Changing Season : August 2019

August definitely lived up to its reputation as the driest month of the year with a mere 5mm of rain. Thankfully we have a spear pump and it was in regular use this month. It has also been the warmest August on record with the temperatures regularly 2-6 degrees above the “norm”. A sure sign of climate change. Glorious weather for a tourist city but sad for the garden. But with the regular watering and tender loving care the garden has burst into spring in all its abundance.

Last year I struggled to grow Paper Daisies, but this year in the new, sun filled area created by taking the golden cane palms down a couple of months ago, they are thriving.

Along the driveway the annual phlox and crucifixion orchids put on a dazzling display.

In a shady corner the vibrant and cheerful faces of the polyanthus delight me, backed by white primula and brilliant blue cineraria.

A very scruffy bottlebrush was given a major prune. Can you see the stump? That’s letting more morning sun in and the nasturtiums are loving the extra light and taking over this area and filling it with colour.

Another two areas have been cleared of the bromeliads, that were so useful in the shady garden, and continuing on with the cottage garden theme I have built up the beds with lots of compost and planted courgettes in one and climbing beans in the other.

The tomatoes are doing so well, but, one morning on my rounds, I found tomatoes that had been nibbled. Oh dear. So I covered them with bird netting. Jack put a perch up and we fastened a couple of tomatoes to it, and waited.

We were delighted to see two beautiful King Parrots arrive for breakfast. So now we happily supply them with a feed every day and they leave the rest of the tomatoes alone.We have a bevy of birds turn up every morning and join us for breakfast. Butcher bird, Kookaburras, Pee-wees, and on the highest TV antenna these three magpies serenade us like black and white Andrew Sisters…

Meanwhile in the back garden the raised veggie plot flourishes. Being near the garden hose it is easy to take care of and often needs watering twice a day. The prediction is for a hot and dry spring.

A final gallery of how the garden grows during the last month of winter.

Looking through the upstairs bedroom window, before the Frangipani starts to get its new leaves, gives an overview of the front garden.

It has been a perfect month ( except for lack of rain) The temperatures have been in the mid 20’s but with no humidity, yet, and night temps have been 10-12 degrees, so comfortable for a good nights sleep.

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I’m so pleased Su of “Zimmerbitch” runs this “Changing Seasons” challenge as it prompts me to try and keep a record of each month. I can go back to last year and see what was happening 12 months ago.