Belinda's Place

Well That Was Unexpected

2012-01-11T12:01:00.000+11:00

- Our Story of Birth-

We welcomed Little Tree into the world on Dec 30th 2011.

It seems our young man was in a hurry on all levels, and is also quite enamoured of being unique.

Just shy of 38 weeks I started experiencing what I thought was Braxton Hicks contractions. As far as I can tell he'd only actually engaged within the previous 24 hrs. That of course meant I didn't have any previous experience to relate what I was experiencing back. As such I assumed Braxton Hicks, it certainly wasn't regular or particularly intense, so I carried on with my plans of going out to pick up some more nappies etc. and generally got on with my day.

It wasn't really until about 9 pm that I started considering that maybe what I was experiencing might be sporadic labour. Even so the idea carried a huge grain of doubt because really, who with a first baby expects them to be early, let alone +2 weeks early.

I had well and truly prepared myself for him being late, and the implications of that, since we were considered High Risk by the medical system. I sussed out when they were likely to start pushing for induction and my arguments against it. Did you know that 50% of inductions in first time Mums end in C-section?

Believe me when I say that I might have been considered High Risk for birth but my risk for major abdominal surgery was proportionally higher and one that I was willing to fight tooth an nail to avoid unless medically indicated. Thus I was convinced I still had at least 2 weeks and probably more before I was going to meet my little guy.

As it was A and I watched a movie together in bed, some time around 11 we decided to sleep. Around about 9-10 pm I gave A a heads up that although it still could be Braxton Hicks the amount of time this had been going on really suggested sporadic labour. The experience was still irregular but the was intense enough that I rested but didn't actually sleep. It was around this point that I really acknowledged to myself that I thought I was on the path to active labour.

It hit somewhere around 12 and things seemed to hit another gear. After inexpertly timing a few contractions myself, they seemed pretty regular, I woke A up. I think I mentioned that I was pretty sure this was labour and even if I didn't I suspect my behaviour at that point probably spoke for me as the contractions themselves were pretty intense.

Although I felt a little guilty about waking him up as I really thought there was quite a haul to go, first labour and all, but I felt the need for company and someone to rub my back. I wandered around the house, rocked on the fit ball for a while, rocked leaning against any flat stable surface when another contraction hit then it all got a bit too much and A suggested the shower as our Calmbirth instructor had mentioned that often helped. It did.

It was at this point, around 12:30, that I suggested it might be time to give our Doula E a heads up. We had chosen that we wanted to experience as much of our labour at home as practical so we could control our environment as much as we wished and not to end up on the hospital clock. She listened to me through a couple of contractions surmised I was still in early labour and fully expected to hear from us again, some time after the sun came up, to move to hospital ... not so much.

As far as I can tell at this point about 5 minutes after hanging up the phone we hit transition. Of course at the time because I didn't actually turn into a raging mess of anger or self doubt neither of us recognised this fact. To me, sure labour had gone up another notch but it hadn't really been too bad to that point and I sort of chalked it up to the fact I had to get out of the shower cause the water had run cold, so I just thought things were moving along.

I got Andrew to pull out the camp mat we had used for our Doula massage session earlier that day and I spent some time on all fours with him massaging my lower back and reminding me to breath and relax. Not too long after that A prompted me to pack a bag since we didn't have one yet... did I mention I wasn't expecting him early. So between contractions, ie when I wasn't using any flat surface available to rock against, I slowly went around the house finding the things that I had put on the "hospital bag" list earlier that day. It was just as I was getting toward the end of the list that I realised that only had labour gone up a notch my body was doing something I hadn't actually been fully aware of.. ummmmm pushing.

A quick call back to our Doula where she listened to me through another couple of contractions and decided at this point my body meant business so jumped in her car to drive to our place.

While we were waiting for her to arrive I continued packing the bag. Moving slowly cause that's what felt right but moving between contractions none the less. I was sorting through some clothes to make sure I had something to wear when I needed to leave the house, then I felt the need to give a couple of solid pushes which were accompanied by a strong internal sensation of stretching.

