Monthly Archives: February 2011

Leaf Mulch

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

I’ve never used mulch before. In my mind it’s useful to a) keep out weeds and b) keep in water. That’s it. Since I’m okay with weeding, that wiped out half the motivation. The water retention angle is noteworthy, especially … Continue reading →

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Fell Down BOOM

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

 Our beautiful indoor jade plant had a slight accident yesterday (above). For a few days we’ve been wondering about a branch that seemed to be drooping: Has the plant been over watered? Under watered? Is it all a figment of … Continue reading →

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Sunflowers and others

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

Today is the last day of the first quarter phase of the moon – tomorrow is a full moon. The last couple of times I defied the lunar calendar the results were tragic. So today I had to get outside … Continue reading →

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Strelitzias

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

At least something in the garden seems to love this weather. 42 and sunny for a couple of days and now 24 and drizzly. The strelitzias are bursting. I’m both tempted and loath to cut them and bring them inside. … Continue reading →

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Sunflower Harvest

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

Here’s the results of my first ever sunflower planting. They have stopped developing, the seeds are black and one of the flowers is dropping seeds (though I couldn’t find any on the ground that had a kernel in them). They’ll … Continue reading →

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Free Lychees?

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

Today I planted lychee seeds. They are the remnants of last night’s dessert. I’ve planted 4 normal (large) seeds and in between them I planted 3 “chicken tongues”. I have no idea if chicken tongues produce trees, but neither do … Continue reading →

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Native Bee Nursery

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

Today a) Frank finished the bee’s house by installing the mud bricks and b) we realised bees have found the house and set up camp. There are quite a few blocked holes in Frank’s logs where the bees have laid … Continue reading →

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Cockatoo delight

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

This greedy cockatoo wasn’t content just nibbling  some seeds off the sunflower, he  picked the whole head. And from the ease of his attack, I suspect he’s done this before. I’m guessing that he’s a he and the 2nd bird … Continue reading →

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Will shade cloth do any good?

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Laura Rittenhouse

The tenants had some shade cloth hanging over this garden bed. When we moved back in, we rolled it up. Last night we restrung it. Summer is merciless this year. Today it’s 41.5 – will a bit of shade cloth … Continue reading →

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