"That Word Beginning With "S"."

   Not snail, nor slug, not even sand-flys. But that dreaded word "Summer", it is nearly here, my most, not liked, most unwelcomed Season, never is it ever heralded in, in good Grace.
   I was  a slow starter in the Sand, Sun, and Beach Babe Thing, perhaps, not quite factual, real truth I never got started.
 Who wants to sit back and watch their garden, sizzle and wilt, and sometimes much worse. How can you enjoy digging and raking and pushing the barrow back and forth. When the  Weather Man says,  "Wonderful, beach day forecast, for today,  will probably be swimming weather all week."
  Does he ever Forecast, "Good Gardening Weather, enjoy your Day amongst your petunias".
  So while I hide inside and peruse Garden Books, with lush greenery and flowing waterways, dream hard, enough that a white Christmas just might happen. That when I turn the calender it will be Autumn next.
 Wondering why I live where it heads up over 40 degrees plus regularly. Where drops of moisture very rarely leave the sky.
  Look out the window, all is growing and happy, not wilting and sad, only the " Gardener Who Lives Here" looks Wilted and Sad.

"Message to Elmer."

    I . have done it this year, I've pipped that Wascaly Rabbit at the post. Eat your heart out Elmer Phud. Last year I came second, which really meant I came last.
    Last year I waited and watched, waited and watched some more.  For the long awaited and anticipated flowering of my "Chocolate Lily",  But alas the Rabbit got there first.
    You remember the Chocolate Lily with its loverly smell, they flowered in the scrub, the flowered on the roadsides on the walk to school, they flowered in the paddocks.
     You remember when, back when, we could find frogs eggs and tadpoles in water filled drains and dams, when mushrooms popped up everywhere. . When yabbies were plentiful. Back when I could wander up , up and over the hill, only one hill mind you. I was never a very brave or bold child. Two hills would have meant, I'd have probably gone to China or somwhere far, far away. May not have made it home in time for tea.
   Back when Chemical Companies didn't rule the world, spoilt it all they have.
   Back to the flowering of the " Chocolate Lily," I fenced and protected and guarded with my life. Some may say, I haven't got a life. But I'm sure Elmer would have been proud of me, to beat that "Wascal of a Wabbit", and enjoy the flowering of my "Chocolate Lily".

   

"Visiting Heaven."

    I have been visiting the " Realm of Gardens, in High Places", those lovely gardens, shrouded in mist, sitting up amongst the clouds. Gardens in the Dandenongs, well it is closer to Heaven, than the Wimmera Plains.
    I have wondered why I live in a flat dry area, when I yearn to hide in the hills, walk in the mist, grow things I wouldn't dream of planting here. Stop your winge woman and just be greatful, you have space around you and today there is a bit  of moisture falling from the sky.
   While I was visiting Heaven, I came across a Nursery-Cafe, Open Garden, "CloudHill" at Olinda. ...
    Oh, to sit and wander in magic, beautiful, imagination plus,  in the more formal areas, and on you wander and down in the Gully. Lyre Birds dancing. Told you I had visited " Heaven".
    Then the more "Decandant" Area, Cafe on the hill, ask nice smiley Waitress for " pot of tea and something totaly wicked," she does not disappoint, "Chocolate, almond and date Torte, with a little bit of whipped cream and strawberries on the side. " Hell" for the hips, "Heaven"  for the taste buds.
     One day I will visit again, not for the sight of Lycra clad bike riding men, with sinewy muscles ,lean and fit. Totally in Aw of these bikers, not because of the physique, but the fact,  they can still converse with each other while pedaling "Up" the Mountain.
     Magic, scenery, magic gardens and the food is not to bad either.

