I was warned. I’m not denying this. I just didn’t appreciate what it really meant. Now I can see it. Bugger, bugger, bugger! It kills things. It kills things I like. I’m waiting to see what it actually kills and what it causes grevious bodily harm to which can still recover.
Perennial Basil doesn’t stay perennial with Kandos frosts
Anyway, here is some of the damage to date. I know some are just dead now. Others I’m not sure about. At least I will have a better idea next year and will also have some areas that are more established and perhaps more resilient to the frost. I know I won’t prune until Spring has commenced to allow as much protection as possible. I will also plant more bulbs – at least they like the frost!
A Heliotrope that will not see SpringPlease, not the Fuchsias!
Probably one of the first “records” we ever owned – an EP of Peter, Paul and Mary in the ’60s. My parents (and my brother and I) loved them, but as we grew a bit older we became a little frustrated with the claim that Bob Dylan ruined their songs. My brother and I loved Bob Dylan and perhaps had a little more appreciation of the roots of these songs that my father so deeply denied.
The Fairy Rose – a favourite ground cover – often seen on roadsides. Layers easily on the ground to trail and seems to flower all year round
I think of that now in deep Winter when there are so few flowers showing. I’ve never thought of myself as a big ‘flower’ person. I like trees, shrubs, veg/fruit – productive plants, and love herbs. I like a bit of colour but haven’t thought much more than that … ’til now. Probably because I have more potential for flowers. Also I loved the earlier part in the year when I could fill a few vases. I’m missing going into the garden, seeing the mixes of what’s coming into flower and observing subtle hazes of colour in different areas.
The primulas are keeping things cheery. I particularly like the white ones
Anyway, there are a few glimmers which let me know what I need to do more of next year. Hint … bulbs. The bulbs are working hard and have provided a good basis for me to add to. And the Gazanias – you can’t kill these plants with a brick or stop them flowering. Whilst they had originally taken over the back garden when I first arrived and looked horribly scruffy and unkempt – like a pack of dreadlocked feral squatters – they are now fresh and bright and flower all year round and are considered a valued and welcome incumbent.
The humble Snowflake has been one of the early successes
Bulbs are expensive. Most of mine come by mail order from Tesselaars who have a wide range which has been reliable in surviving me. Whilst an investment to begin with, at least bulbs self-propagate reliably and a good initial stock can quickly expand in years to come – at least I’m hoping so. I love seeing banks of bulbs provide colour in Winter but this will take some time to develop at the Convent. For now I’m just enjoying my first bulb season here at Kandos. Some of those planted so far include many favourites:
A white daffodil outside the Grotto
Daffodils
Bluebells
Grape Hyacinths
Hyacinths
Nerines
Snowflakes
Freesias
A cheery Calendula grown from seedAn Erlicheer daffodil guarding the entrance to the Grotto. These are a reliable and hardworking bulb that rewards with lovely flowers and scent
Here is this week’s harvest. The beetroot and turnips are not quite ready to pick. Being absent part of the week means that sometimes I have veg mature whilst away and feel guilty returning to flowering broccoli. Anyway, tonight is rump steak with roasted root veg, braised radishes (an experiment) and broccoli. Just a warning on the broccoli. If it’s home grown, don’t think you’re safe just by washing it. I’d recommend banging (or rather, bashing) it against the side of the kitchen sink. It can be alarming the number of green grubs that emerge. You may embrace a more holistic approach to gardening and cooking, but I don’t. And the thought of blending them in a Cream of Broccoli soup does not appeal.
I love my radishes. I always look forward to Summer and buying a bunch of these ruby jewels. I didn’t realise how easily they grow from seed year round. Since being at the Convent, I have continually planted out radishes. The main problem has been that they don’t make it to the kitchen – I just pick them, dust them off and eat them on the spot.
