Community Gardens: More amazing progress

Welcome back, dear readers.

Yesterday was a hive of activity. We had 3 work for the doler's, 3 over 55's plus hubby and me. And together, we did an amazing job, despite the heat and humidity knocking a few of us around, and a virus slamming me. Darn thing still is :(

We had church painting going on, grass seed being sewn, watering, weeding, transplanting, mulching, mowing, and of course, paving to attend to. 

The warm weather and good rainfall has resulted in a huge amount of growth. As uncomfortable as I find the warmer months, I can't deny how beautiful the garden looks during this time.

As always, take a look at the weekly pictorial update...

The rest of the veggie patch is actually a tangled, running to seed mess with birds and animals enjoying most of the bounty. However, these lovelies are adding a bright patch of cheer.

The abundance of falling leaves needed attending to, so I slowly swept up several piles that I later used for free mulch. My motto for the day was slow and steady wins the race. Proud of what I achieved, even while feeling pretty craptacular.

The newest work for the dole guys, James and Jayden, patiently dug around the pavers to level the ground, ready for the concrete foundation layer.

Jayden also removed some of the wooden frame from the raised garden beds. Once the pathway is complete, a brick edge will replace the wood.

The neat dug out area around the pavers. I might add that hubby, ever the problem solving mastermind, decided to rearrange the pavers later in the day to create less waste and gaps to fill.

I transplanted 2 murraya paniculatas beside the entrance. Now that we have a large monstera in the garden, I was keen to find a new home for these before they got swamped by its large, shady leaves.

The concreted edge, which is a solid foundation for the upcoming brick garden edging. We are building this baby to last!

Hubby screeting away.

Jayden learnt how to mix concrete today :)

This isn't just a random leaf pic- it's to show that the monstera are growing already! It's awesome to see new leaves so soon after transplanting.

In a month or two, this area will be transformed. I am already planning the planting! Can't wait to create a magical space that attracts all ages.

The leaf litter is creating a pretty, natural mulch on the garden. And how good does the area look after some decent rain and a mow.

This has got to be my favourite part of the garden. It's lush, shady and for some reason, I find it quite soothing. If I'm having a bad day, you'll know where to find me :)

Once again, that is your lot for the week. The momentum is picking up, and I can't wait to share next week's installment with you all.

Until then, thanks for reading :)

Community Gardens: Wild weather won't stop us!

When you commit to do something, sometimes the weather throws a spanner in the works. Or at least, it tries to. The past week saw an abundance of free pavers on offer, and on Monday when hubby and I went to start the collection process, down it came. Not too bad at first, but by the end of the first load when back in Kingy, we had no choice but to park by the creek as the crazy deluge hit, reducing visibility to basically zero and causing minor road flooding. Just as well we managed to grab some food first so we could sit it out comfortably in the car. Hubby and I have the weirdest dates :)

Take a look at the week that was...

At Elanora collecting pavers, when of course, it starts to rain. Me, being me, hid in the car while hubby kept at it :)

One load down before getting some much needed food.

In the veggie garden, things are growing well, like strawberries. I'm yet to claim a ripe one though. Gotta be quick!

Yellow zucchinis growing in abundance.

The baby spinach seems to have outgrown its name...and the veggie patch. Help yourself people!

My Sarah helped me undertake what seemed impossible-move and plant a large, donated yukka stump. Gym workout for the week done!

On Friday, the work for the dole boys, and an extra helper, did a brilliant job collecting the pavers we couldn't get on Monday.

Honestly, in 30 degree heat, this guy did not stop for 3 loads. Love your work, Stevie!

One driveway of pavers collected at last.

I inspected the long ignored front garden and discovered some wonderful reseeding going on, like this daisy...

and this snapdragon. 

Back to the yukka, securely in it's new home.

An abundance of bricks and pavers- ready to be recycled into something wonderful.

Paperbark and a wild iris...simply beautiful.