"Open Gardens"

    A good day out, if you like that sort of thing, not what "other Person Who lives Here, would really call a good day out.  Each to their own, I suppose.
    I have been and will continue to be a " Walker" and I have been a " Walked," whether that happens again, we will see.
    To be  "Walked", you have spent countless hours primping and preening for the day.
     You have checked the weather forecast, days ahead and hope and pray, for fair weather not foul.
    You've spent money on this and that, just because you could. Well that pot does look good there, those new roses just add to that spot and no-one is going to know if you have over extened the budget.
     Then the day arrives, people pour into your garden, some with handbags so big, you wonder if they are staying overnight, or they are fitted with false bottoms. You know what for, those little bits of plants called cuttings. Enconsed away, out of sight of the garden owner. "Just ask", I say, but that does spoil there fun of pilferering.
     Critics, will possibly be overheard, "To Dry, To big, to wet, not enough of this or that. Doesn't matter, you've done your bit. You've probably raised abit of money for some Charity or other, well done You.
   To be a "Walker", such fun, new ideas, photos taken to show "Other Person Who Lives Here", just what we could build or plant or pave or many whatevers.
   The Forecast doesn't matter, that is what hats, coats, umbrellas and all of that is for.
   All you need to know is where a good Cup of  Tea Place, for after is, you always work up a thirst and possibly an appetite as well.
   Looking forward to the next "Good Day Out".

"Memories of Shows gone by."

  What do I most recall,  maybe the Side Shows, the Cupie Dolls on their crook shaped sticks,fairy floss all of that and more.
   But it is the, before the day memories, the days of my Show Steward Nanna's, voice telling us, " It helps make a Show."
   So out would come the garden snippers, and all the bits and bobs  for flower entries. Saucers covered in wet cotton wool, pastel colored plates to be decorated, doilies to be be placed around posies.
   Tiny little flowers for the saucers, diosamas, for-get me nots, tiny leaves for around the border. All placed perfectly in patterns and circles, around and around we went. Posies starting from the center, a tiny rose bud, and out we worked round and round again, till we had created a perfect posy.
   Then the anticipation on Show Day, when the Pavilion doors were open to the public. Had we won anything, had we been good enough. Were there perhaps a card next to our entry, blue writing, meant a first red writing, a second.
   That is what I remember as good fun on Show Day, my White Cat Ornament, for all  round Aggregate, so long ago, still sits in my crystal cabinet, today. Thanks Nanna.

"Destruction"

   I thought, I would just write daft stuff that pops into my head, usually while I weed or iron or shower. You know the times, the times when your hands a both occupied, when you can't type or scribble without some form  of difficulty. Today I read an article by Hamish Blake all round funny man, but he was serious and writing for real.
  About the wicked destruction of the jungles of Borneo, a total piece of paradise, being destroyed for what reason. Greed, money, consumerism all of that and more. It makes me so sad to think, as a human race, with a so called superior brain. We can continue to do this to our already fragile planet, why can't we wake up before it is to late.
   I want my tribe of " Special Little Kids", to be able, in the future, to be able to do what Nanna did and visit Borneo, see its beauty as it should be seen. Not covered by Palm Oil Plantations, they are like a scar on the landscape.
   This banner waving,  Nanna, has something on her mind today.

 

"Waste"

  I have just maybe, perhaps wasted much of the afternoon, reading blogs of other writers. Some interesting some not quite so. Usually I would have my nose in a book, but today, all computer nerdy, who would have ever thought that day would ever come to pass.
   Have read about tree huggers, slow foodies, permaculture, light footprints on the earth, no spray use, bio-dynamics and on and on it goes.
   Did I waste my afternoon, have I read it all before, do I practice some of it.
 No not a waste of time. No have not read it all before. Yes I do practice quite a bit of it.
 Just reinforced that gardening is good for the Soul, when you are to lazy to get out their and do some.
 Time for another cuppa and  perhaps a little Tree Hugging on the side.

 

"To Do or Not to Do, that is the Question."

    The "Do" is done, finished over, Now " Do"  we " Do" again. Have we over done it, " Do" we need a little change.
     We had acceptable weather, Yes I did say Ta and Thank You. We had lots of people, who wandered and walked and wondered why this gardener pulled down all those fences. Many said kind words, some said,  " dumb, daft and slightly bonkers." Why would you need all this garden. Well, where would you fit  the people, had they thought of that.
  Music was just perfect, wafting on the breeze, the smell of sizzling sausages, hot do-nuts, popcorn, all of  that and more.
   Three Little Irish Dancers, jigged across the grass, what more could this gardener want, to add more magic to her patch.
    I have thought we may as well "Do" the "Do" again.
 Have sent out to the Universe, " if you are possibly free Xavier Rudd, could you possibly see fit to just pop on  the day.
 Serenade my garden with your music, and I'll know my day is made.