Originally I planted the more traditional Cherry radish variety, but have since added ‘French Breakfast’ which is a more elongated version – lovely and tender. In my efforts to maintain the radish supply, I have planted them in a ‘few’ places. I don’t do things by halves – I’m sure there is some obsessive compulsive personality disorder lurking not far from the surface, but the outcome for radishes is that I have lots that are growing really quickly, so have been looking for ways to consume them other than gobbling them in the garden during Winter.
Whilst there seems to be a plentiful supply of recipe suggestions for raw radishes, there seems to be a more limited range for cooking them. They are a root vegetable, so I think cooking them in Winter is a reasonable approach. After some exploration, I have decided to try the following:
Braised Radishes
Ingredients
Radishes – of course
Butter
Olive oil
Brown sugar
Stock – chicken or vegetable
Salt and Pepper to taste
Pick and wash radishes – trim the roots and top so you have a little length of each.
Put the radishes in a pan along with stock, butter and olive oil, as well as a heaped teaspoon of brown sugar. I used a cup of chicken stock and approx. 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil.
Simmer uncovered to reduce stock.
When well reduced, add salt and pepper to taste and serve.
If the radishes appear tender and cooked but you still have heaps of liquid, remove radishes and turn up heat on sauce to reduce to more of a glaze, re-add radishes, heat and cover with glaze to serve.
Result = Delicious
Next radish recipe may try roasting/braising with honey.
Dinner – confession, I added more potatoes although I didn’t quite leave an empty plate
Much more savage than a dew. A footprint makes little impact
Earlier I posted about the neighbours’ threats of frosts. They weren’t joking. Last weekend was cold and heavy frosts kicked in. At 9 am the yard was still frozen over with thin ice coating everything. It is amazing to see plants and grass that look as though they have been snap frozen. It’s not snow or dew – it’s just frozen.
Fortunately these guys seem to love the frost.
On the one hand it looks quite magical. For plants that don’t like frosts, it’s deadly. Think of veg that have accidentally frozen from a too-cold fridge. Once they defrost, they can go limp – and not recover. When they dry out, they just look burnt. Some plants are semi-dormant and will be fine. Plants, like the bulbs, just love the cold. Others just hate it and die. My different varieties of beans that looked so healthy have just all burnt off – even those that seemed to be happily climbing with the peas. Peas are all fine – beans have just totally gone brown and limp – both the high and low growing ones.
This isn’t dew – the leaf is frozen.The Basil just hated the frost. I doubt it will survive. It was fine a few days ago.
It’s hard to see a healthy plant one day, see it wilting the next and a few days later, just looking burnt and dead. It happens so quickly. I’m learning fast and will be better prepared next year. One big learning is not to prune until much later. Not so much for the pruned plant, but those around. The more growth through frosts, the more protection for all the surrounding plants.
The front yard frost was quite structural. When the sun came out, the areas in the shadows cast by the fence and pillars were still totally frozen and frosted, yet everything in sun was melted. I’m shuddering at what the new Salvias in the front bed (who were quite frozen) were making of their new home. Particularly the ones that I was warned were “frost sensitive”. Uh oh!
This weekend I harvested my first set of root veg. Apparently root vegetables are the standard fare to plant for Winter. I love my soups, casseroles and roasts so this is hardly a hardship.
I was so excited this weekend to be in a position where I could harvest enough for two nights roasts (well, only one Beetroot was big enough to pick…). I managed to collect Parsnip, Swede, Turnip, Beetroot and Carrots (which were small but perfect) as well as Broccoli (which has been prolific) and Sugar Snap Peas.
I’m learning by mistakes – I will NEVER EVER plant beans again so close to Winter. I had several types in and the frosts wiped each out very early, even though they had been growing strongly. Strangely enough, most of the leafy veg – Kale, Rocket, Spinach… has gone well. The Peas seem to flourish in the cold, as do Broad Beans, although they (hopefully) crop later.
