convent – Page 4 – CONVENT AND CHAPEL

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

A Focus on Roses … and Garden Progress

Published on July 30, 2013July 30, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

A hard prune for sprawling roses. I plan to add another bank of roses in front of these.

As we head towards rose time, I’m getting my roses in shape (and ‘in’). This weekend I took the major step in pruning the original Convent roses. These roses seem to be pretty old bushes and aren’t in the best condition. Playing it safe (in case I do damage with a hard prune), I’ve taken cuttings.

Not being very experienced with roses, I’ve been watching and getting advice from neighbours. In Sydney most of the roses would have been pruned at least a month ago, but I’ve been wary of the heavy frosts. Anyway, after being given the go-ahead from one of the Kandos rose experts, I took to them with gusto. I’ve also given them a good feed. My neighbour, D, who has in the past stepped in to look after them in periods of neglect, gave me the thumbs up.

I gave some of the roses I planted last year a light trim but left the climbers as I was under strict instruction not to prune these for the first two years as it would inhibit growth.

I also added substantially to the rose collection by planting six white standard Icebergs along the front entry path, which I must say I am delighted with and think will set the front off really well. I’m trying to find a balance with not cluttering the front yard yet softening it as it was quite harsh and bare initially (and moreso since I pulled out the scruffy shrubs).

Focussing on the garden is a good distraction whilst all the tradesmen work on the Convent and I’m keen for the Convent to see lots of garden life come Spring.

The early stages of the front wall garden beds

The garden bed at the front wall is gradually filling in and taking shape, although I’m only putting in the bigger plants like Camellias and Azaleas and avoiding smaller ones given some of the fatalities I’ve had with frosts.

In the meantime, the bulbs are starring and doing exactly what I had hoped. The Grotto garden is starting to fill out and is framed with flowering bulbs. It now has four climbing roses in pinks and whites that should look stunning when (if) they take off. My favourite Heartsease have also come to the party and are flowering their hearts out in a rewarding corner near the Chapel.

Heartsease working hard to brighten up their corner

I’m hoping in around two months I’ll be up here most of the time as I put my Sydney home on the market, in which case I will be able to enjoy the rewards of my labours rather than just labouring for the few days each week I’m here.

Balance Means Some Difficult Decisions

Published on July 28, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

A balanced lifestyle – this seemed like the ideal – a utopia that so many seem to be seeking. Being at a stage of life where my children are independent, I have a level of financial stability and the chance to both work and have a country lifestyle. Sounds idyllic. And I probably could have pulled it off. But what if you fall in love with one of the lifestyles? What if being in the country means also wanting to be part of the community and participating in activities? What if you want to add to the animal collection – chooks, cat, another dog? What if it becomes a wrench every time you have to head back to the city for work (which you still enjoy, but not as much as the other option)?

I have found myself in this position. What seemed like the perfect lifestyle balance actually ended up as having to make some hard choices – I just want to be at the Convent most of the time and not “balance” – which was becoming making sacrifices rather than getting the best of both worlds. I know I’m extremely fortunate to be in this position. However I have the choice between a balance of work and lifestyle or an idyllic lifestyle – I’m opting for the latter.

My workplace has been great – they were there when I found the Convent and have participated in my excitement all the way through. I’m planning on continuing to play a role for them, albeit more remote, helping with some of the work that I really love but Convent-style.

This lifestyle stuff can be challenging – it’s when you start thinking of trade-offs v choices – are you giving things up or just getting more? There’s no right answer. Balance is not an analytical equation and means making some very personal decisions. I hope I’m making the right ones – I obviously think I am.

A close colleague once explained to me that life comes in cycles – especially for women. The first 25 years is becoming a person – growing up, no longer being a child and becoming an independent individual. The second 25 years is often being something to others – a wife, a mother, an employee. I think I’ve done this plus a lot more. I’ve had over 30 years in corporate life and nearly quarter of a century in a marriage and as a mother (which I will always continue to be). Post 50, the next 25 years becomes yours. The children are no longer dependent, you hopefully have more flexibility financially and you can make some major decisions for the remainder of your life. I guess I feel I have paid my dues and am now making my decisions. I also know that this will require some major changes and readjustments.

By the end of the year I hope to be permanently residing in the Convent at Kandos. I’m not quite sure what all of this will mean. I know I will have a lovely home, I will love and nurture my garden, including being as self-sufficient as possible. I know I will get more involved in the community and contribute to a town that has made me so welcome. I know I will get more creatures, and I know I will continue to do some ‘work’ work but no longer crank up 60 – 80 hours of pressure. I will also continue to be a Mum.

