CONVENT AND CHAPEL

Harvesting Success

Published on June 1, 2013June 1, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

Mini mini carrots that hopefully will be multicoloured when mature

The veggie beds are just starting to become established with the beginnings of some produce emerging. This is incredibly rewarding for a novice veggie gardener. I’ve never seen some of these plants growing before so it’s highly educational and ridiculously exciting.

As I feared, the beds are way too over planted, so today I started to thin plants out, particularly those that I had sewn by seed. The Harlequin carrots were growing very thickly and those I pulled out had already started to shoot the baby carrots, which look so perfect as micro mini veg. These look hopeful for a good crop.

Beetroot - so exciting to see how developed it is — Beetroot – so exciting to see how developed it is

I discovered the Beetroot bulbs (?) whilst removing yellowing leaves. I’ve already eaten some Broccoli (which goes to seed frighteningly fast). And the Celery looks great. I’m hoping this will stand me in good stead for soups and casseroles for Winter – I’m just not sure whether I should have staggered the planting or if it will last for some time.

There have been a few failures along the way. I discovered the green grubs were back with a vengeance today and have done considerable damage to a number of crops. I’ve removed heaps of them and am now a little reluctant to spray given how thick all the growth is. I know now what the frost can do (and we’re not even into Winter). The Baby and Bantam Corn just managed to peek above the straw mulch, before being totally burnt by the frost. And the Beans are all beginning to show signs of damage as well – the Snake Climbers were destroyed very early in their life. However the root veg – turnips, swede and parsnip all look fantastic. The English Spinach is going well and Spinach seeds have been planted over the failed Corn kernel seeds. The mini Caulis are also starting to sprout and look very healthy. I’ve been told root veg as well as some of the leafy crops like broccoli, caulis and cabbage should all do well in the cold.

Last night I had some lightly blanched Kale with soy sauce and sesame seed oil dressing with my meal. Tonight I will be using some Capsicum and masses of Italian Parsley in a pasta dish. I’m now at a point where I can try to organise meals around what’s available in the garden. It doesn’t get much better than that.

The Celery just needs another week or two before I can start picking

Maples Afire

Published on June 1, 2013June 1, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

When I first saw the Convent, I didn’t even realise these trees were Maples. They added so much to the back aspect during summer with their thick green leaves providing a welcome shade canopy during the harsh heat.

I’ve been delighted and surprised with their transformation in Autumn. I’ve never seen leaves quite so vivid. The photos don’t do justice to just how vibrant the colour is – it looks as though they are actually lit up.

The Block Next Door

Published on May 27, 2013May 27, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

You can see my whippersnipper efforts to clear the weeds

When I bought the Convent I knew the boundaries were out of alignment – like seriously out. When looking for a country property I also envisaged an expansive garden, veggie beds, chooks and an orchard. Whilst I had the potential for most of this, the only way I had of achieving an orchard was to use limited grounds of the Convent for fruit trees, which would limit the garden area.

The issue of the boundary (which was most definitely not in the Convent’s favour) was fortunately easily resolved by my neighbour who owns a number of vacant blocks next door and was happy to part with the one next to the Convent. This also means that I now get my orchard. It also has a few extra advantages such as I can adapt the privet hedge, remove the old galvanised iron fencing and get a view over the township (and benefit from the beautiful sunsets).

I think it will be a while before I can make good use of the block but it greatly improves the aspect of the Convent and what I can do with the land, albeit the block is nowhere near the quality of soil of the Convent, having never been planted or cultivated.

Over the next year of two I will be having the block resurveyed, fenced, cleared (just some old scrawny tumbled Melalucas near the fence) and dug up (back hoe’d??) as well as topped up with decent soil before planting. I think a great deal of mulching and composting will be in order. It should result in an extension of the garden, separately fenced but with gate access, of a park-like orchard and ornamental tree sanctuary. Who knows, maybe a goat or some sheep might find their way in there. One of the locals was tempting me to keep some ducks…

The view out back - on a cold day, with much more cold to come — The view out back – on a cold day, with much more cold to come

Jack Frost has arrived

Published on May 25, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

I’ve been wondering about why the locals keep warning me about the frost until this morning. I was thinking it was just dew – you know, in the morning when everything is covered with a frosty, white-looking dew. Wrong! Frost here is “ice”.

