garden – Page 3 – CONVENT AND CHAPEL

Convent Pre Spring Update

Published on August 31, 2013 by conventandchapel2 Comments

From the Hall through to my room with new carpet (!) and view through to the verandah (now also polished).

Just a quick trip and back in a day to have a peek and do some watering. I couldn’t go inside as the floors are mid-polishing but could look through a few doors.

Through the back door looking to the Study.

It’s hard to imagine that it was only just over a year ago that I made my first trip with my friend L to see the Convent. At the time I didn’t even know where Kandos was. Whilst I fell in love with the Convent and location, it was also very shabby and unloved – peeling paint, drab and worn floor covers and obviously unlived in for some time, with piles of crunchy dried slaters along the skirting boards.

Whilst I could see the potential and realised that much of the work was only cosmetic and within my reach (although I had originally been seeking a fully renovated property – albeit not a Convent!), I had no idea just how well the old girl would respond. She has risen to the occasion every time and looks wonderful after each tradesman works their magic. She has also revealed her own surprises with the cellar, lovely old fittings and parquetry chapel floor as well as some of the finds such as the old church sign, processional cross and wonderful original large decorative hinges.

I can’t wait now to start putting in furnishings and decorating the place with personal touches, especially since camping there with minimal personal effects since November. A mini move will take place in the next few weeks and each car trip will contain more items.

As for the garden, Spring is already in the air. Some bulbs are fading but others are still coming into their own. The Freesias under the Catoneaster are just starting to flower after having come up and had buds on them for so long. The first ones are large and bright yellow, which look lovely with the Grape Hyacinths and Snowdrops.

The old Prunus that looked so tortured (and the neighbours regularly suggested could come out with the other plants), has responded well to a trim, feed and mulch and is flowering dramatically.

The Anenomes are working hard in the central front bed as the first flowers. I’m not sure what will come up here after my “seed throw” but I’m sure I will get some Cornflowers and I’ve also added a few Delphiniums. Blue and white are great colours for this location.

The Manchurian Pears are getting their first leaves and many of the plants that were dormant during Winter and were hit heavily with the frosts, are now beginning to show signs of new growth, although I think there may be just a few casualties we will not see again.

I'm sure the Sprouts are not supposed to look like this! — I’m sure the Sprouts are not supposed to look like this!

The veggie beds are doing well – the Berry bed is shooting to life and for the first time I can see new growth on the canes. Along with the disastrous beans which were planted at the wrong time and were annihilated by the frosts, I apparently planted peas that were purely ornamental, which have now become compost fodder after waiting months for action. The long- awaited Brussels Sprouts, unless I am sadly mistaken, have gone straight to seed. I’m sure they’re supposed to have sprouts and not look like Broccoli – sorry L. I know you had great expectations but this is all very new to me. However the Broad Beans ( of which I have many planted) are now bearing well and I have taken a pile back to Sydney to make a Risotto.

Much of the white external sections have now been painted or at least been undercoated and have brightened the place up. The original front urns host Gazanias that go well with the paintwork and have filled out well. The back of the Convent, whilst still showing slight signs of the old dark stains, is now so much cleaner with the paintwork really glowing. I may need a new banner for the Blog!

Anyway, I’m hoping this last two weeks is the longest I will be away from the Convent for some time. It will be wonderful to be moving in to the renovated home, making it permanent part of my life and being there for Spring to see everything come to life.

These Gazanias suite the old urns - and need to be able to take plenty of heat. — These Gazanias suite the old urns – and need to be able to take plenty of heat.

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.

Bloody Frost

Published on July 24, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

What once was magnificent white Mexican Sage

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 — 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!

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.

End of June Progress

Published on July 2, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Daffodil bulbs just peeping out - the bulb planting is beginning to pay off — 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 — 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

The Garden – First Steps

Published on February 12, 2013July 9, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

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.

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.

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.