It’s exciting but also a bit scary. One of the more adult decisions and for the first time, it’s one I’m making just for me …

Convent Makeover Part II

Published on July 22, 2013July 22, 2013 by conventandchapel2 Comments

When I first thought of a country property, one of my key requirements was ‘No Work Required’. I’m not sure how I missed this with the Convent but tend to think it was price, the Convent, the area and falling in love. Anyway, it has put me into the unfamiliar territory of a complete renovation – and lots and lots of decisions.

Even the old bathroom looks so much better

At this point I’d have to qualify that most of the work is purely cosmetic. The building itself is very solid and in good condition. And whilst it was purpose-built as a Convent, it is currently very practical, whether for me and family/friends or for commercial purposes. I’m not building or knocking anything down. For the most part, I am working with the current building, layout and infrastructure. The changes are mainly more of a cosmetic nature, but that is still significant.

I’ve been lucky in my tradies. Being in the country is a totally different dynamic. The downside is:

there is a limited marketplace. This is a small town and some tradies come from Mudgee which they regard almost as a different state and can charge a travelling fee. It’s maybe 40 minutes which is nothing in Sydney but in rural terms when you don’t need to travel, can add significantly to cost.
Good tradies are well-known and busy. They are in significant demand so queue up and be prepared to follow up. If you need something very specialised, you may struggle or need to compromise. Don’t get too trendy.

The upside well outweighs the negatives:

If you get a tradie by word of mouth, they will be keen to please. They know their business depends on reputation, referral and existing business (that’s why they are so busy in the first place). It’s a small community and word travels fast.
They are locals/neighbours and likely to be your friends in the future and want referrals from you – they genuinely care that you are happy with the job, you like them and can look each other in the face in future.
For the Convent, they often have a connection or value the building so are keen to do a job that is sustainable and they are aware that it will be public and often have strong views themselves as to how things should be done.
In the country, you don’t pay Sydney prices. Whilst the locals may think as a small town they get charged highly as tradies travel (there’s what’s known as a ‘Mudgee tax’ if you utilise goods and services from Mudgee) it’s not Sydney prices for labour.

Of course the Chapel gets special treatment

Carpet for the bedrooms. Polished boards for the rest.

For me, this renovation is a quantum leap and has been made so much easier by having local tradespeople that have been so open in helping and suggesting solutions, which are often outside their special expertise. I’m finding that much of 30 years of corporate life of building relationships with trusted suppliers who understand the value of sustainable relationships, understanding clients and long term relationships works the same in the country. In fact, when corporations seek “a consistent quality client experience”, they are just trying to corporatise the best of what local businesses who understand relationships consistently deliver as a matter of course. In corporate land we sometimes forget this – this is the source of the service experience we seek to deliver.

Anyway, so far I have been so happy with the people who are helping me with the Convent. This week I’ve locked in carpets and curtains, major decisions but ones I am very happy with. It’s all very daunting, particularly whilst managing a job back in Sydney and a Sydney property that will have another future… but exciting and rewarding as well.

Coming up well - the end bedroom known as 'Her Mother Superior's Room' or in latter stages — Coming up well – the end bedroom known as ‘Her Mother Superior’s Room’ or, in latter stages, ‘The Bishop’s Room’

Waste Not, Want Not

Published on July 17, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

The old Church sign, found in the garage and now housed outside. — The old Church sign, found inside the garage and now housed outside the garage.

I’m trying to rehome as many things as I can at the Convent – some of this is consciously not wasting. Another motivation is the desire to retain as much history as possible and make use of it in practical ways which pay homage to its heritage.

I’ve managed to find a number of different Church items in the garage, such as an old Church services sign, a processional cross and brass order of the mass plaque. An unintended re-use was when I made a garden bed just under the Chapel glass windows from a piece of timber which I later found out was from the kneeler section of a Church pew – quite serendipitous.

I don't think this part of a kneeler though it would end up outside the Chapel as part of a flower bed. — I don’t think this part of a kneeler though it would end up outside the Chapel as part of a flower bed.

I’m also hoping the old curtains will make good braid or rag rugs for some of the many hallways. Every piece of timber or brick (or rock) seems to find a use somewhere.

A favourite but once barren corner. Old rescued Rough cast pots, old iron edging and kneeler garden bed edging. — A favourite but once barren corner. Old rescued rough cast pots, old iron edging and kneeler garden bed edging.

All recyclable scraps go into one of two recycle bins and leaves and other garden clippings mostly end up there as well or topping up garden beds. A mulcher is the newest addition to help with garden refuse. I’m always seeking additional soil and mulch for the many (and growing) garden beds. This also cuts down on the tips to the trip and helps gobble up the seemingly never ending growth from the ivy.

The old hardwood fence posts are now edging three garden beds.

My favourite reuse has been the old hardwood fence posts from the damaged section of fence that was replaced. It has already been used to expand the pumpkin patch and now to edge what was a pretty but unstructured bed near my bedroom verandah. The other posts are so heavy, I can’t budge them. They are edging the privet hedge bed for now, which required just a small nudge to get them in place. If all goes to plan and the fence is finally removed, there should be plenty of extra sleepers for both the side fence and maybe even the front wall. The wire mesh for climbers – chokos and cucumbers – was rescued from life as a grid enclosing the side verandah.