     .

" The Ego."

  I know they say pride comes before a fall, well down I've slipped. I've been watching my "Giant Towers" Echium with much adoration, it has grown to the most amazing size, well worth a big brag about, come "Do Day" Well you know all about my love of wind,  the over breezy stuff we have had to suffer this last few days. Has tipped my much wanting to " Brag" about Echium clean out of the ground. So now it lies in all its glory,  prone sideways on the earth.
   What right did I have to brag, it self seeded there all by itself, I never gave it a drink,  the sky did that, the sun shone on it, without my assistance. With all that neglect from this so-called Gardener, what right did I have to Skite and Brag and be Proud.
   So the Ego is dented, will I hang my head in shame, for wanting to skite and brag, No probably not, will just hope it self seeds where it lies prone on it's side, so perhaps I get to gloat and smile next year. "Oh! Yes I planted that, enormous isn't it"

"whether it Will or Weather it Wont."

    Having serious wind problems at the moment, of the weather kind I mean. The wind and I aren't really good mates, I'm a stick your head further under the doona type of girl on a blowy day. It gets in my head and makes me quite ratty, up here on the our hill, if it's breezy down town it will be blowing a gale up here. OK, we do have a good view, the clothes dry quick, the jeans legs blow out straight like "Other Person Who Lives" here is still occupying them.
   My concern is the "Do", is nearly upon us, don't need wind to ruffle peoples curls or blow their hats away.
Well heavens we've got a brass band playing, which way do you face when blowing a tuba, into the wind or away.Mental picture, tuba player facing into the gale, who wins tuba player or wind.
   Everything is starting to look pretty spiffy, if I do say so myself. Despite a very successful crop of sour sob in flower this year. But I like to think of it this way. and I will leave you with this to ponder on.
    If Wordsworth had have lived in the Southern Hemisphere, would he have not maybe have waxed lyrically about "A host of Golden Sour Sob." I'm sure the old common daf. wouldn't have have got a look in.

It just happens to be the "Spoilt Black Dog" who resides here, Birthday Today. Happy Birthday "Whisper"

"Sacrifice"

    Have you ever seen a bee grimace or a butterfly grumble, today has been the day. I'm feeling more than dreadful about my sacrificial ways, all because of the "Do". Have the the most beautiful display of Echiums all ready to burst into full flowered glory, and I can just squeeze up the garden path.
 Then,  that starts the "but" bit, the advertising for the "Do" does not say "Jungle Jane Tours", machettes  supplied. So out with the loppers, and off with their heads, not sure whether I'm Henry the 8th or doing an Alice in Wonderland. So sad to do this, the bees and butterflies are not impressed.
  Visit today from my little lizard friend, who manages to scare  me on a regular basis, but he is most welcome. Just wish he would announce his arrival, before he scuttles past,
  Rain coming, the dam has changed color, " What, you say, she really is bonkers", The water always looks different when there is rain  coming, must be something to do with reflection from above, but it is never wrong.  No, I'm not  dotty, or not always.

"Witches and Wizards"

Witches and Wizards and all is not quite right. Have been busy weeding around the rue bush. You know the one, the one proclaimed to keep witches at bay, I'm not sure if it is working, well I'm still here aren't I. Yes it does not smell that pleasant, but better than the whiff of something horrid that just pervaded my nostrils.
  Revolting smell of pesticides being sprayed, I know who is at fault, if I find one tiny, miniscule drop has popped over my fence Someone is going to find that this old Witch has a bigger wand than his Weed Wand. Not sure which direction Good Witches hang out, East, West North or South, doesn't really matter I think this one has changed color today. So watch out Wizard over the fence line, you may be in the firing line from this wand waving, cauldron bubbling, spell sending old crone.
  On a lighter, brighter note, I'm heading out into the garden again, to listen to the Ground Thrushes sing their tunes. Finding solace in the outdoors may just help banish, all evil thoughts towards, Pesticide spraying Person. Only some, definitely not all will be banished .

