Starting a conversation about my attempts to grow prickly pear go something like this: “I cut off one of the pads as a cutting,” says I. “To grow?” they ask, brows furrowed. “Yes…” Here it comes, but they mean well. “You mean prickly pear, that cactus weed? You want to… grow it!?” Shock, Horror, et […]
There was this little plum tree in the front yard that was no more than a stick in the ground – now 4 seasons later it provides a delicious plum that ripens just a few days before the birds realise! But not the only fruit at this type of year – the cherries were excellent … Continue reading
There is something of a tradition at my place now with freshly picked figs being scoffed in the backyard from the middle of summer. By mid January the fruit darkens a purple stain through the green skin. And there is the matter is getting to them before the birds, which according to my chickens (who … Continue reading
So you need food to eat in your forest garden, and you are growing all the regulars – apple, pear, citrus, fig, and so on. Then your shrub level (using Patrick Whitefield’s 3 level arrangements as per his How to Make a Forest Garden), is hard at work. All those empty spaces are getting filled with … Continue reading
A single fruit remains! Here is all that is left of the crop of 2014 – a lonely overripe tamarillo, just waiting for a bird to snatch. But somehow, they leave it alone. Experience maybe? The sour sweetness of tamarillo is an acquired taste, and I for one, have acquired it. So for this month’s … Continue reading
A full week of rain in Melbourne marked the transition from an Indian Summer wannabe to Autumn proper. It felt like the soil itself let out a welcome sigh of relief, as a contestant drizzle eventually soaked the earth until it could hold no more. The best (or worst) sign of this is when find a heap of … Continue reading
This seems to be a recurring theme… I plant a fruit tree, then some time later, it grows fruit. What else was to be expected? Well you see, I was one of those kids that didn’t get outside much, let alone tending trees. Still surprised they grow so well in my care. So the latest member of … Continue reading