I went out this morning when the sun was already well and truly out to find frost across many parts of the garden. It’s not just icy, it’s actually frozen. The white tipped grass crunched under my feet and the leaves had actually frozen. My veggie beds were a great example where all the individual leaves actually looked and touched as if they were flash frozen. No wonder so many of the smaller more tender plants don’t survive. The photos don’t do the frost justice as it was already starting to melt when I went out. I’ll have to get up earlier next time.

That said, it also had a magical feel to it like a Winter Wonderland without snow. What a contrast to the harsh dry relenting sun over summer. I’m loving seeing the seasons change here. At present Autumn is best heralded by the two beautiful Maples out near the back verandah which make the terracotta coloured roof tiles look dull by comparison and set themselves off beautifully against the ochre building. The Maples are just starting to drop their leaves, but most other trees in Kandos are now bare, including the Poplars lining the avenue into the town.

I’m enjoying seeing such obvious seasons pass out here and the changes to the landscape and my garden. Hopefully I will feel the same about Winter.

Introducing the Canine Residents

Published on May 24, 2013May 24, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

There are two other family members who often sneak into photos and who warrant a higher profile on my blog – my lovable and loyal dogs, Roxy and Tango. These funny little beings have spent nearly five years of their lives being indoor townhouse dwellers with limited exposure to the outside world. I was a little concerned as to how they would take to such a big adjustment and country life but I could not have been more mistaken. They appear to love every minute here – they jump in the car to leave Sydney and make use of every aspect of the Convent and garden.

Roxy is a perky, active and very friendly Pomeranian/mini Fox Terrier cross – she has the looks of a Pomeranian, being a ball of fluff, with the colouring and personality of a Foxie – a picture book dog. She is interested in everything and everyone, loves everyone she meets, always on the lookout for action and has turned into a ‘hunter’ in the country, well at least she looks for creatures – birds, lizards, anything that moves (or doesn’t) – fortunately she never actually harms anything, just finds them and barks.

Tango on the other hand is the opposite – she is half Japanese Chin, one of the most cat-like of breeds and displays many cat characteristics. The other half is possibly Shih Tzu. She is shy, quirky and sedentary and prefers the indoors, sleeping in strange places like my bag. She is a bit of a doggy Howard Hughes – not that she is a billionaire philanthropist aviator movie mogul – more of a quirky eccentric recluse. Sometimes I think she would have made a good nun – one of those who spends most of their time on retreat and in solitude. On the other hand she is also curious, caring and gentle and as a result, birds and animals tend not to run away from her, providing much amusement watching her interact with other creatures.

The Convent suits both dogs for very different reasons. Roxy loves the open spaces to run and explore. Tango loves the peacefulness and country life, although is now becoming much more confident in meeting people, exploring and joining in with activities.

Both dogs are a joy – they give so much love and companionship without qualification. They provide me with a great deal of entertainment and company at the Convent and we often have lengthy serious conversations on important decisions and share many activities and new experiences together.

Their latest discovery is heaters. Previously they have been used to reverse cycle airconditioning, rather than direct heat. Whilst the Convent is a cold building, they are loving lying in front of heaters and basking directly in the warmth. The kitsch fake fire radiator is their absolute favourite, with both jockeying for poll position.

Expect to see more of my two good friends popping up through blogs from time to time.

The reclusive Tango in her favourite spot, my bag.

Stressing Out the Citrus

Published on May 22, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

The Convent is intended as a place of relaxation and contemplation so I felt embarrassed and guilty when told my citrus was “stressed”. This was because the leaves are turning yellow, although I’ve already battled spotty leaves, some type of microbug and a Lime covered in disgusting spitfires which practically ate every leaf before I found them. This is not boding well for a future orchard with someone who has never grown fruit before.

Anyway, first step was to remove some of the fruit that is dragging on the plants. Treatment is Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulphate) and citrus food. I’m under strict instruction not to spray or I will lose all the leaves.