"Forgiveness"

   I'm having a lot of " Forgive Me  I Have Sinned,  Moments," the promises I made to keep up with the weeding, the mowing and all of the whatever, have very quickly moved to another level. The "Do", is fast approaching.
   But now come on, who is responsible for all this rain, that keeps dropping  from somewhere up above and holding up the works. So what I am I asking for forgiveness for, I'm trying to keep my end of the bargain.
   Well perhaps I will just ask a favor, if I stop wingeing, could it be possibly have no rain on the "Do" Day, not to much to ask I hope.
    Not one to ask,  for to much, but could it be possible to go easy on the wind that day as well. Little bit of a breeze will be fine, Thank You.
    I'll just keep nodding to the Buddha down the back as I pass, keep looking to the Universe and say "Please", and will  have to be Happy with what we are sent on the Day. All will be good, as it always is.

     

" Bottom of the Garden"

    Why are Fairies always only said to be found at the bottom of the Garden, are there no Front Garden Fairies or Down the Side Fairies. I'm sure there are many Fairies residing here. Well only the other day, on my return from work, I found I had, had a visit from a Whipper Snipper Fairy, what a welcome little Fairy.
     I know that little Fairy has concerns that I will never be organized for the up and coming "Do", well that little Fairy, may very well be right. So all of a sudden, things are looking much spicker and spanner, and I can say with much more conviction, " All be be good on the Day."
     Why would Fleetwood Mac, sing of, " Magic all around," if there weren't Fairies in the Garden. Whether they are relegated to the Back or the Front, doesn't really matter. I'm sure if you take the time to close your eyes, stand very, very still, take your time. Open your eyes, everything will have so much more clarity and magic about it, just by stopping and taking the time to just Be.
       Thank You, Whipper Snipper Fairy.

"Vote, For Tool of the Week"

  I really have surpassed myself in dumbness the last few days.  Realized this morning, after my ritual sploshing and splashing and lathering and lotioning. That this person, who buys all lotions and potions in the same brand name. Well they all do look alike, maybe a slight shade of difference here and there.

  The person in question, who is very aware to be sun smart, and slop and slap to ward off that UV stuff. Has been for the past few days, Hand Creaming her face, well it hasn't helped the wrinkles to any extent, my hands have had the best coating of sun protection they have ever had. Doesn't matter, that they are usually  in gardening gloves. 

  Footy Shows do have  "Tool of the Week,"  maybe I qualify for "Garden Tool of the Week."

  Or perhaps I should just stick to gardening, when it is all foggy and nice.

"Oh! Dear Moments"

  Having a few of those Oh! Dear Moments lately, something in the air, the water, or on the calendar, that "Do" is fast approaching.
   I have a few mirrors placed around the garden, as you do. Well, Jamie Durie and those types do, added light, reflection, you know what I mean. While busy,  weeding,in that medative  state you get in, without the Om, well you can Om if you wish. But I prefer to Om, while sitting peacefully under a tree.
 All of a sudden, in front of me, were a pair of hands,reaching out towards me, most people would recognize their own hands, but not this weeder. Jumped higher and faster, than she has in many a year. Oh! Dear.
  Oh! Dears coming thick and fast today, only allow myself  "Two" cups left in the wilderness, no more teapot top-ups till they are found. Oh! Dear tea rations again.
   Have rang my good gardening buddy, she lives 30klms away, but no she hasn't seen my garden fork. So where have I left it this time. Oh!Dear.
    But there has been a " Oh! Hello You,  Welcome Back"  moment today. The little Grey Fantail, like clockwork has returned, full  of flitter and twitter. I know he only comes and checks us out and leaves after a few days, but he is a most welcome visitor.
    Thinking of birds, have you ever seen a crested pigeon nest, well no Master Builders there, a few sticks piled higgledee,  piggledee.  All chicks need to be aware. " Hang on tight, or over the edge and out of site." Tough love those Pidgeon Parents, or they are to busy sitting all in a row on the power lines, checking out the neighborhood or scuttling around on the ground, all busy like CWA Ladies organizing something.
     "Oh! Dear", another day nearly done, another day closer to the "Do", It will be Oh! Dear if I'm not ready, but all will be "Oh! Wow"  if we raise lots of money again this year. What a good reason to garden , to raise lots of money for "Kids with Cancer."

