Regular walks around the neighbourhood give close-up views of a wide range of gardens. From large house allotments to tiny apartment block balconies, combined with plantations in local parks and nature strips, an endless array of designs are on display. Gardens Give Impressions Taking much the same route most days gives a detailed impression of how these gardens change with the seasons. Formally clipped and totally regimented designs contrast against chaotic weed infested mini-forests, each alluding to a human story. Gardens Spark Imaginations Observations during long walks help spark up the imagination, giving ideas about things to try on the farm. On some occasions I get to chat with owners, getting their impressions and plans-each changing according to personal circumstances and prevailing trends. Influences On Gardening Style Gardens run by migrants used to be easy to spot based on fruit and vegetables grown in front yards, but this is...
My Hobby Farm Stories
Aloes
‘Aloe’ has become a household name thanks to the worldwide marketing success of Aloe vera – the medicine plant. Aloes vera and Aloe ferox now in cultivation, have become the basis of a worldwide medicinal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Aloes In Commercial Products Selected from about 450 species mostly originating in southern Africa, their health promoting qualities have helped bring this attractive group of plants into the public’s eye. No doubt there are many other species under investigation with...
If Old Dogs Could Talk
Blue Heelers or Australian Cattle Dogs have a long tradition as hard working, herding dogs. Full of bounce they are bred to chase and control farm animals – barking and growling, nipping at the heels of terrified sheep or cattle – these animals are born to rule. Dogs In Agricultural College As a student at an agricultural college, working dogs practicing their craft were a common occurrence. Having many cattle and sheep, farm workers and instructors often brought their...
Eucalyptus
Eucalypts or Gums, found throughout the country bring cheer and hope to all who come into contact with this great survivor. Reflecting the history of our continent, gums have an important place in aboriginal folklore and rural communities. Australian Most Recognised Plant Featured in work, art, songs and play,...
Plants At War
Across any forest or field, day and night, a silent war is raging. A war for territory – where plants seek nutrients, light, water and a place to live. Even in a monoculture, where one plant species is cultivated, individuals will be competing for resources, when many plant species...
Emu Bushes
Emu bushes or Eremophilas, well utilized by Aborigines in arid and semi-arid parts of Australia for cultural uses and medicines, are now becoming popular garden ornamentals. Thriving in areas where humidity is low, once established, these colourful plants need little maintenance apart from some light trimming during the year....
Magic Medicinal Plants
A variety of plants known to relieve problems such as cuts, rashes, sunburn and mosquito bites are being trialed on the farm. These include Aloes from South Africa as well as native Eremophilas or Emu bushes that have a reputation for healing skin injuries. Medicinal Plants Are Adapting To...
Unwelcome Guests
Introduced from Europe for hunting, recreation and food, rabbits and hares have now overstayed their welcome. Rabbits, the fastest spreading vertebrate pest species in Australia’s history have defied all attempts at eradication. Having survived every form of control in over 100 years, as a species, the rabbit appears here...
Mad Bad Magpies
Magpie mayhem is about to commence. Spring, the breeding season, brings on changes to these normally pleasant and useful birds, from doing good for the farm, into menacing airborne missiles. Making Out Invaders Believing their territory is being invaded, they appear from nowhere, usually swooping from behind – creating...
An Accidental Habitat
It was a pleasant surprise to find I have unwittingly created a habitat for the tiny but lively native bird-the Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus). Males are brightly coloured with black, dark and light blue patches while females and young are a light brown. These colours are enhanced during the...
Why Smile
There is no doubting the positive benefits of a happy smile. Being creatures of habit it is one worth nurturing and it costs nothing. It is of course easier to smile when things go well and there is cause to celebrate, and harder when feeling unwell, but there are...
Farm Wildlife
In the short time I have been on the farm, one thing is certain – the place is rarely quiet. Birds start their chatter at dawn and seldom stop until all light has faded in the evening. These small natives and of course sparrows and starlings go about their...