Archive for June, 2009

The Wondrous Earth Star

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Look at what is emerging from my soil and appearing amongst the grass! They are just so cute…if you are into fungi..and I am.

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It is called an Earth Star. I am not sure of the specific species but possibly Geastrum triplex. You can see that it belongs to the ‘puffball’ kingdom of fungi. That puffy section in the middle of the fungi is actually very soft to touch and when it is pushed it ‘puffs’ out all the spores through it’s little opening there. I find it really fascinating and so wondrous. There is a whole colony of them out there growing in my little bit of bushland.

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It really is that time of year for fungi and I have noticed some beautiful specimens around. They are just so intricate and often in the most amazing shapes and patterns. I will have some more great pics to share with you soon. Are you a fan of fungi too??

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Posted in Horticulture | 3 Comments »

Graceful Grasses – The Common Reed

Monday, June 15th, 2009

The other day I went for a beautiful long walk through the Panboola Wetlands.

The wetlands is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you are a bird watcher as it is teeming with birdlife. We saw many Egret’s and Swamp Hen’s foraging through the billabongs.

I of course, was most entranced with the absolutely beautiful and graceful Common Reed (Phragmites australis) that was growing so abundantly.

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This native grass is also known as feather grass or thatch reed. It grows prolifically all over these wetlands and is excellent for providing habitat and food from the seed heads for the many water birds there. The reeds also provide a home for insects, frogs and lizards too.

Apparently the reeds were used by Indigenous Australians to make rafts which were then used on the lagoons for helping to gather food such as fish. The underground roots are also edible.

It would have to be one of my favourite Native Australian Grasses, so tall and graceful at 2 to 3 metres in height.

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Posted in Horticulture | 2 Comments »

Siberian Kale

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

I have the most wonderful looking Siberian Kale (Brassica napus) growing in my garden. It has grown from seed purchased at Eden Seeds.

I love it’s crinkly, very dark green leaves that are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. I decided to grow it after hearing Peter Cundall from Gardening Australia espouse it’s virtues for many years.

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It grows magnificently over the cold Winter that we are now experiencing in this part of the world. Apparently the frost on the leaves also helps to take out some of the bitterness and leaves them very tasty and sweet. You can use kale in any dish that you would normally use green vegies. I like mine just lightly stir fried with a little garlic and sesame oil.

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This would have to be one of the best vegies or food plants to grow in terms of value for money! For a $4.00 packet of seed you will be able to feed your family healthy, nutritious meals for many of the cold Winter weeks. Try putting loads of kale in vegie burgers or mixed through a yummy curry.

I also like it just for it’s sheer beauty, hope that doesn’t make me shallow!

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Posted in Horticulture, home | 5 Comments »

The Garden Terrorist Is Getting Bigger

Friday, June 5th, 2009

Some of you may remember my post about our cute little garden terrorist.

Well, he is just so much bigger now!

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AND so are the holes.

Also I have never known any dog to have such a love of toilet paper rolls. He sneaks into the bathroom and steals them at any opportunity then gleefully does an impression of Christo, wrapping up all my trees and shrubs…He is costing me a fortune in toilet paper!

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Posted in home | 3 Comments »