 

"When is a Weed Not a Weed"

  When it grew in your Nanna's  garden, you know the one, the one down the side of the house, past the lilac. The one with the ferny leaves and tiny white flowers, with little black dots. The one that grew with the little bellis daisies. No not past the fig tree, you have gone to far, come back past the daphne and you will be there. I can take a mental walk all around that garden, and still enjoy the pleasure it gave me as a child.
   Smell the perfume of a Lorraine Lea rose and I'm back there, violets, almond trees all knotty and gnarled, a huge walnut tree.
   So it can't be a weed if it gives you good memories.
   

"Special Visitors"

   Have had a visit from one of the "Special Kids", who come to visit, one of those Special Kids, who belongs to "One of those Special Kids Who use to Live Here Kids."
   Those Special Kids are pretty important, they allow you to plant more  trees, trees to mark the day they were born.
 They allow you to step in puddles and splash lots and lots.
  They allow you kick up the autumn leaves and hear the swish, swish.
 They allow you, to lay on the ground, and look at the sky.
  They allow you to go on Treasure Hunts, when everything collected becomes priceless.
  They allow you to make daisy chains, that go on and on.
  They allow you to be young, whether you are or you're not.
   They bring me great joy, I can still do all these things and not get locked up.
   Thank You, Special Kids of mine.

"Wattle Day, among other things."

Wattle Day today, First day of Spring, Fathers Day and probably, many more important Days today.
   I have had a day of being observed, from not the best angle, most of the time. Scenic Flights for Fathers Day, wonderful, good idea you may say. Unless you seem to live under the flight path, for these scenic observations, everytime I seemed to be in the head down, rear to the sky position in the garden. A plane would appear, flying over, much lower than I thought necessary
   I now know how the poor old stumpy felt as I watched him sleep, as I weeded around him.  .
   Trouble in the chook House last night, , One Young Stud  Rooster, didn't show up for roll-call. I know he is only   new to this outer suburbs living. Born and bred to   inner city living, till he came here. But the  New Young Stud, has been warned, fox fodder he will become, if he doesn't follow the rules.
  Typical isn't it," Male", Saturday night doesn't know when it is time to come home to roost.
   Carrots are up, and my much watched first time growing asparagus plant is slowly getting bigger and bigger. I know, it will be watched for another two years, before I can cut and feast, Anticipation.
  So it has been a day of observing and being observed, everything looks wonderful from ground level, but I will not say,  that is what the plane passengers, said while I weeded, head down and bum up.

Footnote to a "W" Day.

Have just wandered to the dam in the evening light, past trees, with birds finding safe spots for the night. Watched the sun set, watched the reflections on the water. Listened to the frogs,start their singing for the night. Stood very, very still. Stayed in the " moment", that special time of just being. Experiencing the very best "W", for the day.    "Wonderment".

A Day of "W's".

"W." Days are not a Wednesday,nor is it a Week Day, it is a Weekend Day.
    A day  for Wandering, a day of not watch,  watching, a day for weeding. A day for What ever you Want to do Day.
     So far on my wandering, I've managed to have a dragon lizard, scuttle away, while I  was busy Weeding. I'm sure, he had a smirk on his face and giggled "Got You" as he Went on his Way.
    So many Wattles are out at the moment, all Wanting to do their thing at the same time. I was hoping on abit of continuality, but they have other ideas after all the Wet stuff  we have had, no Waiting all out. What a  Welcome site.
   Tomorrow is a "M" Day, no not Monday. It has to be a day for Mowing, Mowing, Mowing and More Magical Meanders.

"Creature of Habit and All that is Normal."

