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.
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.View from the side sunroom window which was previously permanently covered.
The “Before” shot with the untreated fibro sheets at the base of the windowsThe “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 leadlights. All the old fluoro lighting has been removed so photos are a bit more challenging.
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
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 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. 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.
Borage kicking in. More blue flowers!Smokey enjoying Convent radishes. It’s lovely to have friendly ponies next door. I have my eyes on horse manure as well!
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?
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
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.
Lue Railway StationUp close, Lue station shows signs of disuse and vandalism
The country trains runs have been greatly reduced over the years obviously due to cost pressures. I understand this but the trains also mean a great deal to local towns in making them more accessible to the public and providing regular transport to the locals, rather than relying on access to cars.
It’s been a few years since trains travelled these tracks. No wonder railway sleepers are available!
Train lines track throughout the country and whilst you drive across many level crossings, you may be surprised to find how few of them ever have trains run along them. One of the visible sadder aspects I find are the lovely old railway stations which were once such a centre of industry, social connection and activity now being deserted and forlorn. Whilst many decry the mining industry, for some areas it has meant that the railway lines have at least been maintained for mineral transportation, if not for people. This has kept the train line open to Kandos, even though public trains finish their run at Lithgow.
The lovely old Rylstone station
Very infrequently a heritage train comes through with Kandos being the final stop and resting place for lunch before returning to Sydney. This is quite an event and is usually sold out. The whole town turns out complete with Markets to greet the tourists.
In the meantime, I bring you some photos of the gracious old railway stations in the area. They obviously were once buildings of stature in the community and have a very Australian heritage feel about them.
Clandulla Station – once a beautiful and substantial buildingHeritage detailing at ClandullaOne of two fireplaces I could see
The Kandos Railway Station has been lovingly restored into a popular cafe, however the other buildings are not so fortunate, and whilst sometimes appearing as attractive heritage landmarks from the distance, stand often abandoned and closer scrutiny tells a different picture. They are often at locations that are less likely to sustain a commercial venture, which seems such a misfortune.
Kandos Railway Station – now down the Track Cafe. Great seeing the stations being used for the community and commerceThe Heritage train arrives at Kandos
It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost a year since I first saw the Convent (and discovered where Kandos is). It was the 20th August last year when, along with my good friend Lee, we set off with his trusty GPS named Siobhan, given the lady has an Irish accent, to find Kandos and the Convent. All we knew was that we could go Bells Line of Road and it was before Mudgee.
My friends had already accompanied me on a number of inspections of rural properties, all of which had been seriously disappointing, so L was endeavouring to temper my very excited expectations which by that stage was probably already at making plans for grandchildren, which are not on anyone’s horizon. After all, it was a long trip home after a big day if I was going to be teary.
Anyway, the Convent obviously didn’t disappoint and it seems such a short time ago, even though so much has happened and so much work has progressed. I had the world’s longest settlement which even saw a change of Popes.
It also means that fast approaching is Rylstone Street Feast which will be held on Saturday 2 November and is an extravaganza of 4 courses of sumptuous local food served at a community sit down lunch running down the centre of the main street. It is one of the highlights of the area and not to be missed. It was also the first time that many of my friends came to Kandos to see the Convent.
Anyway, tickets have just gone on sale and we’ve snapped them up again. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to a few months time when I can sit back and relax to enjoy the Convent fully.
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.
The Icebergs flanking the front entry
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.
The Grotto basking in the sunCheery Daffodils brightening the GrottoHeartsease 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.
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 …
................... for lovers of ice cream. Your free on line magazine for sweet frozen treats. Recipes, inspiration, artisanal ideas for your delectation.
CONVENT AND CHAPEL 