Feeding the Multitudes

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One of the great advantages of being in the country is having the space to grow veggies. I’ve played around in the past with some herbs and well-placed tomatoes in pots, but nothing of a Imageserious scale or variety.

This week was a major milestone in my gardening adventures, with the installation of four large veggie beds – I think they are about 2.5m x 1m each, anyway, a generous size for me to play with.

In a flash, ably assisted, I fully planted out two of the beds – one with a mix of berries – raspberry, blackberry, youngberry, boysenberry, blueberry, elderberry, loganberry and, of course, strawberries. The other a bit of a mix – broccoli, leeks, radishes, asparagus (which I believe takes a few years to harvest, but then is bountiful for years to come), brussel sprouts, beans, celery.

The Berry BedNext weekend I plan to plant out another box under instruction from the neighbours with winter root veg – parsnip, turnips, swede, onions, carrots. I’ll then make the difficult choices about what will go in the last planter. I’m sure I’ll end up wishing I had five or six beds towards the end. The plan is to organise culinary exploits around the fresh produce available. I’m imagining summer puddings of berries, berry ice-cream and hopefully some berry liquers.

Whilst I’ll end up with a massive surplus (at least I hope so, otherwise it means I’ve massacred plants!), it’s an exciting stage for the Convent and me as we take a small step towards supporting ourselves and offering some hospitality to guests and neighbours.

Rylstone Kandos Show 23 February 2013

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The Face-saving Baby Shawl

My first local Show. Supported by good friends, we bravely faced the local competition in my first hometown Show. Grabbing the bit by the teeth, I entered some very unfamiliar sections such as single white rose, edible herb collection and cherry tomatoes, as well as the slightly more familiar territory of knitting (although this is my first year of knitting competitions).

It was so much more fun going to a local Show and doubly-so by entering competitions.  The adventure started the day before, with entries having to be submitted to the Hall by 11 am Friday. The Stewards were so welcoming, friendly and helpful in showing us newbies the ropes and helping with paperwork and submissions. At 11 am the call went out for all visitors to leave so judging and set-up could commence. From 6pm Friday night was a special viewing of Pavilion entries to see all the exhibits and winners – so much more personal being up close and with Stewards and Judges able to give feedback on their decisions. This is always well-attended by the locals and part of the local Show tradition. My personal view on the knitting was that it was the best display layout I have yet seen – making an effort to hang lace fully in front of windows to show the patterns and hanging garments with care. The competition was strong (much stronger than anticipated). We later heard that some of the competitors have regularly won their categories at the Sydney RAS for over a decade.

IMG_0744IMG_0745We were thrilled to find out that we had done well, with my friend Lee taking out First in the Blanket category and second in the Lace. Whilst my Ten Stitch Blanket (a personal favourite) is yet to place in any Show, my green Shetland Lace was given a Highly Commended in the Lace category and my cream Fluidity won First and managed to score me the Champion Piece of Knitting for the Show.  The locals and regular contestants could not have been more welcoming to us and have inspired us to make sure we are up again next year. Refreshing to hear how positive the contestants were – no grumbling about judging, displays or undeserving winners – all just encouraging, supportive and proud of their local Show.

As for the Horticultural entries, I think it’s fair to say that I’ve set the bar low and can only improve. The cherry tomatoes (which I was originally proud of), were a complete embarrassment compared to all the other entries. My herbs were OK, just that the prize winner was outstanding and lessons were well-learnt for next time. I entered one of my few roses in flower and wasn’t embarrassed at my quality, just that the others were so much better. Still, it was a Pope John Paul II – some divine intervention may have been appropriate. Maybe the Good Samaritan rose will be in flower next year. We picked up lots of inside knowledge (all very practical) for next time and may even have a crack at jams or pickles in 2014.

After the viewing we headed to Kandos RSL  for its legendary Chinese. I’d put it’s szechuan chilli and crispy duck against many of the Sydney restaurants. Locals already knew of our success and we were warmly congratulated – one of the great benefits of a small community.

Unfortunately Show Day on Saturday was very wet, which limited the activities, but it was good to see the level of local interest. We looked at cattle and sheep like pros and pretended the home canines might behave like the Show dogs if we put them in the ring. Show fleece was on sale as there were obviously lots of local spinners. The Alpacas weren’t a Show category this year but it was fantastic to see how organised and co-ordinated the local alpaca community was in promoting their industry.