… learning as I go. I am tempted to look into a horticultural course to give me more knowledge on what I’m doing. I’ve always enjoyed studying and it would be a treat to study something I enjoy and can put into immediate practice. It might also help me save a few plants.

Pretty Chuffed

Published on May 20, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

I’m pretty pleased with myself with how this turned out. Mainly because it was a big task, hard work and I did most of it myself. Not sure yet if it will end up looking like I envisaged, but I’m thrilled to get it this far. Being in a position to make decisions and implement them on my own is becoming important to me, moreso than I had realised.

When I first saw this part of the garden, it was a particular eyesore and detracted from the building – ’70s style bush rock and low maintenance ‘can’t kill with a brick’ type plants with rocks, rubble, black plastic matting and lots of kikuyu climbing through everything.

First step was getting the local excavator, Corey, in. He needed to bring in something smaller than his bobcat so as not to do damage to the concrete paving, which whilst originally set as a neat hexagon, had been badly damaged to set in the bushrock. Whilst he did a stellar job in clearing everything (and taking it away), there were still many bags of roots, rocks and other rubbish that had to be dug and raked out and taken to the tip (which amazingly, is free!). Whilst I probably should’ve just organised to get soil delivered, I’ve lugged heaps of bags of organic and mushroom compost as well as cow manure down to the front. In the end I just gave up and drove the car down there to drop it all off. The dogs have greatly enjoyed the whole experience in exploring and digging up the area, as have the local birds.

Lida, the local nursery specialist, gave advice, given it is a harshly hot exposed spot and will be the focus of the front yard. A weeping Silver Birch was chosen as the focal point – it’s textured white trunk should be a permanent attraction and will give the right colour and depth of coverage without growing too high. Escalonias will fringe the edge – hardy, yet attractive and will give good coverage of the damaged edge. The leaves look a bit like glossy azalea foliage and they have small pink flowers.

Select seeds and bulbs, put in pot, mix and rake in. Probably not in a gardening guide.

For now I’m trying bulbs and annuals in the middle section, which should give some height and movement – a mix of anenomies, cornflowers, delphiniums and white cosmos – so it will be mainly wavering blues and whites with a bit of pink and red thrown in. Not much science here. I’m just opening and mixing heaps of packet seeds, seeds from my own plants and corms and raking them into the garden bed, mulching and hoping for the best. I have an image in my mind but we are a long way off from seeing if it will materialise.

For now, I’m just happy with having gone this far and moving this onto the ‘done’ list.

Finished for now. Just sit back, wait and watch.

Treasure Hunt

Published on May 19, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Apologies for not updating the calendar with this event until after it was over, but as it’s my first year here, sometimes I’m not aware that something is an ‘Event’ until it is upon me. Such was the case with the Rylstone Swap Meet. Originally advertised as a car/vehicle type swap, I didn’t pay much attention until I was told that – it was big, there was everything for sale and it started at 6am for the bargains!

This information was spot on. I arrived at Rylstone Showground around 10 and you couldn’t get a parking spot anywhere near by. The Showground itself was full of cars and truck – sellers, as much of it is more of a car boot, or more appropriately, truck sale as well as lots of prize vintage vehicles. The stalls themselves were varied. There was a strong focus on car parts and vehicle type things but also collectibles, and all sorts of oddities.

It was also a ‘dog meet’. Many locals gave their dogs an outing.

There was a great camaraderie amongst the sellers, much as there is at some of the good markets – many obviously do the circuit. Given it is a country swap and opens early, many had camped overnight and had large cut metal drums with fires inside doubling as heaters/cookers. I didn’t capture the extent of the Swap, but the whole Rylstone Showground arena (which is not small) was crowded with stalls – marquees on the outer and boot sales inside.

As for me, although tempted by a few items, I limited myself to a lovely old watering can and a mock tortoiseshell box (which was used to house fur collars) and proudly boasts the tag that it is made out of British Xylonite, but made in Australia. I also managed to scoff a hot dog, courtesy of Rylstone Primary.