I’ll be braver in future with seeds. The seedlings I planted out from punnets have been fine, but I only have limited plants (6 – 8 as per the punnets) whereas for the seeds planted, my biggest problem is having the discipline to thin them. So I only have a small crop of Beetroot, however the neighbours are under strict instruction to start culling Turnips and any of the leafy greens that were planted by seed.
I’m very happy with the outcome for my first year of veg, but hope the soil will continue to be as giving with future crops.
This is what was still left after over a day’s full-on planting
… and am I planting! This weekend was a bit over the top and way too ambitious. Now we have passed the shortest day and it’s more daylight, I think I’ve over-reacted. The thought (threat) of being on show for the upcoming Kandos Gardens Fair has also added some impetus to my gardening. As well as the thought of seeing Spring in with a garden full of lovely growing and flowering plants.
Above is what was left after a full day of planting which also included 3 mega punnets from Bunnings, a number of lovely blue Salvias and a stack of perennials which have already found their way into the side garden bed, which is looking much more organised.
“Muncher” should help greatly with garden refuse as well as feeding garden beds
I never made it to starting the new little back garden bed near the gate. Or for that matter, starting to plant the potatoes. I did however buy a new toy, a Ryobi mulcher, which should help with both lessening the need for mulch and compost as well as reducing the trips to the tip. It’s already been put to use mulching for the Pumpkin patch (which has everything other than Pumpkins in it!).
Anyway, I managed to bring up two more camellias and azaleas from the Sydney garden, which have been rehomed on the front fence, along with a Mme Isaac Perriere rose – these are described as blowsy rampant pink roses – sounds like a loose woman. She has gone to one of the darker corners to hopefully brighten it up as she scrambles across the front wall. Three lovely deep blue salvias also went out the front, although this weekend saw very heavy frosts and some of the salvias seem appalled by this weather.
I also planted a stack more groundcovers in the shady area which struggles with grass as well as some lawn chamomile. It appears that the other chamomile (all four packets of it, which are growing so well) is the wrong kind. I didn’t know there was a specific “lawn” chamomile as well as a German one. Will be interesting to see how they go as they are both widely spread now.
The side beds are looking tidier. But how good is the old girl looking with her facelift. Dazzlingly white.
The outside of the Convent is starting to get plenty of attention and she seems to be enjoying it. Hopefully the inside painters turn up this week.
One night I looked out and was surprised by the Grotto which had an eerie light about it. Took a second to realise that it was the solar spot lights I’d installed that were only partially charged. Still, it should look effective at night time. The Grotto garden is already showing promise. The roses are healthy and I’ve rigged up wiring across the top to help train them. The plants all seem to be growing and the bulbs are just beginning to flower.
I’m getting a few more locals popping in now they see lots of activity to have a chat and look, which is particularly rewarding.
Next weekend looks like another one where I will be armed with a shovel and trowel. I’m just hoping that most of the new plants cope with the frosts.
One of the first daffodils – an ErlicheerThe Grotto beds are settling in well. A mix of plants making themselves at home.
Daffodil bulbs just peeping out – the bulb planting is beginning to pay off
A busy and fruitful weekend.
On the downside – still no painters, but looks promising for next week and my bedroom side toilets/drains are blocked : (
On the good side – which is the bigger side, lots of progress. A trip to Mudgee resulted in some great new plants, trebled with a Diggers’ Club delivery and a few relocated Sydney plants, so lots of plantings for the front wall. This is a huge area, so I’m mainly putting in the big plants and then starting to dig out the areas that will have the mid and smaller fillers. It’s already starting to take shape.
A flowering Plum was added to the front garden which means the old shrubs have now been replaced with 6 deciduous trees – 5 of which will change colour and blossom.
I also started up my “plant nursery” with putting aside an area for propagating cuttings – starting with the Convent roses and adding in the original geraniums and some Salvias which look cutting-friendly. Fingers crossed!
