Wednesday 21 November 2018

Quick look at Garden work 16 & 17th November 2018

Back from Singapore on Sunday afternoon, and a quick trip up to Inglewood on Friday afternoon.  Had tried to get Mum to come up with me, (see the Op shop ladies, Denise & Steve, gin & tonic on the veranda etc) but unfortunately she couldn't be budged.

The drive there seemed interminable, as there was a lot of traffic/roadworks/breakdowns etc, so it ended up taking me over 3 hours

Got there around 1.30 or so, and had a look around to see what Troy and Rob had done in the garden

They have moved the two x tanks, (Justin had been worried about the side tank for some time, as the support timbers were bowing a little bit)   And I was pleased to have them moved away from the house, as they were ugly there





We ended up having to buy a new tank to replace the metal one - as it has some rust spots that could become leaks


Troy had to cut down the stands, and will replace the wood of the side stand, as the base timbers were bowed.  The tanks will be placed up the back corner




With all of this movement, there was a also a lot of digging - to relocate the house down pipes to the new tank location


And while we were at it, we organised for drip systems for the front orchard and olive trees.  Hoorah, I won't need to hand water these trees anymore.  will replace the dead ones next Autumn







And they are also putting up the picket fence (components of which were given to us by Alex some years ago. Pity, but some of the pickets were twisted/no good anymore, so Troy will have purchase others on our behalf


And that was the end of the works inspection, seems to be going pretty well.

As you can see by the photos it was a sunny day, (just perfect temperature, mid twenties) and there had been a few days before hand where the temperature was in the high thirties Therefore it was pretty dry again in Inglewood.  George and Val had been up the week before, and George had given the garden a good soaking

That meant that my asparagus had not only survived, but  grown - hoorah.  Couldn't find the other one - which I'd spied under the parsley a few weeks back, oh well!


And, there  were also some new flowers to admire - I think a clivia, some blue delphiniums and also a large red succulent flower






Also picked some artichokes for Val, as she had admired them last week, but didn't think she could/should pick them.  However, the artichoke plants were looking a bit droopy - compared to last time - so gave them a good watering




Pottered around a bit, and then set up the hammock and read in the shade - very nice.

Watered after 5pm, as despite George's watering last week, it was all pretty dry again

Gin and tonic on the veranda, a small dinner, and then some Netflix

Watered the back garden again in the morning, and the citrus in the front which aren't on the drip system. 

Finally got rid of that pesky dead wire hanging in front of the scullery window


Given that the tank has been moved, we may as well have an uninterrupted view out that window

Then called up Anne L to see if she was home.  Wanted to return her platter and pate knives, as I'd had them out waiting for her ever since my Kingower Gal's Friday night.

She was home, so I drove over.  She showed me around, and introduced me to the assorted family members (too many to remember their names, sister, friend, her kids/partners, grand kids etc) 

Dropped in on Terry on the way back.  Had a coffee, cake and a chat

Back to the house to do the dishes, and then back to Melbourne for a Musical afternoon at the Danes 


Thursday 1 November 2018

Nellie Melba in Tarnagulla 20 & 21 October 2018

We weren't originally going to come up this weekend, as I was rostered on for a Cheese making course with CWA on Saturday.  However I cancelled it

Did my normal inspection of the garden



The mulching also seems to be doing its job as the garden is looking great

Heaps of figs on our little fig tree



Gorgeous poppies - with enthusiastic bees





Luscious mint



Lots of flowers on the citrus trees



A profusion of Youngberry flowers


Many artichokes - which I later picked




Also picked some lettuce


Some nice flowers also






And someone/thing had crashed into one of the euphorbias out the front - good thing they're hardy



Lunch, and reading on the back deck



Did a little bit of weeding, and also trimming around the garden

Potted up some spare euphorbias and parsley (which were growing in the paths)- in preparation for the Ashburton Festival


Discovered one of my original asparagus plants raised from one of Maile's seeds - hidden amongst all that parsley


And also found a bit of lizard/ snake skin near the vegie garden



Gin and tonic on the veranda in the late afternoon while on the phone to Mum



Casual antipasto dinner upstairs - and probably saw a movie, although I can't remember which one

Leisurely start on Sunday, breakfast outside, as it was a lovely day


Rearranged some rugs



Quick lunch on the back veranda also - bought a hamburger with the lot and a Schnitzel burger from GGs - had half each. 




Justin had a look in the well/cistern, and found it was rather empty - I guess it must be evaporating....



He also took a photo of my lovely vegie garden



Picked up Terry around 1.15pm  to go to the Dame Nelly Melba opera event in Tarnagulla
Justin didn't come as he had work/reading to do



There was a display of Nellie Melba memorabilia at the back




Was a little bit disappointed that there were no bubbles on offer in the supper room, however went to the pub, and bought a BYO plus some plastic cups

Strategically popped the cork during the first rapturous applause - got away with it...

The show was great, Rachel narrated giving us information about the life and times of Nellie




There were 3 Opera singers - same ones as for Don Giovanni.  They of course sang beautifully, and the acoustics in the hall were wonderful.  We both had a marvellous time





Finished up after 4.30, dropped Terry back at his place, and back to Justin at Nimmitabel