1985.

Arch Rival

A decision to add an extra arch to the Iceberg Rose arch has finally come to fruition. Hopefully this three dimensional effect will add depth and be more attractive.

Rod - creator of arches.

Arch - ready for planting

In position, just waiting to be concreted in.

Iceberg roses transplanted and attached to the new
arch. Fingers Crossed.

All my roses are now pruned, roll on spring.

Winter Woods

Half way down our property Rod has planted trees and shrubs indigenous to our area.
Original white gums stand strong and stately. This beautiful photo was taken by Rod
yesterday on one of our truly winter days.

Added Cheer

Wanting to find a new home for some Jonquils I have planted them on the inside edge of the white
agapanthus square border, located on the road verge. I wish it was Daffodils that I had a surplus
 of but they are cheery anyway.

Day 2 - 19 more Roses Pruned

Today was a beautiful sunny winter's day, just perfect for working in the garden. In an effort to get as many roses pruned in the same week in order to maximize synchronized flowering I achieved 19 plants. 8 standards and 11 climbers. 

Before - Standard Ambridge and climbing Iceberg.

A couple of Ambridge blooms.

Afrer - Much better! Just need to go back and replace the stakes for stronger
 metal ones that I have ready and waiting.

Standard Molineux and climbing Graham Thomas

Standard Molineux. These standards have already had their stakes
replaced out of necessity earlier in the year
.

Climbing Pinkie

Using the large loppers I was able to remove some rather old and thick canes.
I still have to go back and tie the remaining canes to the fence.