Garden World

 Yesterday I went to one of the biggest garden centres in the area.  
Garden World at Braeside is divided into several individual areas: there are of course the usual garden plants,  an irrigation 

centre where you can buy water tanks, irrigation systems etc, there is a small hydroponics area, collectors corner which has a wonderful display of cactus, orchids and other exotic plants. 
While I was there  I took lots of photos and so
today I will include some pics of my favourite corners.

My favourite section is the water garden area.  This has recently been refurbished, with new displays and a large fish pond outside.  I could spend hours wandering around there, looking at the fish and the plants in the ponds as well as enjoying the sounds of the fountains and waterfalls.

It was quite sunny so the reflections are really spectacular.

 I will show you some of the orchids and cacti in the coming days.




I hope you have enjoyed this little tour.

gardening days

 We are making good progress with the new sections of the garden.  This first picture shows little shrubs; westringia, correa, native mint, grevilleas.  They are tiny now but by the time the spring arrives they will be lovely. 

 The fish pond is in position now, we just need to do some landscaping and planting around it and then we will be able to plant some water lillies and add the fish.


I have the pump, the lights, and everything else needed to finish off the project.

 This is the garden which is right at the back of the garden.  More Westringias and other favourite plants including the Gordonia which is in flower.

 Our neighbours over the back and across had some of their trees removed and this large one was trimmed and cleaned up a bit.  I am so pleased they didn't take it all down.

Can you see the man in the tree?  He is up really high and well secured with ropes and harnesses.

You can see from this last pic that the tree towers over the house, it is three storeys high and you can just see the top of the roof and if you look carefully you can see the tree man up on the branch. 


There are some jobs you just wouldn't want to do.

the garden bites back

Another lovely Autumn day here in Melbourne.  We have made a start on the replanting of the garden.  I planted 10 native shrubs which will do well in this area.  Some westringia, correa, hakea, grevillia and native mint bush.

We needed to remove some overgrown vines before the planting began and as usual I took to the task with enthusiasm:  well there was a bee that did not appreciate my presence there.  I have a very sore arm for my trouble.  It is only two weeks since a very mean bull-ant bit me on the same arm.   This is all part of the adventure.


Oh, I should mention the felt in the pic.  It is a piece I embellished and painted a while ago.  I was so disappointed in the result that I put it in the too hard basket until I came across it today.  To be honest I don't mind it so much now but will have to find a use for it.

Thanks to all those who read and comment on my blog: it is always good to hear from you.

I was grateful for the reminder about the pond, Melissa.  I had not thought of the dangers of such a deep pool.  We have little babies (twins) next door and although they are only six months old I will have to anticipate them visiting when they are more mobile.  An enclosure might be needed! Thanks again.





 

The tree men came yesterday and removed 10 trees from the side of our house.  As you can see the area 

is quite narrow so imagine 10 trees most of which are higher than the roof line.

I am always fascinated to look at the cut surfaces of the trees and the bark so I have so many opportunities for pics.

Today I bought 12 new plants to start rebuilding the garden.  These are all australian plants and grow well in this district.  

I recently purchased a new (recycled) fish pond on ebay and this will be part of the garden renovations.  It is deep enough for some interesting water plants.

So you can see we will be busy for at least a year!