A baby carrot...thought I planted long varieties, but perhaps not.

I personally dislike Kale immensely. Bugs don't however. Proof that I refuse to use chemicals on the garden.

My first eggplant flower!

Exciting progress! The pavers are being used to create a new garden pathway.

I'm blown away by the progress hubby and 2 workers did in just one day. Impressive!

The pathway was initially going to have more turns and weaves, but when walking it, hubby and I agreed it would be too tight for prams and the like. 

After a day of lifting and laying pavers, hubby deserves to sit on his posterior :)

First stage of the pathway is nearly complete! 

Last, but certainly not least, wonderful Poppa Ian is building bird houses to adorn the garden. I love when people give of their time and skill to leave a lasting legacy that will bless others.

There you have it, a week with plenty of rain, and even more progress. I've said it before- let's hope both continue!

Community gardens: Free plants & a lotta bricks!

Another week down and so much to fill you in on yet again.

Last week, when hubby was cladding the steel framed garden beds, we both agreed bricks would be the go-looks way better, will last infinitely longer. Well, we got bricks! An amazing couple- Pete & Danika- donated a huge amount from their home reno last Saturday, and helped deliver them too.

After that, hubby went onto Gumtree and found a huge pile more, so that was our job on Tuesday. Technically, it wasn't supposed to be my job- we had help lined up but they got a job interview and could only be there part of the day. So, armed with my terrible 3 or so hours sleep, I somehow managed to shift a load and a half of  the bricks with my man.

I'm stunned at what you can do when you just have to. Makes my excuses for not hitting the gym more often quite feeble really :) 

Today, we were awaiting a worker who was running late when he turned up with a literal trailer full of free plants! So awesome, and completely unexpected. We are ridiculously grateful.

Take a look for yourself at the week that was...

Hippeastrum about to flower.

Some unknown person donated, and planted, an agave next to the one I found dumped in the bush. I moved it a bit to be where it looked ascetically pleasing to my eye-and away from new tube stock I put in recently, to allow for growth and not have one atop the other. 

Thanks whoever you are!

This is hubby last Tuesday. 

I did one, and only one attempt at moving a barrow full of bricks. 

Never again. At least not on zero sleep.

When we first arrived at the house, this pile seemed huge. Once we got going and found a rythm, it really wasn't too bad. I think 3 trailer loads did it.

It's a tedious job- collecting them off the ground, loading them into the trailer, taking them out and stacking them neatly- on repeat.

Great workout though :) 

Now, onto today. Look- my first bougainvillea flowers! 

Hippies showing off.

The pile of bricks from the past weeks effort. Not too shabby.

They will look great around the garden bed frames.

Today, Mick spruced things up a bit with a much needed coat of paint.

And here is Michael, digging in the first of his donated plants- monstera deliciosa.

We have 6 large plants now, and after some discussion as to their placement due to their spread, we have suitable homes for each of them. Here, hubby is dragging a massive cutting down behind the bricks.

The first plant is in and upright.

Now, the vacant space under the trees is being made home to another one. This will allow me to move some screen trees I planted here several months ago to another spot. And I know just the place...

Hubby digging deep to accommodate the lengthy trunk, and keep the top heavy plant sturdy.

My Sarah watering a freshly planted specimen. It's actually exciting to be given large plants. 

When they establish, the effect will be amazing. And lush, tropical, welcoming.

Plus these babies are hardy.

What's more- they have edible fruit.

Winning!

And last of all, the last plant has gone in.

Hubby has decided to extend the garden beds, so these are perfect to add a dense, lush cover to a huge section of the outer garden, and frame it well too.

With the bricks out of the way, the view will be better- I promise :)

You may notice the pile of bricks to the left has been partially wrapped. Someone ran out of wrap. It needs to be done- don't want stray kidlets mountain climbing.

I just love progress. And rain. We've had lots of both lately. Let's hope this trend continues!

Until next time, thanks for reading.