rain
It’s autumn in Western Australia. We have had no rain since Christmas and are still experiencing summer like maximum temperatures. Then it rained last night. Everything looks damp, it is cooler and the air smells fresh. It’s such a relief! Old trees are dying from the heat and no rain, we were still running the air conditioner some days and I am tired of summer clothes and salads. We need a lot more rain!
Some of the pleasure of rain was diminished when I opened the fridge. A fortnight ago I put a bag of frozen prawns in the fridge to thaw. The bag had a hole in it. The mess I found the next morning took a long time, a lot of hot water and detergent and masses of scrubbing to clean up. So the fridge had an infrequent but thorough clean. Yesterday I opened the fridge and was confronted with another drama. My husband had put a two litre bottle of milk on its side on a shelf. Apparently the lid wasn’t screwed on tightly, so the fridge has had another thorough clean.
anzac day
Last week on 25th of April we commemorated ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. We remember those who have fought in all wars. Prior to Covid, we’d join the crowd at the War Memorial in our suburb for the Anzac Day service, which was followed by a community breakfast.
Resting on arms reversed.
Due to Covid it was suggested West Australians stand in their driveways before sunrise with candles and listen to the Dawn Service on the radio. We found ourselves on the driveway in the dark. Up and down the street there were neighbours also commemorating the ANZAC day. After the service our neighbour suggested she bring out her coffee machine, we all went indoors and got mugs and folding chairs, then sat on the verge, socially distanced and a very special yearly event was established.
Each year now, we gather in a neighbour’s carport or indoors if it is raining, still with our folding chairs, candles and delicious food to share, plus family dogs. We gathered there on Thursday and watched the moon disappearing over the ocean and the sun rising in the opposite direction, we listened to the service and stood silently for the Last Post and followed by one minute of silence. A group of FA18 fighters few over in formation. A beautiful way to remember those who have fought for our country and all those who have fought for other countries, too, and enjoy the company of our lovely neighbours.
This gathering of neighbours has led to another special event, too. At various times during the years we go to each other houses, with shared food, and sit and catch up with all the news. Usually we sit outside because most months of the years it is balmy and really enjoyable to sit in the garden.
plants
Now trialing 1.25ml bottle of water feeding into the terracotta spear.
While we were away recently I trialed some terracotta self watering plant spears. These are inserted into plant pots and then a plastic bottle of water is placed, quickly, into the top. The water then seeps through the terracotta and maintains moistness for the pot plant. They worked really well! I used 200ml bottles, which lasted four days and 6ooml which lasted 11 days. I am now experimenting with 1.25ml bottles
Soaked sweet pea seeds. I hoped to find seeds collected by my Mother who grew amazing crops of sweet peas but couldn’t find the seeds in her shed.
Finally it is a bit cooler so I have planted poppies, shallots, perpetual spinach and sweet peas. My Mother grew amazing sweet peas and collected the seeds every year. Her rule was they should be planted by Anzac Day. Mine were planted a day later after soaking overnight in a saucer of water. I have also finally pruned the hydrangeas. Due to the never ending summer they just kept blooming! I have potted up ‘sticks’ to share with friends when they are ready to plant.
I remember going to a plant nursery about 40 years ago to buy an indoor plant as a gift and being very surprised seeing potted hydrangeas for sale! I just assumed someone gave you a cutting from their plant. That’s how I grew my semi sun tolerant, very sturdy hydrangeas and I’ve always potted up cuttings for friends. I don’t think either of my Grandmothers or my Mother bought many plants from nurseries. All three were fans of sharing ‘cuttings’. I’d be interested to know if you share cuttings or buy new plants.