I have now grown quite fond of the old wardrobes that were left post the auction of contents (‘cos no-one wanted them and were too big to move) and they are being relocated to the garage for storage. They are currently in full usage. I now don’t know what I would’ve done without them.

I’m not sure it’s legitimate recycling, but I also seem to have some sort of sewerage leak from a front pipe which I think is just from the waste pipe in the kitchen (does not appear to be the “worst” type, if you know what I mean). I have a call in with the plumber but in the meantime the roses are just loving it.

The Convent is a practical building and has been in a service role for over 80 years. It seems appropriate that she continues to “make do” where she can and I embrace her heritage.

The Convent Gets a Make-over Part I

Published on July 15, 2013July 22, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Painting gear set up in the Chapel. The Mission brown has already been painted out from the stained glass windows. This is just an undercoat.

The old girl hasn’t really had much attention for many decades. A lick of paint from time to time in some rooms and a few low key renovations to suit changing needs of Church inhabitants. But no serious updates.

Her time has now come. And it’s not one of those reality-type challenges. Some of the work will happen over the next year or two (like the kitchen), but the main work is being done now. The exterior of the building is a textured concrete painted a traditional ochre and is in good condition, but the timber work, fascias, columns and detailing are all very shabby and being restored, which is much more than a quick paint job.

The inside is being painted from head to toe – every room. As well as being well sanded back, having all the cracks repaired and the dark timber painted out. The floors currently have every carpet imaginable on them – every room is different and sometimes there are many layers (some of which I have kept for posterity). Whilst I keep being told it will be cold, I’m getting all the floorboards bar the bedrooms polished whilst the bedrooms will be carpeted. I tend to think that lots of rugs and runners will give the place more character and cover the warmth aspect. There’s also the possibility that to warm rooms, you can always put a heater on and shut the door! I won’t be trying to warm this whole house at once.

The painters have now moved in – and with a vengeance. Stott’s are based at Mudgee and have quite a team which means that once they start, they can put quite a few people on and just go gangbusters, rather than stop and start with multiple jobs on the go. The work only started this week and I can see heaps of progress – mainly just in preparation, gap filling, undercoating out all the ‘mission brown’ woodwork, which is making the place look lighter and more modern already.

The boys are only working on one half of the building (not the section I’m living in) so there isn’t much disruption yet, particularly now I have the plumbing working again down my end of the house! I’m sure it won’t stay that way for long (the painting, not the plumbing, hopefully!). Anyway, I’m looking at at least three more weeks of painting inside then the floors are booked in. …then come the curtains. After the floors are done, the plan is to actually move in some furniture which will be exciting and let me clean up the Sydney home to get it on the market!

A new stage begins …

There’s Nothing Friendly About Jack Frost

Published on July 10, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

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. — 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!

It’s my Convent and I’ll plant if I want to

Published on July 8, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

This is what was left after over a day's full-on planting — 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 — “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 Erlicheer — One of the first daffodils – an Erlicheer

The Grotto beds are settling in well. A mix of plants making themselves at home.

Cream of Broccoli Soup – from the Convent Garden

Published on June 28, 2013June 28, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

Firstly, here at the Convent we are not sticklers on measuring, unless critical to the recipe. I like to call it a “bespoke” approach, to use management jargon. Cream of Broccoli Soup is no exception, after all, it all depends on how much Broccoli is available. This has been made with special Convent Broccoli – the first ever Broccoli picked from the Convent.

Ingredients

An onion (or two)
Two garlic cloves (or more)
a few stalks of celery
broccoli
stock
butter
plain flour
milk
blue cheese

Firstly, chop up the onion, celery and garlic. Rough is fine as it will end up blended.
Saute in butter until soft, then add in chopped Broccoli stalks.
Saute gently for 5 – 10 minutes more, not to the point of colouring.
Heat stock in a separate saucepan and when boiling, add Broccoli flowerettes and sautéed onion, celery and garlic.
Simmer for 15 minutes. Take off heat and stand for 5 minutes.
During this time, melt additional butter in saucepan (the one you used to sauté the vegetables is fine), add flour and stir for a few minutes on gentle heat.
Add milk gradually, stirring to a thick roux.
Blend the Broccoli mix, then add gradually to the roux, stirring continuously.
Continue to add Broccoli mix and stir on gentle heat until all combined and beginning to simmer.
If too thick, add some more milk or stock, do not boil.
Add chopped up blue cheese.
Season to taste
Serve and enjoy.

A Fish Pond?

Published on June 26, 2013June 26, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

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. — I’m thinking this area between the Grotto and Chapel verandah may work.