Wow-can you believe it?

I'm the world's worst blogger. I haven't even begun to look at how my patch went over the summer.

In a word-terrible!

As someone who prides themselves on her tomatoes, I had a rubbish crop this year. I did have plenty of success with zucchini, and boundless pickle jars later, I am sorted for the winter.

Still have some broad beans in the freezer too.

My veggies are looking a little lean at the moment, baby Cavolo Nero and Broccoli are in, and some weeny seedlings will be in soon.

Chooks are laying 2 eggs a day, even in this freezing weather. Not too bad I guess.

Tomorrow I am looking at a property in country Victoria, it's only 607m sq, so if it does come into fruition, I'll have to figure out what to do in such a small space. I'll keep you posted.

Ciao for now-promise I'll be back soon.

X DD

Horticulture baby.

I'm about halfway through my Discovering Horticulture course, and last night's soil class was awesome!

Deciding what to do next is the tricky part-

I'll upload some pics of the cranking spring garden soon-broad beans, artichokes and silverbeet will take over the world!!!

Or at least my little patch x x

Inspired by design.

So I thought I'd get a little serious here, a little reflective too. I spent the weekend in Sydney and was reinvigorated in my own design thinking.

ALL of my recreation time is spent in my garden, and my day to day job helps to pay the bills and allows me to live in the house that accommodates my chickens and lets me grow my food on a relatively large scale.

In a couple of weeks I am starting a course at Melbourne Uni that will lead me to do my Masters. In Urban Horticulture. I really believe that we all need to walk with intent, consume less and put thought into what we put into our bodies. Of course I love to garden, but it's so much more than that. I have an urge to impart the knowledge I have and shout it from the rooftops- it feels so good too!

Do you think I should teach people how to grow food better? with beautiful design? organically? in urban spaces? thoughtfully? with multiple purposes? start a business?

*sigh*

I am a little excited and scared and excited.

x x

Spring is so close....

Hyacinth bursts
Peach Blossom
Lady in the Snow apples-divine and so crunchy!
Snow peas
Romanesco Broccoli- or spaceship broccoli as I like to call it!

What else is going on at your place?

Winter activities.

Granny squares
Broccoli, cauli, kale and chard. Yum yum yum.

It's that time of year again....

http://www.rosemagazine.com/images/ambridge1.jpg

When I get a huge plant delivery...and it's not all food plants this time!

I know it's garden vanity, but people care is a permaculture principle and old-fashioned David Austin roses make me happy x

I may just get some peonies too.

I have decided to turn the front yard into a cottage-garden/orchard this winter, it's such a boring suburban lawn- I hope the landlord doesn't mind.

The backyard is in full-winter swing, broad beans are getting leggy, and the brassicas are fighting off the cabbage moths. I have three baby chickens too, they make my day when they jump on my shoulders. I wonder what will happen when they are fully grown.

Pretty Polly at 3 weeks.

No more rooster.

He sadly became a horrible bird- my ladies were terrified and traumatised.
The good part is that he went quickly, then quicker into a pot at my friend's house (he's neither vegetarian or squeamish).
Now my girls could not be happier and my garden is back to tranqulity.
I am getting some baby chicks this weekend- so excited, they are Australorps, all black and shiny!
All winter crops are in and looking lovely, broad beans are poking out and I am starting a new compost pile this weekend. Hooray for the cooler weather- it lets me stay out all day without getting sweaty and gross.
Bye for now.