CONVENT AND CHAPEL

Auction Adventures

Published on August 27, 2013August 29, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Scrunchy and welcoming. Sure to see much more "living in" over the next years. — Scrunchy and welcoming. Sure to see much more “living in” over the next years.

As I mentioned previously, I’m having a short break from the Convent as the floors get sanded, polished and carpeted. I’m using this time to tidy up the Sydney home to get it on the market, as well as attend some auctions to find suitable items for the Convent.

Auctions are a great way of getting quality pieces at much lower than in the shops. I love antiques (or at least vintage) pieces but the antique and collectable shop prices are often prohibitive. I follow a number of Sydney auction houses that have regular auctions. Usually around Thursday they send an email with a link to their online catalogue of sales for the weekend. The catalogue usually lists, with a picture, each item, sometimes with an approximate anticipated price range. The auctions themselves are usually held in their auction rooms on Saturday and Sunday with viewings of the items on Friday or just before the auction. You can leave an absentee bid (either at the auction house or online) if you can’t attend. I’ve been doing the occasionally during the year with some success but I’m very cautious if I have only seen the item online.

This weekend I went to viewings on Friday at Vickers and Hoad and John Williams and attended a site auction with Lawsons, with more success than usual. I’m also keen to start furnishing the Convent and I don’t have a great deal of items here.

Treated bottom cushion compared to untreated top one. It makes a big difference.

I was thrilled with this lounge which was exactly what I was after. It is scrunchy, comfortable and generously proportioned. Whilst looking much loved, I was also pleased with how well it came up after a bit of TLC. After some quick internet research, it seems that lathering with moisturiser soap (Dove) and buffing with a dry cloth (just like washing a saddle with saddle soap) was the best approach and it’s made a huge difference. Eventually this lounge will be destined for the Chapel but in the shorter term is likely to go in the lounge room instead of the old cane furniture which was always planned for the outside porches.

Photo taken onsite at the auction venue but it is a graceful lovely bed.

One of the other big successes was a nineteenth century French brass and iron half tester bed which should look stunning on one of the guest bedrooms. Getting a mattress with it was a bonus. I’m now thinking of an interim furniture delivery to Kandos asap.

A large building such as the Convent lends itself to having a few more whimsical ornaments. This week a few beauties came my way. These two little cherubs on marble bases plus the larger work of entwined cherubs on a base.

The other success was a small but pretty one – a berry spoon and sifter to support the produce from the berry bed.

A Short Break from the Convent

Published on August 23, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

I’m about to spend the longest time away from the Convent since owning it. A weekend or two away may not seem long but I’m usually there every three to four days and now I’ll be away for 10 -14 days (or more) whilst the floors are being done. I’ll hardly be welcome whilst the floors are being polished and sanded. Nor will Roxy and Tango. And I’ve been warned that the smell is more than unpleasant.

My neighbours and the tradies have promised to look after everything and will water but it’s hard to explain that I really wanted to see the Manchurian Pears flower for the first time, the scruffy Prunus, that I’ve pruned and fed and loved, flower and those Freesias that I’ve watched for months are just so close…

Anyway, the Convent is progressing very quickly now and this also means I’ll soon be up there permanently. It’s a big change and one a rare decision which has been all mine and for me. The enormity hit me when I was driving back from Mudgee over the weekend and thinking how beautiful and truly rural the countryside was, when I realised it wasn’t just a country drive – it was now where I would be living and these were my neighbours. This is probably a good time to digest the quantum of change.

The next few weeks will be full on – I finish up handing over my job at the office, I clean up my Sydney home, get some jobs done to get it on the market, check out some auctions for furniture and fittings, buy some of the plants that are harder to get in the country (eg the “Saint” roses from Swaynes) and get ready to start carting movable items to the Convent.

The Sydney home has been great for the girls and me and provided a lovely welcoming place for us all when we needed it. It has also seen many friends through the doors and I will be sad to see it go, however it will also mean an new start and many more opportunities going forward. I’m already booked into soft cheese-making classes and have promised the local craft group I’ll be a regular. It’s just a very big change in so many ways after a long corporate career in the city and suburban family life to going it alone in an ambitious move to rural central Australia – well except for a whole community, friends and family and, of course, Roxy and Tango who have been with me every step of the way.

The Local General Store

Published on August 21, 2013 by conventandchapel2 Comments

Similar to the local railway stations, the old general stores that lie vacant tell a story of days gone by and buildings deserted as populations or commerce moves on. It’s particularly sad when perhaps this was the last commercial building in the town and often the centre of activity and frequently patronised by locals of all ages.