Realized today, just how much I do out of habit, Yes I've already addressed the pulling up the blind thing, and Welcoming the new Day, doesn't everyone  greet each new day, I would have thought that is normal.
 Brew tea, green first, don one gardening glove, collect  Black Dog,  wander towards back of garden, detouring, to let girls and new young Stud rooster out of chook house. The Old one literally fell of the perch, so he has been replaced, by much younger version, girls still bossing him around. I have  warned them, Spring is in the air, and New Young Stud is growing up.
  Why one glove you may wonder, I'm really not sure Why, maybe it is a Michael Jackson thing, I know if I back up to a patch of nettles, I can cut the dance moves fairly snappily. Perhaps one glove denotes the fact, I can't get to serious about it, because that thing they call employment is only about and hour away.
  After, a bit of weed pulling it is back for a black cup of tea, always in that order. Well the back garden is all natives, the front part more "refined" more fluffier stuff. A need for a china cup and black tea, without the little finger sticking out, it is still encased in its glove.
  I don't hang Other Person Who Shares this house, clothes on the line with only blue pegs, and mine with pink, I may turn my teapot around 3 times before pouring, I do cringe and say sorry when I have to dispose of a snail. I do plant many plants, I recall growing as  happy memories, as a child.
 I suppose it is all just normal, I have been told, normal people would not keep making more garden beds or plant more plants.  Maybe then I'm not that "Normal"

Early Start to the Day.

Awake, my New Holland Honeyeater Alarm, has not arrived yet to start his early morning wake-up call. Every morning without fail, he will arrive outside the bedroom window, and start my day  with his song He, we will say he is a he, with a chirp, chirp then he becomes creative and adds a twirl to his next chirp and he repeats the process over and over. It is a bit of pre-dawn awakening, because now that spring is arriving  not long after he will be joined by a black bird, who sits in the weeping mulberry. Who always faces East as the sun comes up and sings the most melodious tune.
 I know of people who complain about the poor little blackbirds, who scratch incessantly disturbing their newly planted seedlings, spreading mulch all over pristine paths, making their lives a misery. I will keep enjoying their lovely sound morning and evening, with only one tiny misgiving, if I start the tune "Black Bird Singing in the Dead of Night" singing in my head it has a habit of staying there, round and round like a record for some time.
He has arrived in full voice, must be time for my mandatory barrow full of weeding, before work, watch the new day arrive and enjoy. Are there other odd souls out there, who open their blinds and mentally acknowledge the new day with a "Good Morning" I'm Happy to be Here to Enjoy You.

Now Why Do I Do It.

In one of my thinking moments, they happen on an odd occasion, I pondered the question why do I garden.

Well, why not, instant answer to the question. But a bit of a Danoz Direct answer, of course and there is more.
1.Who else is going to keep Nursery owners out of the poor house and earning a $ or two.
2. Plant Catalogues, well the Postie has work, the Stamp makers and sellers  have work, more good deeds by a gardener, keeping unemployment down.
3. It's a chance to hide, family won't come near you, in case they are asked to cart, carry,pick, pod.
4. Get out and away from the ironing, dishes, mending. Still haven't worked out how to have it all not there when I return indoors. More thinking needed on that matter.
5. Exercise, I don't mean all the digging, walking to and fro etc. I mean, when your garden just looks just so darn good, it makes you want to dance. What's the saying,  " Dance as if  no-one is looking", who cares if they are looking.
6.There is also that garden sign "Sing like no-one is listening. How do you know, there isn't a talent scout, just passing your garden gate. Sing, yodel, hum, plants grow so much better.
7. Endless reasons to garden, but beware it can become addictive.

Weeds, with a capital W.

Having a very big Oh: Dear moment, in a very few weeks the garden is to be all spic and span for a "Do", to be held here. When you add lots of extra rain, no days at home, doing the maths, I thought a barrow full of weeds a day, would make the deadline. Maths was never my strong point, Maybe keeping up with the weeding is another not so strong point.
Have brewed that much, nettle tea from all the weedings, the plants will think I've been talking to the Essendon Football Club and they will be on boost juice forever.
No rain today, a first for awhile, never thought I would be pleased to say Oh, it has stopped, maybe I can mow. We will go and head that way now, with no distractions on the way," perhaps."