D has started undercoating the side verandah and it already looks so different! Very exciting to think of how much better the place will look with some TLC.
The expanded Pumpkin patch which was to mulch itself in the lead up to Summer has already been partly planted out with a Globe Artichoke, Rhubarb and an Asparagus crown which I am told should be a faster track to Asparagus cultivation. I’ve only taken a small area and will endeavour to leave space for the vegetables it was originally intended for. A neighbour mentioned wild asparagus growing on a roadside as a faster route to croppable asparagus – I must find out where this is.
I managed to get wire over the top of the Grotto for the climbing roses to have something to hang on to. The bulbs are so close to flowering. I hope they last long enough for me to enjoy them and don’t come and go in the few days I’m away! I’m now at least able to tell what is coming up. I also installed two solar spot lights in front of the Grotto which are currently charging. Not sure if this will look pretentious but only plan to use them for special occasions (including miracles).
This suits the structure of the bed much better – and gives me more area to plant
Lastly, I dragged some of the old sleepers from the replaced section of the fence around to a fairly unstructured garden bed to give it an edge. Even the small sleepers are unbelievably heavy. I was really pleased with this, even if it will mean some work in digging up and preparing the garden bed – although it’s always good to have another bed to plant in.
All in all a good weekend, although the list doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter. I came home to two boxes of perennials from Tesselaars which will put me back to work and I’m hoping the slip for collection from the Post Office may be my long-awaited ‘taties from Diggers.
Work for next weekend. The Tesselaar delivery includes Peony Roses, Aquilegias and Russian Sage amongst other treats
I love water features – not over-the-top fountains. I don’t even need pumps and moving water. Just water, water plants and fish. In Sydney I have a few water indulgences, but they are all at a micro level – some bowls with water and water plants as well as a wine barrel that is home to some goldfish and guppies. Well, I do live in a townhouse.
It will be hard not to have something at the Convent. I’ve put some thought into what and where and the current thinking is that I may put an inground (sounds like a swimming pool) pond between the Grotto and the Chapel verandah. It will be reasonably protected from some of the harsher sunny positions yet still get good sun for waterlillies and can be enjoyed from the verandah.
At this stage, I think I will dig it out and put in a liner-type pool to give me a bit more flexibility, as I have no idea what I will hit once I start digging. Some areas are relatively easy, others have lots of roots and some are full of rock. I’ve also seen some examples of ponds that include a “wetlands” – an area next to the main pond which is lined with a shallower area and filled with soil, but kept wet for water-logged plants, which I think would be great for watercress. Sometimes I get carried away and need to make sure it doesn’t turn into a full dam with ducks! What if I could also cultivate yabbies or trout! Hmm, maybe a concept for the block next door…
Anyway, just an idea at present. I have plenty of gardening to keep me busy before starting this. The front wall is Priority # 1 for now. I’ll try not to get distracted and have another incomplete area… maybe.
I’m thinking this area between the Grotto and Chapel verandah may work.
First cab off the rank – Nerines. Nanna grew these in Adelaide.
Bulbs are always exciting and rewarding. Firstly waiting to see if anything comes up. Then waiting for the flowers (even more exciting if you are a tad undisciplined like me and don’t remember what’s been planted where). And then the next year, wondering if anything has survived from one year to the next and repeating the cycle, with the addition of seeing if they have multiplied.
Snowflake – common but one of the prettiestGrape Hyacinth – tiny but so cute
It’s fitting that we have just had the shortest day of the year which means that the days will now get longer, more sun and we start slowly moving towards Spring and new growth. Last week I saw the Snowflake. This week there was the Grape Hyacinth with a bit more action and promise of things to come, as the bulbs are all starting to make their way up with the hint of flowers. Hopefully the Convent will have many more bulbs in years to come (although I also hope that much of this is from bulbs naturalising rather than me continuing to buy and plant!)
I’ll post more as the bulbs start to pay their way.