The following show some of these local premises in my area.

The lovely old Butcher and Draper store at Lue - now standing unused. — The lovely old Butcher,Draper, Grocer store at Lue – now standing unused.

The old Clandulla general store. There are now no shops for the locals.

The old corner store in Kandos – now closed for over a decade – and once the favourite venue for children and their lollies. It’s just around the corner from me and I think it would have been my favourite too. I love the verandah canopy that runs across the footpath.

And an even older general store in Kandos now on the market

Berrylicious

Published on August 20, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

The Berry Bed – full of many varieties. Currently resting during Winter but hopefully will take off with a vengeance in warmer weather.

I’ve never grown berries before – other than a few strawberries – and I’m staggered at the varieties that exist. Years ago at a Bowral Market I was impressed when I saw Red Currant plants for sale and began to recognise the potential variety and appeal of different berries. I may have overdone it (a bit like the potatoes) but have an extensive varieties of berries (predominantly,but not exclusively) in a raised veggie/berry bed. So far these include:

Strawberries (I’m treating this as one berry, although I have quite a few different varieties)
Rasberry
Blackberry
Boysenberry
Loganberry
Youngberry
Tayberry
Blueberry
Currant – red, white and black
Elderberry

There may be more yet to come. Convent visitors and friends have been warned to expect sorbets, jams, jellies, drinks (wouldn’t some liquers be amazing), pies and desserts with a certain theme. I’ve also been warned that this bed will require serious netting as the birds will make it a favourite destination.

The Small Touches

Published on August 16, 2013August 16, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

As the Convent gets her well-deserved make-over, I’m finding that sometimes it’s those small touches that can make such a difference.

I couldn’t have hoped for this outcome. Seriously beautiful, heavy door piece with lovely detailing

The tradies who have been working with me since the start have been incredibly helpful and patient. This weekend whilst in the midst of the big stuff – outside painting and just prior to the flooring – a few small touches have had a big impact. Firstly was the handle of the front door. I knew it was a nice old handle but was lost after years of being painted. Some stripping and polishing revealed a beautifully detailed heavy silver handle and matching lock.

The old concrete urns out the front which feature in all of the old photos of the Convent deserved a bit of freshening up. It’s amazing what a difference some paint can do! The Gazanias are now filling out nicely and are a perfect complement.

The front windows, as mentioned before, have had the old fibro from the bottom half removed and replaced with glass. Removal of the old flyscreen and some serious elbowgrease in cleaning the windows has made a huge difference. The views are more spectacular than ever. So different from the city when the neighbours across the street are calling out instructions and comments. No, I’m not doing your windows as well!

External doors I’ve never opened are seeing daylight and areas that have probably not been cleaned for decades are lapping up the attention.

The view from the front of the sunroom - a much clearer vista. And this is nothing compared to the views from the back of the Convent. — The view from the front of the sunroom – a much clearer vista. And this is nothing compared to the views from the back of the Convent.

View from the side sunroom window which was previously permanently covered.

The Star Treatment for the Convent – my own renovation rescue

Published on August 14, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

The “Before” shot with the untreated fibro sheets at the base of the windows

The "After" shot with full glass and street views. The neighbours like it too! — The “After” shot with full glass and street views. The neighbours like it too! Light now streams in making it the ideal location for those long Winter mornings.

The Convent seems to be enjoying all the treatment she is getting and is responding well. The painting inside is finished and the outside is getting pressure cleaned in parts and repainted for all the white areas which should make her glow.

The niche in the lounge room. The fireplace below is yet to be restored.

The detailing which was overlooked with more bland institutional painting is now apparent with picture rails, feature niches, detailed windows … all being highlighted. In the next few weeks the floors will be done – predominantly sanding and polishing cypress pine boards which look as they will be in varied condition- some pristine and never exposed, others with heavier use. And Black Japan finishing which I am learning is not a good thing. Bedrooms are being carpeted. There are some reservations expressed by others about me not carpeting the whole building. Cold keeps being mentioned. I’m hoping that lots of rugs, furniture and some wood fire heaters and eventually and AGA or something similar in stoves will help. Closed doors also work well! If the worst happens, I can always carpet the rest although obviously I hope this isn’t necessary. I love the character of timber floors and these are original thick tongue and groove boards.

