Just to digress - I have this theory that I call the 'Rocket Science Theory'. If I had a degree in nuclear physics and a question re rocket science came up my hubby would check with his best mate Pete the Painter that what I was saying was correct. So if I want to get something done, I usually find a couple of blokes to suggest to himself that 'such and such would look good'. (I love it when a bloke says something is a good idea - off his own bat - saves me having to round up 'em up!)
Anyway, needless to say I was well pleased when Eric made this suggestion, especially as I hadn't thought of it and it was, indeed, just what was required. After googling and e'baying, I decided that I didn't want an arch but would prefer a simple wooden arbor that would reflect the materials used in our house and garage. Degree of difficulty of execution increased ten fold but I knew Geoff was more than up to the job! Further googling revealed plans for just the right structure. Much sawing, hammering and conversions from imperial to metric later - voila!
Didn't Geoff do a great job? I have already planted some Chilean jasmine to climb over the arbor and am now searching for some pretty shrubs for each side. Himself has also used more of our lovely old jetty wood to line the bottom of the arbor. Plans for the arbor can be found here http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/build-an-arbor.aspx
The garden is looking a bit cluttered at the moment as we have had to chook proof some of the garden beds until plants are established!
Today I planted heritage pumpkins (Wrinkled Butter and Bohemian) and beetroot. Yesterday I transferred sweet corn seedlings to the newly chook proofed garlic bed. After attending a Spring garden day at Oaklands Pambula, I planted bean seeds either side of the sweet corn and pumpkin near the base. The idea is that the beans will use the corn stalks for trellises and that the pumpkins will thrive as well. As I don't have as much real estate for planting as I 'd like, seem like a great way to make the most of existing space.
Another tip was to plant radishes, carrots and lettuce in lines. My lovely neighbour on the other side (sounds like something out of Dr Who!) works for the local IGA and has been giving me polystyrene cartons which are ideal for crops that don't like competition from weeds. So far the radishes and lettuce have germinated but no carrots! The carrots may well germinate when they get shade from the fast growing lettuces. As the radishes - a quick growing crop - are harvested, more room is freed up for the carrots. I've also used the polystyrene cartons to grow red onions - easy to weed!
Plans for tomorrow include trying to discourage the kikuyu from invading the asparagus bed without resorting to poison! I may need to lift the no-dig materials from around the asparagus and put more newspaper down to (temporarily) discourage the kikuyu. I've also grown some annuals from seed which I will use to plug gaps in the flower beds. Hopefully they will self seed! I also need to pot up more tomatoes and eggplants.
Some photos beneath of plants in bloom - criteria for my garden - tough perennial or self seeding annual!
Grevillea Misty Pink
Not sure!
Cistus Rose
Peony Poppy (self seeded)
David Austin rose - this rose has been transplanted ten times and followed me around four houses!)
Irises from my lovely friend Alaine
Geraniums (or is it pelargoniums?), a cutting from Dot, with lavender grown from seed.
