YEAR OF THE GARDEN

I spent a few hours in the garden this afternoon, but the main discovery is just how unfit I've become. I've exhausted all my energy supplies and realise that I have perfect New Year's resolution material. Not so sure that I should put it in print, or even verbalise what I need to do, but one thing is for sure, I really do need to get myself back into shape. It's a couple of years since I chased that little black ball around the squash court and was several kilos lighter, but I know it would be good to regain just a little of that fitness I once had.

I'm thinking I should make 2011 the YEAR OF THE GARDEN. Of course, not to the degree that I totally neglect rag rugs. They still need to happen.

When my energy levels dropped to zero after chopping and digging, I got my camera out. This little fellow does a great job of guarding my old wheelbarrow planted up with Dianthus.

I adore Zinnias. They always look so bright and cheerful.

I'm happy to share my figs with the possums, but I really hope they feel the same way about sharing with me.

Our agapanthus were late this year. This one is still coming out.

I have very few memories of my Grandmother, but Hydrangeas always remind me of her.

I don't know what it's called, but this ground cover has pretty furry fox tails. They're gorgeous.

Just one of many Salvia. Love these plants. They just do their own thing and when they get out of control I chop them back. The only thing is they don't smell so good for cut flowers.

That concludes my little tour of my garden this afternoon.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FLOOD DISASTER

It's been a wet soggy Christmas here in Queensland. We lived for many years in this farm house and in our memory the Condamine River has never before been so high. The water needed to rise only another 2" or so before it would have come right into the house, but thankfully it stopped  rising just in time. You can see some of our cotton crop, and while cotton doesn't mind good soaking rain it really doesn't like having it's feet quite this wet.
Some of the neighbouring homes weren't quite so lucky and the SES were kept busy with evacuations.

This photo shows our water storage dam entirely surrounded by water. The buildings and sheds you can see are inundated with water and the little bit of green at the top of the photo is more cotton just poking it's head out of the water. When I first moved to our farm, we lived in one of those buildings. I'm pretty happy that I don't live there right now. I'm so thankful that where we live now is high and dry. 
The waiting game to see just how much of our cotton has survived not only the water logging, but many days of cool and cloudy weather is about to begin. The season which looked so promising a month ago has deteriorated rapidly.
Our hearts and prayers are with those in other areas as well who have lost much and who are dealing with the devastation.

JIGSAW PUZZLE CHRISTMAS WREATH

Now that it's holidays AND endless wet weather in Queensland this year, this little Jigsaw Puzzle Christmas Wreath is a great little project. I think it's simple enough for the kids to get involved in. 

I had this one given to me, so I don't know where the original idea came from, but I will be gathering supplies so the grandkids can enjoy making their own next time they visit.

Another Rag Rug

I'm always on the lookout for big volumes of fabric for making my rag rugs. My daughter came along with me to my favourite Vinnies Shop recently and when she spotted fabric with lime green highlights she was convinced that it was the perfect ingredients for my next one. Of course I'm always looking for more earthy colours, but she insisted and so another rag rug was born. Even my camera balked at photographing these unfamiliar colours, but you know maybe I could get to like bright colours..........