Needless to say that felt new enough that I reached down. Only to feel something. Based on my knowledge now it would have been the bag of waters and possibly some of the little guys head. Surprised I told A that he's coming NOW and moved myself onto the camp mat on all fours.

A called the hospital then 000. Very soon after, when I had been reluctantly coaxed onto my back his head arrived and the waters broke. A supported his head, whilst juggling the phone to 000, and it was around this point our birth support Doula walked in the front door.

After quickly recovering from her surprise she checked the cord was still pulsing strongly. Took over prime catching position, looping a couple of cord loops over his head to protect his airway and we rested for the next contraction. Soon after the shoulders were wiggled out and the rest of the body delivered.

A moments silence as he took stock and breathed, then quick scream went into the world and up onto my chest he came.

Our boy was here.

Around 30min later the ambulance arrived. The paramedics helped A cut the cord and after a check over for both the baby and I, the two of us were escorted to Boxhill. A followed in the car and arrived at our "labour room" soon after we arrived. I was checked over a little more thoroughly and it was determined I had come through well and was likely to suffer only minimal inconvenience.

Soon after the baby and I were moved onto main maternity ward where we stayed for about 5 days.

A Most Disorganised Christmas

2011-12-19T09:41:00.000+11:00

I'm not sure if it's the gestating and external timetables are a whole lot less impressive, the fact that both my husband and I are sugar free so I'm not doing any baking or the fact that I live in a world where advertising doesn't really exist unless I choose it to. Then again I simply may just be having one of those years where organisation is a skill beyond me but "%%%% it's Christmas".

It first hit me when I was organising my next antenatal appointment and 3 weeks came back at ... Dec 21st. My mind jumped a little, and the thought ran through my head "that's 4 days before Christmas" but it didn't really sink in. Then about a week later I blithely commented to a harried looking friend about Christmas being a fortnight away and promptly received the dirty look that saying such stupid things deserve. The thing she didn't understand was, I wasn't bringing it up for her.. I was telling me.

Yes, I was telling the person that hadn't even started thinking about Christmas presents.. The person who hates going anywhere near a shopping precinct in the month of December that they generally have the Christmas Crunch organised with military precision to avoid doing so. The person who's fall back gift decision was a family jar of cookies, if the extended family decided to exchange, but hadn't even organised enough butter.

Oh yes, the person I was talking to was me.. and even then I didn't hear it.

Yup, it wasn't until the following Thursday that any level of urgency hit and that's only because, for my family, I need to post. So I sat, schemed and tried writing lists to prompt action. I drove around carparks and smiled at the 4 wheel drive owners who had "entitlement parked". I wandered around the 3 stores in the centre I would be willing to buy from and couldn't find anything inspiring thus picked up a bottle of sweet almond oil and left.. Forgetting that I really should get 2 dozen more cloth nappy flats while my car had the luxury of a parking space.

As I still hadn't solved my problem I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Olinda. I found some lovely bamboo wash cloths to stash in the baby box and added one more item to my partial present pile but was honestly no closer to finishing than when I started. Oh, and I needed to organise a plate for the Mt Districts Christmas party starting in 2 hrs.

With that in mind I toddled home and cast my eye critically over the pantry and fridge. Pulled out some home made yoghurt to drain added a bit of salt, dill and garlic. Grabbed a jar of salsa off the shelf and I was done. I'd pick up some biscuits when I drove down the hill for A later in the evening.

By the time I picked up the biscuits I had at least decided what everyone was getting. Unfortunately it would take until 6pm the next day before any of it was complete enough to think about wrapping let alone post.

All I can say at this point is... May the postal system love me cause nothing's making it on time otherwise and let's not talk about decorating.

:-D

Makin' For Baby - Pt 1

2011-12-05T15:23:00.000+11:00

Muslin Wraps

An essential item for the summer baby, so I've been told.

