Every year Birdlife Australia run a series of seasonal citizen science events called ‘Birds in Backyards’ where we get to count and record the species and numbers of birds in our backyards. The results for the spring survey are in, with the top ten species sighted and counted listed in the first photo. Of theseContinue reading “Backyard Birds”
Tag Archives: #findingoutstuff
Wistaria
That got your attention didn’t it? Wisteria or Wistaria? Both are legitimate. I once got into a heated ‘discussion’ on a FB garden group with a woman who was adamant she knew best. She had NEVER heard this gorgeous plant called Wistaria before, so it never had been. Quite apart from the futility and stupidityContinue reading “Wistaria”
Weeds
What is a weed? I guess that’s a question that’s been asked since some plants were labeled ‘weeds’. The answer to that question differs between who you talk to. My usual answer to that question is: a weed is a plant growing where it shouldn’t be. Weeds in my locality include lots of pasture grassesContinue reading “Weeds”
We’re In Clover
This little plant is loaded with symbolism. White Clover (Trifolium repens) has been used as animal fodder probably since the domestication of farm animals. It is also connected to the idea of good luck and prosperity. I also think the flowers are beautiful. The saying ‘we’re in clover’ is believed to be linked to theContinue reading “We’re In Clover”
Roses and Chickens
This weekend the small town I live close to had its annual show. Well, it had been annual for 80 or so years until covid put paid to it for two years, but now it’s back! The Noorat Show first happened in 1933 and has grown to be one of the main events in theContinue reading “Roses and Chickens”
Frosty nights
Bbbrrrrrr! It’s cold out there! Frost warnings have been set for the whole of my state, my toes are cold, and the heater is having a bit of difficulty keeping the temperature even. The last few mornings have been frosty and some plants in my garden are starting to show the signs of frost damage.Continue reading “Frosty nights”
Dahlia days are done.
Those magnificent queens of the garden are done for the year, so as the days get colder, it’s time to dig them up. If you’ve followed my blog posts or listened to my podcast, The Flowerpot Pen, you might have realised I’m a bit of a lazy gardener. As a result, some jobs don’t getContinue reading “Dahlia days are done.”
Nearly winter
We’re rolling in to the end of Autumn now. It’s been a big up and down roller coaster in the weather department here in the Western Districts of Victoria, Australia. We’ve had cool but gloriously sunny days and cold, grey, miserable days too. One common theme in conversations though, is we haven’t had enough rain;Continue reading “Nearly winter”
More Autumn Colour
The deciduous trees haven’t really started their autumn colouring yet, but there’s plenty of colour in the flowers we have flowering right now. Two plants that give a gorgeous yellow/orange hue in the garden are the Ginger Lily (Hedychium gardnerian) and Leonotis (Leonotis leonurus). Leonotis is also known as Lion’s Ear, Lion’s Tail, and WildContinue reading “More Autumn Colour”
Fuchsia Berries
One of the plants featured in my book ‘Unexpectedly Edible’ is the Fuchsia. These plants are grown for their enchanting flowers that look like ballerinas twirling en pointe with skirts floating in the breeze. They are among my very favourite plants and flowers, I have fond memories of a Fuchsia planted outside my bedroom windowContinue reading “Fuchsia Berries”
The Flowerpot Pen 