Just so much fresher and displaying the original attention to detail, particularly the beautiful doors

One of the great successes (and cheapest) has been the front sunroom window. I had great plans of replacing this with a heavier timber structure of full length glass, but the glazier encouraged me to try just replacing the daggy untreated fibro panels down the bottom with glass for a few hundred dollars instead of an expensive carpentry exercise. The aluminium fitting is actually fitted into a solid timber frame and the new glass panels look great. The views are much improved from the loungeroom, the light floods in and it has become the dogs’ favourite hangout as they can watch the street activity whilst basking in the sun.

Post flooring will be curtains ordered from Mudgee Material World which I’m really happy about. Robyn has gone to great trouble to get me looking at magazines for ideas and has sourced curtain rails in keeping with the building. All the curtains are neutral but beautiful linens – from floaty light in some areas to much heavier texture in others and ranging from full length pleated curtains to Roman blinds.

With any luck floors and curtains could be finished by the end of September and me up there most of the time with my Sydney home on the market. There’s a long way to go yet, but all the basics should fall in place shortly.

The Chapel colours are more sympathetic to the amber headlights. All the old fluoro lighting has been removed so photos are a bit more challenging. — The Chapel colours are more sympathetic to the amber leadlights. All the old fluoro lighting has been removed so photos are a bit more challenging.

Garden Update – Winter is coming to an end

Published on August 13, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

The Delft Blue Hyacinths playing the star of the side garden bed. Ten out of ten flowering their hearts out — The Delft Blue Hyacinths playing the stars of the side garden bed. Ten out of ten bulbs have flowered their hearts out

I’m nearly over my first Winter in Kandos. I’ve been told it was very mild and I believe that. It was particularly kind to me given I don’t have proper heating organised. I’ve learnt my lessons about the frosts and will be better prepared next year, and anticipate my plants will be better established and more protected by surrounding growth (I will not prune until the end of Winter).

Daffodils around one of the old roses in the front lawn

The bulbs have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been really happy with all of them. They certainly respond much better here than they do in my North Shore garden with barely a failure (well, maybe the Nerines were a tad disappointing. Bugger! I just checked and bought 18 but only had two flowers). The deep blue Hyacinths (Delft Blue) have been the highlight – I had no idea they would be so deep and vibrant. I’ll get some more of these next year, as well as Bluebells which for some reason I didn’t buy. I’ll also try to buy more of the Saffron Crocuses which are a bit on the expensive side, but I like the thought of growing my own saffron. Strangely enough these are all blue flowers! I’m yet to see the Freesias flower but they look as though they won’t disappoint. I’m not tempted to try tulips – just yet. Most of these bulbs came from Tesselaars. I’m also hoping they multiply happily from hereon.

Very happy with this bed - now extended past the first section and will go further — Very happy with this bed – now extended past the first section and will go further

The side bed near my bedroom verandah seems to be a success and the blues work well with the white primula (which I am loving – cheap cheery plants that go on forever with such pretty little flowers) and the lovely groundcover Fairy rose which is becoming a firm favourite. So much so that I am extending the bed right down the side of the house and repeating the colour scheme of pink, blue and white with the Fairy rose being a constant, combined with white ground cover camellias and filling out with bulbs and perennials for colour, including Acquilegia’s (another favourite), salvias, primulas, blue sages … I just thought – I should move some of the Cornflowers that are totally overcrowded from me tipping way too many seeds in near the Grotto and circular garden bed!

The front garden wall - this is a big job although I'm starting to see gradual inroads — The front garden wall – this is a big job although I’m starting to see gradual inroads

The Front Wall garden bed is making gradual progress. The wall runs maybe 40 metres long and I’m making the bed several metres deep so there’s a lot of digging when it’s all covered in weeds and grass (Kikuyu!), but each weekend I make a bit of progress, plant an area and cover with mulch. The old railway sleepers have been ordered so should provide some much needed structure. The wall has a Southern aspect so I can plant more shade sympathetic plants close to the fence but also climbers to scramble over the top, which is the job of the roses. The Wall is very plain and stark at present from the street (not even a tree in front although the Council are providing three pink prunuses to match the rest of the street). Camellias, Azaleas, roses and ornamental Maples as well as two Lilacs are dominating at present.

One corner of the front is getting close. Bit difficult finding a driveway underneath with only a few inches of soil in some places. — One corner of the front is getting close. It was a bit difficult finding a driveway underneath with only a few inches of soil in some places.