I’m told these are Sparaxis. A ready-made bonus from the Convent. Looking forward to seeing these pop up throughout the front lawn.Ummm – outside the Grotto. Maybe Hyacinths?? Looks like quite a few bulbs are preparing to flower, not just teasing with leafy growth.Daffodils around the new flowering Crabapple – just peeping throughThe Freesias – hoping for some glory here under the Catoneaster. And really want them to multiply in future years.
I’ve mentioned before that the Convent has a history of having wonderful roses, with the nuns maintaining trellises of showy roses. This is a bit of a lazy blog. I’m just going to list the roses at the Convent here and will update it as I plant more, just so I discipline myself to write them down.
Good Samaritan – deep crimson and obviously the signature rose for the Convent. There are two standards at the step of my back porch that I planted and two of the older original roses out front also seem to be the same.
Pierre de Ronsard – blowsy dusk pink and prolific flowerers. They should look great against the original unpainted cement block garage wall. I had them in a previously life and miss them. They are a beautiful rose and climb well. I also have a newer variety of Burgundy in a Floribunda out the front of the Chapel as well as a Blushing Pierre de Ronsard – very pale, with tinges of pink as it ages, to climb over the Grotto.
Duchesse de Brabant, bought under the advice of L and a lovely very old rose species. Planted next to the cyclone fence on Sister Kath’s side – I hope it climbs.
Climbing Icebergs x 2. Both on the back wall which in time should be covered with Passionfruit and climbing roses, if the grand plan works out.
Six standard Icebergs as sentinels lining the front path to the entrance.
Crepuscule – a gorgeous and voracious climbing pale apricot. It has already outpaced all the other roses, despite being a victim of the artist fence accident. Now has a new climbing home on the recently built cyclone fence section.
Lamarque – a gracious old rambling white rose in the back garden bed – yet to kick in and I have great expectations of.
Cecile Brunner – pink buttonhold climber of course, on the back wall and already taking off as well as one on the Grotto.
Pinkie – an old fashioned favourite and prolific climber that is one of the Grotto roses.
Cottage White Climbing Multiflora, to partner the other side of the Grotto.
Champion – tiny roses in pots on the Chapel verandah.
The Fairy – a pink groundcover that loves to trail and strike itself along the back porch area. This is so successful, I’m thinking of planting it all that side of the house.
Dream Weaver – hopefully true to its name as a rambler – pink, on the front wall.
Atomic Blonde – a newer white variety from Swanes that I hope will be a wanderer along the newly replaced cyclone fence.
Mme Alfred Carriere – another pale climber on the back wall.
David Austen Molineux – a yellow in the back garden bed.
David Austen Graham Thomas – a yellow climber on the back wall which is supposed to be one of the lovelier yellow roses.
Two climbing Mister Lincolns in deep red on the front wall. Another two have been planted on the Church side of the wall.
An Albertine – classic pink on the front wall.
Mme Isaac Perriere – supposedly a rampant deep pink rose and named after a rather buxom aristocrat. I tend to think she may be one of the “personality” roses and is planted in an area on the front wall that could do with some cheering up.
Peace – a classic in a Hybrid tea rose out the front of the Chapel.
Angel Face – a pink Floribunda
Fruitee – a deep orange Floribunda planted at the front of the house with the old roses.
Jude the Obscure – a lovely pale creamy apricot arching David Austen bush.
Queen Elizabeth – a pink shrub rose.
Elina – A cream hybrid tea rose.
Renae – a pink thornless climber on the front wall.
St Cecilia – a pink David Austen bushy shrub.
A plethora of little carpet roses and tiny garden roses from Bunnings – white, red and yellow, all of which are nameless but work hard at flowering.
About half a dozen lovely old rose bushes that have survived for many years, but I have no idea on their variety.
It’s still way too cold to prune but I’m looking forward to seeing how well all the roses develop and grow once the weather warms up.
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CONVENT AND CHAPEL 