Category: Uncategorized

Hands-on and hands-off gardening

The inspiring Richmond Community Garden got me thinking about how best to garden. Formal gardens are all very well in a public place, but this community garden is more realistic – and based on environmental principles.

This? (Victoria Square)
Or this? (Richmond Community Garden)

The hands-on garden (Victoria Square) is colour-coordinated and surrounded by concrete. The hands-off garden (Richmond Community Garden) lets plants grow and do their thing as companion plants. Organic material is used for paths, and the upside-down letterboxes have been repurposed as planters. There’s humour in a hands-off garden! There are also chooks, including a vocal rooster. Of course, a lot of work is evident in the hands-off garden too, and the activities at this community garden are inspiring.

After visiting this garden, I thought about my own style of gardening. It’s a mix of hands-on and hands-off. I take advantage of a space to pop in some broad beans for example – there’s little separation between flower and vegetable spaces – and I’m delighted when things appear without my interference, such as the forest of sweet peas which flourished this year, and the self-sown bay tree which I topiaried (well, rounded off) by the letter box. Then, when the sweet peas died back I thought I should pull out the dried vines, but the shasta daisies popped up through them which meant I didn’t have to tie the daisies back. There’s a lot to be said for hands-off!

Broad beans amongst the flowers
A forest of sweet peas – and poppies
The bay tree makes a roof over the letterbox
Shasta daisies supported by sweet pea vines

Back on form

There were a couple of ‘blah’ days this week. I guess I was worn out from the long drive south, all that emotional energy spent, the socialising, swimming in the salt-water pools, watching albatross soaring so easily after flying hundreds of kilometres, relaxing with sea views…

However, I hit the ground running yesterday. Two loads of washing, vacuuming, and supermarket shopping filled the morning. My mojo’s back! Even this morning I’m getting ready to wash the floors – and there’s more washing on the line.

In the afternoon I searched the internet for a copy of A Book of Noises by Caspar Henderson and found that it was available at the University Book Shop. I’d read a review of it in the Listener. The review mentioned that there’s hardly any sound in space, although the author wittily wrote, “Except, perhaps, for the occasional billionaire shouting ‘Whee!'”

I drove to the University and squeezed into a tight angle park. My front wheel was a bit over the line into the neighbouring space, but I didn’t bother straightening up, thinking I’d only be a minute, and my energy levels were dictating that I keep moving.

Of course, I was in there for more like 30 minutes. There’s so much to see, and I came out with six books, not one.

There was a piece of paper under my windscreen wiper. A flier about some student activity, I thought. But, no. This made me laugh out loud:

Felix is also back on form – much more laid back than I am – and with the habit of occupying my chair if I happen to leave it for a moment. He’s an expert at looking instantly relaxed (although his tail puffed up to four times its normal size yesterday morning when, having followed me to the gate, he was surprised by the near silent approach of a passing jogger).

Now, where’s that mop and bucket?

Becoming bolder

Our trip to Dunedin has helped Mum to be more independent – and brave. She showered herself there and has continued to do so at home. This morning I hurriedly cancelled the showering help when Mum shot into the shower early (she can move fast). She even managed to wash her hair without help.

She is beginning to eat breakfast at the table again. Soon she will be getting it for herself.

Managing to take a few steps without the walker when fetching something a few steps away is giving her a sense of accomplishment: “Look at me!”

This afternoon I came home to find her doing the dishes.

Another “Look at me!” moment

This morning her eight-month course of daily calcium injections began. Let’s hope this will help her avoid any more bone disasters.

Here she is in Dunedin on Sunday with her second great-grandson who turns one this month.

Happy memories

St Clair was buzzing from early this morning. At 6.30am the lights were still on along the Esplanade, and people were jogging, walking dogs, and venturing into the sea to swim and surf.

We packed, ready to depart, feeling a little sad about leaving. Dunedin seems a lively place, down-to-earth, down-at-heel in places, quirky and interesting, and surrounded by astounding beauty.

Looking towards the harbour from Taiaroa Heads

Friends I visited yesterday have an awesome antique French wardrobe-chest of drawers combination which only fitted into their house because it breaks down into seven pieces. It fills a whole wall of the bedroom and suits their lovely home.

Many of the houses in Dunedin are attractive old brick bungalows often in art deco and arts and crafts style. ‘Old and cold,’ said my practical niece. True, probably, but nice to look at.

My brother-in-law drew my attention to gulls each sitting on a post along a fence at the Royal Albatross Centre. This is one of my favourite photos from our trip.

On the wall in our hotel is this print which seems ‘very St Clair’ to me.

As we drove out of town we saw people gathering in Queen’s Gardens (ironically – or appropriately, depending on your point of view) to celebrate Waitangi Day. It would have been good to stop and join them. But, once you’re on the road there’s a compulsion to follow it home.

Later, at home, I sat in the egg chair and thought perhaps I could pretend that the sound of distant traffic is the sea.

Summer at St Clair

Another beautiful day by the beach began with breakfast on the balcony, then a walk on the beach.

Surfers were out
A seal was resting
Patterns in the sand
Poetry on some steps
Dunedin is a UNESCO city of literature

Then, back to the balcony with sandy feet.

A drive past the bays on the peninsula was sublime on this gorgeous day. Taiaroa Head and the Royal Albatross Centre was a marvel, with nesting albatross visible on the hillsides and, suddenly, the appearance of albatrosses gliding across the sky. They were hard to photograph, but I did snap horned brown merino sheep under a pōhutukawa.

Later, I caught up with friends – with chooks.

A barbecue completed another perfect day with the newlyweds and family, four dogs and a cat.

Cool on the deck
‘This was how our first dance was meant to go!‘
Barbecue and bath time
Adults like to play kids’ games too!

A perfect day

First there was a post-wedding barbecue in an idyllic setting with rustic features.

MC and uncle Dan with wee Lachlan
Will keeps cool in sun hat and sunglasses
Liz and sleepy Lachlan
Charlie resting on my feet after an arduous day as ring bearer

Next we visited Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

Late afternoon and it was time for cheese and crackers and elderflower cordial on the balcony overlooking the buzz of St Clair Esplanade.

We finished with a risotto dinner at Salt. This restaurant/bar was formerly an art deco house.

It was busy when we arrived but better later for a photo

Bright, sparkly day

It’s another beautiful day at St Clair. Young surfers are heading out.

Yesterday’s wedding was a bright, sparkly celebration too, full of collective warmth and love.

There was thoughtful organisation, nice touches, a beautiful setting and dancing.

Some things caught my eye:

A niece’s spiky crocs
Classic car next to my car
A photo-bombing nephew
Bling on a niece’s phone

Photos were taken of every family and friend combination and the bridal party had photos on the beach. As the sun set, bride and groom had photos on a tussocky hillside where sheep were grazing.

Formalities over, the dancing began to a band playing songs we all knew. Even our most elegant 95 year old was dancing to the beat!

A wild change

Six hours after leaving home, Mum and I relaxing with this view.

A surfing school is in action in this photo. There are people walking and jogging and dog- walking; there is lots to see.

The sound of the sea and the crashing waves will lull us to sleep tonight.