I’ve commenced tidying up the Church side of the back wall with two rambuctious Mr Lincoln’s being added with at least one more to come. The bold red should work well with the incumbent Ivy. I’m endeavouring to wind back the rose planting, although am tempted to add a few more Saint varieties.

The old pruned roses are starting to shoot already. Hopefully I get some good strong new branches to kick them along and put a bit of life back into the old bushes.

The garden veg are great. Lamb shank casserole this weekend with all homegrown root veg – baby carrots, parsnip, turnip, swede, celery, parsley as well as broad beans. The broccoli and beetroot have been topped up with a second planting. I also was shown “where the wild asparagus grows” and hope to get some in the next few weeks. The thought of fresh asaparagus from the garden is too good to resist.

All in all, we’ve survived Winter well and the garden is in good shape for the Spring.

Smokey enjoying Convent radishes. It's lovely to have friendly ponies next door. I have my eyes on horse manure as well! — Smokey enjoying Convent radishes. It’s lovely to have friendly ponies next door. I have my eyes on horse manure as well!

Potatoes – a new crop for the Convent

Published on August 12, 2013August 12, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Seed potatoes becoming 'chits' - beginning to strike from the 'eyes' — Seed potatoes becoming ‘chits’ – beginning to strike from the ‘eyes’

I’ve mentioned from time to time that I was planning to grow potatoes. I now have the stock to plant. I know you can just use ones from the supermarket but given this is my first effort, I thought I’d do it properly (and the proper seed potatoes aren’t prohibitive in cost). I always loved it when my father-in-law would drop off some of his latest crop but never previously had the space to grow my own.

My first effort will use special potato growing bags – they are not expensive and most of mine have come from Bunnings. They are reinforced heavy plastic type sacks with a velcro pocket so you can access the potatoes from down low.

The bags are partly filled with good compost and the seed potatoes planted and covered. As they grow, you cover any growth with more compost. That’s where I’m up to – actually just the planting. First step is to “chit” the pototoes when you leave them in a protected sunny spot to start shooting prior to planting.

As usual, I’ve perhaps overstepped the mark and found myself with nine different varieties. Gone are the days when potatoes came in simple choices such as ‘new’ or ‘old’ or washed, brushed or unwashed (clean, a bit dirty or very dirty):

Desiree – Waxy pink/red skin and creamy yellow flesh – a versatile, fairly waxy variety which is firm and holds its shape and useful for all methods of cooking; from roasting to mashing and salads. One of the common supermarket potatoes.
Pontiac – Another of the more common varieties – Pink skin and white flesh A good general purpose spud.
Nicola – Yellow flesh. Excellent for mashing and gnocchi and good for boiling, chips and roasting. It has a very buttery flavour. Looking forward to using this after my gnocchi cooking classes.
Kipfler – Currently very popular. A waxy, finger shaped with creamy-coloured flesh. Great boiled, steamed and in potato salads and for presentation purposes. I’ve also had it deep crispy fried for chips (like crispy parnsip chips) which were wonderful.
Dutch Cream – Delicious potato with exceptionally creamy flesh that is perfect plain boiled or baked. One of the best for roasting.
King Edward – This heirloom potato raised in 1902 has stood the test of time. Creamy flesh and skin dappled pink. Great for boiling, chips and mash. Unbeaten for roasts.
Mozart – Golden yellow flesh, that needs no additional buttering, makes one of the best baked potatoes. Flavoursome firm red skin makes it a good keeper with good disease resistance.
Royal Blue – Royal Blue skin fades to golden brown when made into chips. Creamy yellow flesh ensures delicious mash. Wonderful roasted.
New Zealand Yams – Despite being claimed by the Kiwi’s, Oca has long been cultivated by the Andean Indians as a staple alongside potatoes. Cook like potatoes by boiling or roasting, or eat raw after ‘sweetening’ in the sun for a few days after harvest. Flavour is nutty slightly acidic.

Other than the first two, the pototoes came from Diggers. The following websites have great information on the different typs of potatoes.

There are plenty left over which have gone to local friends.I don’t think there will be a potato shortage in Kandos this year. I’m looking forward to experimenting with the different varieties.

My 'tatie bags labelled and planted. There are a few more still to be set up. — My ‘tatie bags labelled and planted. There are a few more still to be set up.

Kandos Gardens Fair – The Convent Steps Up

Published on August 8, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Kandos Gardens Fair – This is one of the BIG local events and held every two years – 2013 being the third event. Gardens in the local area will be open for viewing by the public over a weekend, which is quite an extravaganza of a weekend with workshops, displays, entertainment, refreshments and, of course, gardens as the focal point.

