The year 2022 is off to a start. Apart from the turmoil the Covid pandemic is still creating, and debate over whether a tennis player (albeit a tennis player who has played a vocal part in the political turmoil surrounding a public health issue) should be allowed to ride roughshod over the hardships we here in Victoria have suffered over the last months and come to Melbourne to play a game, things are good.
We haven’t suffered any catastrophic bushfires or grassfires yet in these parts, and we’ve been able to travel freely to enjoy our families and our beautiful country. That’s not to say things won’t change…
On a personal level I’ve been spending a great deal of time at home so I’ve been able to enjoy pottering about enjoying creative activities and regularly getting into my garden to catch up on everything that’s been neglected.
There’s not really a lot of jobs that are urgently required over the hot summer months here in Victoria. Deadheading roses and giving them a light summer prune, keeping the soil’s moisture levels up, and keeping the summer grasses under control is really all I’m concentrating on.
Seed collection is something else we can do after the spring flowers have finished. Plants like Sweet Peas, wallflowers, vegetables which haven’t been eaten and have been allowed to flower, and anything else really that has formed a seed pod can all be harvested for seed, which can be stored in a dry, cool place until next season. There are many sources of information about collecting seeds online, each plant can be researched in its own right to make sure you use a suitable method.
When I’ve got time to relax I like to gather flowers and foliage from my garden to put into one of my large collection of vases as a ‘floral arrangement’. I sometimes like to experiment with photography as well, so they make a great subject.
Most flowers are easy to place into an attractive arrangement, but one species I always have difficulty with are the Fuchsias. They tend to ‘dangle’ a little too much for my liking, but I’m always up for a challenge… within reason. I’ve included in this ‘glog’ (gardener’s log) a few of the results of this morning’s experiment. I’m also experimenting with backdrops and lighting. Flash? Or no flash? Overhead lighting or side lighting? Both? I may have to invest in something more technical.
As we kick off the wall into the swimming pool lane of 2022 I’m hoping we all collectively have an easier time of things throughout the year and can all take the time to dabble in our gardens and in our creativity.
Til next time!
The Flowerpot Pen 