Monday 7 August 2017

Behind Our Blue Gates 2

The days have been warmer here though Spring is still officially another month away. Spring looks like it's arriving in the garden too as there is much in bloom. As you enter, through our little front gate, a sweet scent greets you, released by the masses of flowers on the Michelia Coco hedge. As you walk past, you'll hear the buzz of honeybees and see the specks that are native bees, working away industriously among these fragrant flowers. Around the back, masses of beautiful blue Lobelia and snowy, honey-scented Alyssium border the main vegie patch. The bees love these too! The delicate scent of Sweet Pea, all pink petals instead of the pure white of last year, and the yellow sunshine of Calendula intermingle with the veg planted there. Our patch is a riot of colour and homegrown food that just simply makes me happy. Come on in, through our blue gates, and see what's been happening of late...

Beautiful & blue ...
bee-friendly Lobelia is in flower in the garden. 

Blooming Blue Lobelia and white Alyssium edge our vegie patch.

 Two varieties of homegrown lettuce are ready to eat. 

Simple salads, like this one, have featured in weekend lunches.

 Many lunches have been packed up at the kitchen bench.

Some simple slices have been baked.

A new washcloth is forming on my knitting needles. I love this new-to-me pattern!


The first sweet peas are in bloom. A delicate fragrance beyond compare!

A new oven was installed in our kitchen.
(After 14years of constant and reliable service, the old one went kaput!)

We are now preparing our house for a major Spring clean. The verandah has been cleared and the timber boardwalk swept ready for washing down. Windows are being washed. When Spring does officially arrive, our home will be sparkling clean. Ready to greet a new season!

What's been happening behind your gates lately?

Meg

16 comments:

  1. That wash cloth looks amazing, you are so clever to be able to knit, I've tried...it's not my thing.

    Love blue flowers, as you know :) They make me smile the most!

    Reading this before heading off to work has given me joy, I'll try and carry it with me all day :)

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    1. Blue flowers make me smile too, Cheryl! The lobelia is just so vibrant. I have learnt a new stitch with this washcloth so slowly expanding my skills. Can't crochet for quids though! Hope the happiness you found here lasts all day! Meg:)

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  2. You are way ahead with your spring cleaning, Meg. I should start too as spring has had a habit of bringing heatwaves the last couple of years. Love your garden!

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    1. We decided to start early, Chel, to avoid that heat and to work while it is cooler still. It will take me a while to do all the windows though. Meg:)

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  3. Wow those blue flowers are so striking. Love the colour. Your whole garden looks healthy and vibrant. I hope your new oven provides another 14 years. Your old one did very well. I'm sure a big part of that was you looking after it too.
    Really enjoyed the tour behind your gates.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Kylie

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    1. Hi, Kylie. Our old oven really was fantastic and we did look in to whether we could repair it. However, it wasn't cost effective to do that so a new oven it is. The thing I like most about this new oven is that it is self-cleaning. Hooray! Meg:)

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  4. I noticed today that my Michelia Coco is in bud. Your Lobelia looks lovely.

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    1. Isn't the Michelia "Coco" such a heavenly scented shrub, Sherri. I am hoping another variety Michealia called "Bubbles" in the garden soon. They are just as pretty. Meg:)

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  5. Such beautiful photos Meg. I am sure your new oven will be getting a lot of use over the years!

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    1. Yes, our oven will get lots of use, Belinda. I think I wore the old one out! Meg:)

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  6. Thanks for reminding me of Lobelia. All of mine has gradually died out over our past few dry and hot summers, but I'm putting it on the shopping list for my next trip into Town for shopping.

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    1. It was 28C here yesterday, Sally. I think these unseasonal Winter temps may be pointing towards another hot Summer here in Queensland. The Lobelia is just so vibrant...happy planting! Meg:)

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  7. Everything looks gorgeous Meg! I love pasta salads, especially as we start coming into warm weather. I think winter is leaving us here so I'm soaking up the last drops :-)
    Sarah x

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    1. Thanks, Sarah. We had a week of very warm weather here, 32C on one day last week, but thankfully cold again now. I make warm salads in the colder months with lots of roasted veg and salads, like this pasta one, in the warmer months of the year. Meg:)

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