Hello Spring

A cheery bunch for Jennifer. Oregon USA is such a long way away!

Farewell to the Fallen

It is hard to believe that this majestic and stately old white gum tree will stand no more.

The extreme winds on Tuesday 26th July sent this beauty to the ground, roots and all.

It came down on the neighbours fence but rests right along side this garden pyramid. 

One needs to be careful what we wish for - I have been known to want less shade, peeling bark and falling branches in this garden - the potager!

Camellia Collection

Our camellia's have grown into quite substantial bushes, some were dug out of Rod's parents garden before they sold, one was from my Grandfathers garden and one was a gift from a work colleague. 9 varieties in total, 8 of which are planted in the Camellia garden.

One mans rubbish is another mans treasure

A trip to my parents at Victor Harbor with the trailer to help them get rid of accumulated stuff resulted in lots of old tools to display in the shelf unit in my new potting area. Some of the tools probably belonged to my Grandfather - Sid.

New Embellishments for the Garden

Purchased from McLaren Vale Garden Centre

Taking 'Going potty' to a new level

Book shelf off the side of the road plus decorative features removed from family room cabinets after modifications to accomodate larger TV

A chance fit - which also fits with the William Morris quote -“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” I am sure he was also talking about potting sheds!

Commercial style Aluminium framed door off Gumtree - paid $120 now installed as main entrance to workshop/ potting area.

Located in close proximity to nursery area plant stands with automatic water system.

Once again Ashwell is evolving to suit changing needs. 

Putting an end to the Black Reign

32 years of Millipede invasion every autumn is way too much. We've taken steps ........

Step 1 - Order Nematode kit from Bug Central and collect 600 live millipedes

Step 2 - Order arrives

Step 3 - read 16 page online instruction manual

Step 4 - cut 2 layers of absorbent paper for each of the 40 Petri dishes supplied

Step 5 - Place nematode gel into the middle of each dish

Step 6 - Add 8-10ml water and a sprinkle of supplied nematode food to each dish and wait 24-48

Step 7 - Add 15 live millipedes to each dish, replace lid and wait 24 -48 hour

Step 8 - Release nematode infected millipedes into the garden and wait 12 -24 months!