All I'm going to say about this project is thank "someone" that baby's don't know what straight lines look like.

Overlockers and Muslin really don't mix all that well :-)

A rollover hem will fix a multitude of inexactitudes but the reality is when you've put the project off for over a month already, and one's life is still being counted in weeks, life can be just that bit to short to get perfectionist.

Particularly when it's going to be lucky it stays the same colour until the end of it's serviceable life.

Fabric End Burp Cloths

This little project came about when I had finished cutting out bib's. I ended up with some consistent sized scraps that weren't to wide but were quite long. Being flannel I figure they should have decent "sop" power and be a nice quick wash and dry.

And..We're Back

2011-12-01T15:43:00.000+11:00

Yup, it's been one of those weeks technology wise here at the Mudbrick Palace. At this point I have the internet back but still only power to less than 1/3 of the house.

On the bright side not having any Internet means I have managed to get quite a bit of baby sewing done.. but we'll talk about those details later.

Hope everyone is doing well

Beliinda

Economics of Happiness - Tonight

2011-11-25T10:19:00.000+11:00

A quick reminder about the Transition Towns Sherbrooke event

TONIGHT 6.30pm at Tecoma Uniting Church.

This evening includes

Community Expo
Screening Economics of Happiness
Facilitated Panel Discussion

$5 for admission for the evening and supper by donation

If you have not yet taken the time to get some background on this movie see www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/

So What's This Journey?

2011-11-24T11:43:00.000+11:00

Over my last couple of worded posts I have expressed the fact that our life is fundamentally changing. For various reasons though I have been rather backward in coming forward about how.

Well here it is..

We're expecting the arrival of our first child around mid January.

To say this unexpected but welcomed blessing is going to change my relatively calm and simple days is an understatement. Already the adjustment has been an interesting journey of challenges along with loving support and we haven't even made it to birth yet :-)

As each week passes and we get one step closer to a future with a child in our home everything changes but overall stays the same.

We have the same priorities, just our reason for feeling passionately about them might have moved a little. We have the same beliefs, maybe just a little more investment in living them. For better or for worse, we are the same people because no matter where we end up the only person we can't leave behind is ourselves.

As I walk forward and continue to choose the paths that I feel resonate most deeply all I can do is listen, wait and hope for the strength to learn whatever lessons my life continues to provide.

Apricot Muffins

2011-11-09T10:44:00.001+11:00

These are one of those recipes to use up that stuff that you have in your cupboard or in the freezer that never quite manage to get used. I made up the apricot pulp an froze it last year absolutely sure I would make more jam from it later.

Well almost 12 months have passed and when I did my last freezer inventory I found it again. As the jam I already made was mostly still sitting on the shelf I decided the last thing this house needed was more apricot jam.. it was time to get creative.

Apricot Muffins

approx 12 Muffins

2 C Wholegrain Spelt flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 C dried coconut

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 C Coconut Oil/Butter, melted

1/2 C Sugar

2 Large Eggs

1 C Stewed Apricot Pulp

1/4 Tsp Vanilla Essence

**1/2 C Apricot Jam (optional)

Preheat oven to 180C

Combine Spelt Flour, baking powder, dried coconut, salt and sugar. Mix well

In a bowl place eggs, coconut oil, Apricot pulp and vanilla essence. Beat until combined.

Add wet to dry and stir until all the dry ingredients are just moist.

Half fill the cups of a muffin tray with the mix. Using a measuring teaspoon squish a rounded hole into the middle of the mix. Then add around a tsp of jam into the well. Add further mix until the cups reach around 3/4 full

Cook for around 25 min or when the muffins test as cooked.

*Allow to cool before inverting from the tray as any jam that may be on the outside will be likely to cause burns

Spring Parterre - Heronswood

2011-11-07T09:23:00.000+11:00

I might not have found the crew,

but it was still a day of inspiration.