A great day with fantastic Rylstone Yum Cha at 29 Nine 99 and Indian dinner at Kandos.Taking bookings for Rylestone Kandos Show in 2014. Get started on your entries.

In a Pickle

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IMG_0642One of the common challenges faced with veggie gardens is when veggies ripen, you have lots of that variety at once. Preserving or pickling comes in handy and can be fun to try different combinations. I haven’t pickled, jammed or preserved since my early days of being a perfect wife and prefer to do this with produce I’ve grown myself – somehow it feels more authentic. After watching “The Road”, I’m also mindful that come Zombie Day, it might be all we have to survive on. At least I’d have something to offer Viggo.

Faced with a mini glut (well, more than my immediate neighbours and I could eat), I had a surplus of zucchinis and tomatoes. The zukes turned into pickled zucchinis and zucchini pickle. There is a subtle difference – pickled zucchinis are in a spiced vinegar and zucchini pickle is more of a curry relish. I think the latter was not my finest moment and will pluck up the courage to try one day. Perhaps when we again win the meat tray at the RSL and score some corned silverside.

Mixed mini tomatoes
Mixed mini tomatoes

I grew lots of lovely mixed mini tomatoes – different shapes and colours – which worked well cooked as semi-dried tomatoes in the oven with home-grown basil. I’m tossing up whether to put a selection in the local Show. The larger tomatoes found their way into a pasta sauce.

Not how good they are, but they were fun and part of being a gardener/home producer.

Pasta sauce
Pasta sauce
The mixed results
The mixed results

The Kandos Calendar

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The big events in the area include:

Rylstone Artisan Markets – second Saturday each month

Rylstone/Kandos Street Machine and Hotrod Show January 26 – 27 2013

Cementa Contemporary Arts Festival (biannual) 1 – 4 February 2013

Gulgong Show 16 February 2013

Rylstone/Kandos Show 23 February 2013

Mudgee Show 1 – 2 March 2013

Lithgow Show 15 – 16 March

Hazelcombe Farm Scything Plus Workshop Festival, Totnes Valley, Friday 12th April to Sunday 14th April 2013

The Kandos Bob Marley Festival – Saturday 4 May 2013

Mudgee Small Farm Field Days – Friday 12 – Saturday 13 July

Mudgee Sculptures in the Garden 12 – 13 October

Rylstone Street Feast 3 November 2013 (to be confirmed)

Kandos/Rylstone Garden Fair November 2013 (date to be confirmed)

The Grotto – every garden should have one

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One of the bonuses (and there are many) with the Convent is the Grotto. Grottos have a long history in the Catholic Church and for movie-goers I can recommend watching “Song of Bernadette” for some context.

Plaque dedication to the workers
Plaque dedication to the workers

The Convent’s Grotto was opened on 8th December 1953 by the Bathurst bishop. The statues were donated by Bob Crowe, the brother of one of the sisters and the Grotto was built from Cudgegong marble from Simon Sanon. Local parishioners Neil Gallagher, Bill Sparkes, George Carroll, Bill Junge, Pat Frappell and others helped build the Grotto.

Overgrown with ivy
Overgrown with ivy

When I arrived at the Convent, one of the first challenges was to do justice to the Grotto. Locals advised that one of the Fathers had planted the ivy which now engulfed the Grotto to the point that some thought it had been knocked down and more recent arrivals didn’t know it existed.

Mohawk Grotto
Mohawk Grotto

Good friends had a working bee on the Rylstone Street Feast weekend which made a huge impact. More chopping and weedkilling has reduced some of the rampaging ivy but there is still some ground to cover before it is up to replanting.

In the meantime it is gratifying to hear that locals are stopping to have a look, neighbours have reported people stopping to take photos and local children are visiting as part of Confirmation classes. The structure can now clearly be seen as can the statues which are in remarkably good condition. At least everyone can appreciate all the hard work around 50 years ago by parishioners.

Still a long way to to but I think we are past most of the hard work.

The statues
The statues
The statues
The statues

Pea and Mint Risotto

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It’s particularly rewarding when you can put a meal together using ingredients you have grown yourself.

Last night’s dinner was an experimental Pea and Mint Risotto. I’ve avoided cooking Risotto’s mostly as I get a bit bored with the stirring, however the little crop of peas was too temping. Add some homegrown mint as well as salads all from the garden and it was a satisfying meal.

