A cool change

There is a freshness in the air that comes only after weeks of hot sun and humidity. Gentle rain is falling and the soil is soaked. A couple of nights ago the clouds burst open and heavy drops fell turning the yard into a shallow pool. Gutters overflowed and we all sighed at the welcome drop in temperature.

Tomatoes and aspargus

Bright and fragile green leaves are breaking through the sodden mulch. The magic of dry seeds germinating into new plants never dulls for me. The enchantment has been casting a spell on the primary school boys who live next door. Both were keen to plant their own seeds as I worked in the soil last week. So each made their choice from my packets...peas and radishes for the youngest, basil and beetroot for the eldest.

Oh what excitement there was when the first shoots burst forth. I have been surprised at their dedication and tenderness in which they care for their own little patches. It will be a proud moment for them both when the harvest their first produce.

Fennel covered in busy bees

Each day we harvest about half a kilo of tomatoes from vines (not counting the many green ones Mae plucks as we turn our backs!). We cut fragrant handfuls of herbs for garnishing and posies. Leaving some blooms for the bees. Iceberg lettuces are swelling to plump little globes as the sweet peas dry and fade.

With each year I am becoming more confident at collecting and saving seeds. The silverbeet and kale have towering, flimsy seed heads flopping about. Drying in the kitchen are tiny pods of potential. The sweet pea pods are ripening, this will be my third year to gather the little black marbles.

Our apples

The sickly wisteria we brought on clearance has clambered up it's chain at lightening speed and now is creeping along it's length. In years to come we hope it will bring cool shade to the front of the house. The lavender blooms put on a great show and I look forward to an even better display next spring. Most of the flowers have past their best and as I trim the back I can feel the first hints of the coming Autumn. The mixture of summer flower seeds gathered from wilds of my mums floral garden have started to fill the gaps by the letterbox. A happy combination of granny bonnets, daisies and other cottage garden treasures.

Abundance

Another bin full of dark, rich compost has been spread around the hungriest of our plants; rhubarb, passion fruit and roses. The soil is becoming lighter and easier to work. Worms and bugs are plentiful and scatter when disturbed.

The chickens have resumed laying. The fruit trees are looking like they will offer a small crop each. Mr. Fox enjoyed the first pickings from our dwarf nectarine. Strawberry runners are stretching across the patch. I am eager to try another sowing of carrots after getting some tips from my instagram friends. Lets hope I have better success next time.

Miss Lily