Not real tortoise shell, but that’s probably just as well.

A Facelift for the Nunnery

Published on May 18, 2013July 22, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Beautiful detailing above the fireplaces

Much like me, the Convent is in need of some TLC. Whilst she is in good shape structurally (unlike me), there has been little care taken cosmetically over the years. She has beautiful arches, character windows, the niches and fireplaces, picture rails and of course, the Chapel with its lovely detailed stained glass and leadlight windows. However the paintwork is shabby and peeling, false fibro walls and cheap office type ceilings have been put in some rooms and every floorcovering imaginable has been used. There has also been little importance placed on comfort, let alone luxury. The fireplaces have been blocked off and for heating, there are two old wall heaters in rooms and no air conditioning. Old porches have been closed in (not by tradesmen, by the look of it) and some makeshift walls put in place.

Now settlement has finally taken place, it’s time to get stuck into bringing the old girl back to her former glory. The building is best described as being a ‘U’ shape – with a long central hall and two wings. The left wing is the main back entry via the laundry, with the master bedroom with an ensuite and a large middle room which is destined to be my kitchen in the future. This hall goes through to the lounge room. The central hall accesses the dining room, the front foyer, the future kitchen, and 3 potential bedrooms and leads to the right wing which houses the chapel, the main bathroom and another bedroom. Given it was built as a Convent, there are up to 6 rooms which could be bedrooms. Some alterations have taken out walls and changed layout, for example the big old kitchen and dining room was changed to be the master bedroom and ensuite, providing a small separate living area when the priest moved in. There is an ensuite, two separate toilets and a bathroom which is in its original 1930 style.

There are a few small rooms like the sacristy and utility room and some of the bedrooms are not overly generous, but at the same time, there are heaps of rooms. There are many external doors although I think I’ve finally worked out the keys. Initially it is a bit of a rabbit warren until you work out the U shape and then it makes sense.

A small galley kitchen replaced the original kitchen out the back. A new kitchen will be relocated in another room.

An enclosed porch - destined for removal — An enclosed porch – destined for removal

The bedrooms were called ‘cells’ and still have numbers over them. Some of the changes, such as partitioning off rooms, closing in fireplaces and dropping in false ceilings will be reversed as I get the place back closer to original condition. This work has already started in earnest and painting quotes for inside and out have been approved. Next will be sanding and polishing the floors (which I believe are tongue and groove cyprus pine and are currently covered in multiple layers of lino, underlay and carpet). Bedrooms will be carpeted for warmth.

There’s a lot to do, but the local tradies have been helpful and interested, so I’m hoping that by the end of quarter three most of the major work will be done.

Until the painting and floors are done, I’m holding off furniture and currently ‘camping’ on an air bed, sitting on cane furniture that is destined for the porches and my dining table and chairs are a card table and vinyl fold up chairs from Bunnings – basic but fine for now.

The initial renovations of taking out the false arches and partitions have already made a great difference. I’m looking forward to the next stage, albeit somewhat daunting.

The original laundry complete with concrete tubs

The Chapel

Published on May 15, 2013May 15, 2013 by conventandchapel4 Comments

A unique feature of the building is obviously the private chapel, something few homes boast. The Convent was purpose built and one of the important features was to provide the nuns with a private place for prayer and reflection. The Chapel was also used to give babies a private blessing after Christenings at the Church out the back but was not publicly used.

The Chapel is an intimate but a good size room. It has beautiful attention to detail without being ornate – with gentle arches and raised floor, amber leadlight windows which face the front as well as, interestingly, the internal passage, and lovely coloured leadlight cross windows which catch the setting sun late in the afternoons. The front windows face the front porch and the leadlight windows look beautiful from the street when the chapel lights are turned on at night.

The room is likely to be put to practical use as a cosy lounge/theatre room, but capable of easily being used for the public when required for community events. The cross will be coming back home, courtesy of the Church, and I’m looking for statues and other religious items to refurbish the Chapel appropriately.

At present it looks starkly bare compared to previous photos but the painters are keen to restore it and the polished floorboards will only add to the character and warmth.