The Convent is participating. The Chapel and Grotto should be a good attraction, after all, not many homes and gardens have these! The garden is being positioned as “under construction” – I wonder how long I will get away with this before they write me off after a few years as “She’ll never get to the standard we require”. Anyway, I’m making an effort so as not to be too embarrassed or embarrass the Committee. The other great aspect for me is that in participating in this (and being part of the Committee) I’ve had the opportunity of meeting some wonderful people and gardeners to boot!

The other gardens are seriously good and very different. The soil is good in this area and gardens are highly varied from classical, native, those that focus on permaculture, those with a more decorative garden art aspect … I hope I get to see them all at some point given I will be on host duty for the weekend so can’t join the visitors. I have my trusty friends booked in for the weekend as Stewards as we are expecting to host many through the gates.

I’ve been really impressed with the organisation and attention to detail to ensure that this weekend is a true experience for garden lovers and will offer many varied and engaging activities for attendees. The fact that it is spread across our two towns of Kandos and Rylstone which are so close (7 kms) means a contrast between towns of quite different heritages, periods and styles.

The Convent is planning to play host to local sculptures which I’m very excited about. Whilst I’m sure she will do me proud, I’m far more nervous about the Convent gardens which are in a much more immature state than the other gardens and with a far less experienced gardener! I’m happy that the Convent is being an active part of the community and others get to see what a lovely building she is after all these years. I like to think she is loving the attention just a little as well.

I wonder if Committee members are allowed to win prizes?

Garden Progress in August – bulbs and the beginnings of roses!

Published on August 6, 2013August 6, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

The garden bed off my verandah. Enjoying seeing the initial blue, white and pink coming together, albeit little is flowering. The Fairy rose is proving to be one of my favourites and I think we will see more of her.

The bulbs have been great value. At a time when so little else flowers, the bulbs are not just cheery, but always a surprise and at times spectacular. I look forward to adding more (why didn’t I plant any Bluebells?) and seeing my foundation bulbs naturalise and multiply over the years. I’m also starting to see the importance of colour placement. No mistakes so far, but it is rewarding when colour schemes work in practice.

The depth of blue in the Hyacinths is quite breathtaking and unexpected

This week the Hyacinths flowered. Last weekend there was just a hint of colour in tight tucked-up buds. This weekend was a spectacular show. They must have popped up so quickly. I bought these from Tesselaars and deliberately chose blue but had no idea how deep and vibrant they would be.

A little shy - miniature daffodils — A little shy – miniature daffodils

The Daffodils are growing and many are flowering. I chose a few different varieties which all seem to be thriving. The Snowflakes are always a delight and have been the first up and are still going strong. The Freesias all have lots of buds but are not quite there yet. I’m looking forward to them as they are spread under the Catoneaster.

Elegant and fragrant Erlicheer daffodils around the new Crabapple

As for the roses, well after pruning all the old ones back hard last weekend and planting six standard Icebergs, this weekend I planted eight new roses, mainly from bare root stock (yes, I’m learning terms and actually doing this stuff). Most are classics and I try to keep the list updated on an earlier Rose Blog. I’ll slow down on the roses soon, but still need to get a few more “Saint” ones to finish off the collection (at least for this year). I can’t imagine i won’t always have new ones I want to add as I learn more (two serious Rose books are on their way from Amazon).

Some new additions to the roses outside the sun room

I’m also ready to commence planting the long awaited ‘taties. This weekend I only started with Desiree in a potato bag, but also have Pontiac ready to go. You need to have some growth from the ‘eyes’ and I’ve left Nicola, Kipfler and King Edward potatoes in a nice protected sunny spot in the kitchen so hopefully can get some more bags started.

The other notable editions were two Asparagus crowns and two Rhubarbs in the side ‘Pumpkin Patch’, which is now a healthy mulching zone.

I’d like to think I will slow down soon, but know that I really want to get the front wall garden bed more established … and the weather is so good, it’s easy to spend time out in the garden. The dogs also spent all weekend outside with me, although I tend to think that Tango was more interested in the Dynamic Lifter. I know the roses will be rewarding just like the bulbs in that the new growth and flowers are so obvious to watch develop. I keep being told you can’t kill a rose. Fingers crossed I won’t be the exception to the rule. I look forward to the time when I post the blooms from each of these.

Even more roses outside the Chapel verandah