Recipe sourced from http://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/pea_and_mint_risotto.htm

A Tradition of Roses

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One of the first things I was told about Kandos was that the only roses that didn’t grow, were ones that weren’t in the ground. That certainly seems to be the case here as even the humblest of gardens have great roses.

In its hey-day, the Convent was well-known for it’s beautiful roses, including the trellises which were used as a backdrop for many photos. Some of the original roses still survive and are magnificent when in full flower.

Good Samaritan rose
Good Samaritan rose

In keeping with the tradition, I’ve started adding more to the garden, endeavouring to widen the variety. Whilst I’ll never compete with Marie from the Fairway Motel who has over 200 roses on display and is a highlight of the biannual Garden Fair, I should be able to do the Convent proud.

Apparently there is a “Saint” series of roses which will come in handy. I’ve already discovered there is a Good Samaritan rose, which will have to be the signature rose for the Convent. Whilst I bought two standards, it appears I was beaten to the punch by the nuns and, not surprisingly, there are already two old ones here.

Some of the new additions include two Pierre de Ronsards – their dusky pink should work well climbing the wall of the cement block garage.

A red Pierre de Ronsard and a pink Duchesse de Brabant that are struggling along the side cyclone fence.

Newly planted Iceberg and Cecile Brunner small climbers on the back wall.

A Crepuscle light apricot climber on the back side garden bed, which I think might be a star, with a Pope John Paul II alongside. A Lamarque old rambler has been added to the garden bed, which if true to form, may dominate. Other additions include a couple of small Champions in pots and a David Austen Molineux. A Pinky climber remains in a pot and one day may make it to the Grotto.

I’m hoping these new additions and the original roses will put up a reasonable show later in the year. Will do a rose posting later to see how well they all do. Being an optimist, I will put vases on my buying list.

The original Convent roses
The original Convent roses

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Cementa13 – A Contemporary Arts Festival Held in Kandos

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From February 1 – 4 this year, a contemporary arts festival took over Kandos – 4 days and 4 nights with over 40 artists.

As described by the organisers:
Cementa_13 is a biennial contemporary arts festival taking place in the post-industrial town of Kandos NSW. Over forty artists will exhibit video, installation, sound, 2d and 3d artworks in venues and locations across the town. Venues will include shop fronts, vacant lots, a disused school, scout hall, local pub, the local museum, golf-course, people’s homes, the surrounding bushlands, etc. The work will address the identity, history, and current social, environmental and economic context of the town. Both walking and cycling tours will be given every day of the festival, introducing audiences to the town, along a route that will incorporate all of the major exhibitions, emphasizing environmentally sound modes of transport. In addition, there will be specialised tours including an edible weed tour of the surrounding country, a bicycle tour by ARTcycle inc. of local bushland, an escarpment hike and a winery tour.

The Convent played its own role hosting seven artists both inside and outside. Some Convent highlights included Sarah Goffman’s Japanese Tea House, The Chapel of Rubber by Starrs and Cmielewski and Sarah Breen Lovett’s Openings.

Sarah Goffman entertaining the tea drinkers
Tea House drawing
Tea house at the Convent sketch by Sarah Goffman

The Garden – First Steps

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Part of the attraction of a country property is the opportunity to have a rewarding garden. I’m a keen but unprofessional garden and eager to make something special out of this block.

At one stage I believe the nuns had the garden looking beautiful with formal hedges, garden beds and trellised roses. However after about 40 years of low maintenance, there’s not a lot left to show. On the bright side, it’s good soil and a lovely open block and well fenced with gorgeous old ash brick fence front and back.

One of my first challenges was the back driveway corner, one of the few parts of the block that could be seen by the locals as they came to church. Pretty ugly – dry dirt, overgrown shrubs and so many weeds.

Back garden original1

As there was already an existing Primrose Jasmine and the yellow Banksia Rose I had bunged in, yellow and white seemed a cheery and appropriate colour scheme. What started as a few marigolds and daisies in the corner, escalated into a serious garden bed of roses, perennials, herbs and fruit trees.

Back garden new

The trees include a fig, golden hornet crabapple, bay tree, quince, medlar and prunus. I have a feeling some may need to be moved elsewhere in the not-so-distant future. My money is on the Crepuscle rose (a miniature vigorous pale apricot climber) to be the star of the show.