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