Experience the Wonder in You - Book Launch

2011-11-04T08:58:00.000+11:00

Sorry about the late notice on this one but it's been a bit of a mind sucking week.

Karen is a person who shines with the light of her passion to introduce everyone to their potential. Her hope is to support people in treading the path to create a life they love to live.

Australia & New Zealand – THE LAUNCH IS THIS FRIDAY! –

Launch date Fri 4th November 2011 at 7:30pm

Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave, Victoria, Australia.

Door prizes, book signings & refreshments.

One Moment Please

2011-11-03T12:05:00.000+11:00

Seasonal Breakfast

2011-10-28T09:26:00.000+11:00

Tomatoes in Waiting

2011-10-27T09:38:00.000+11:00

Strawberry Futures

2011-10-26T08:08:00.001+11:00

HotHouse Capsicum

2011-10-25T17:08:00.000+11:00

Rainy Afternoons

2011-10-24T18:11:00.000+11:00

Are always good for baking!

Wholegrain Spelt Biscuits

Waking to Green

2011-10-21T07:37:00.000+11:00

Yes, yes!

My window definitely needs to be cleaned but there's nothing like waking to a vista of multi toned green's in the morning.

Genetic Diversity

2011-10-19T07:16:00.000+11:00

Some plants tend to breed true to type..

With others you see a million different variations when you grow from seed

Nature's Course

2011-10-18T07:28:00.000+11:00

The spontaneous May wormcast seedlings are now RATHER advanced

Finding a Way Back

2011-10-17T09:16:00.000+11:00

I'm not going to promise that "as of now I am back", but I'm trying to find my way back here.

There's a whole lot going on. Thankfully in my case it's all positive but as always adjusting takes time, it takes energy and it requires decisions some of which are related to this blog. As my absence here suggests I honestly don't know the right choices at the moment.

I am surrounded by so much growth and positive energy. I am surrounded by a wonderful group of fantastically passionate and supportive people in my life. The problem is I have a hole because I know I have lost contact with many of you by not writing here, and seldom speaking up on your blogs and it's a loss I feel in my spirit.

I am totally blocked when it comes to writing but maybe I can take photo's again.

Maybe, just maybe this is a way I can share a glimpse into my world without having to make those decisions immediately.

We'll see, as I really don't feel I can honestly make a solid commitment at this time but I want to be here. I want to share, it adds to my life in ways that I can't quite express so I am going to try. To push myself, to find a way to speak even if I can't find the words.

NO! - Mcdonalds in the Hills

2011-10-07T10:37:00.002+11:00

**Update**

With solid community support local councillors have refused the Tecoma McDonalds application last night. First details -here- from CR Samantha Dunn's blog. Fingers crossed this is the last we see of the issue but the hills community led by the Tecoma Village Action Group are ready to mobilise again if required.

All I can say is that I am extremely disappointed that council seems to be disregarding community sentiment on this issue. The meeting below is the best chance we have to convince councillors that keeping a diverse range of small traders, rather than a small collection of multinationals, is what this community values.

Thus it's extremely important that we see bums on seats at this meeting.

**Below you have the current information being distributed by the committed group who have been actively protesting this development**

You’d better be seated for this second announcement. Wednesday, the Planning Services department of Yarra Ranges Council delivered its recommendation to council concerning the application by McDonald’s to build a 24/7 outlet in the sleepy, leafy township of Tecoma. Brace yourself …. it recommended that McDonald’s actually be granted its permit.

You don’t have to be a conspiracy theorist to be dumbfounded at the reasons given to justify this recommendation, in which there were over 1200 letters of objection lodged (against 6 in favour). I’ll spare you the litany of deficiencies in the 69-page report because there are only limited opportunities to challenge them at this stage.

Here’s the deal. If a majority of the 9 Yarra Ranges councilors vote in accordance with the Planning Services recommendation (i.e. in support of McDonald’s) then the task of defeating McDonald’s at VCAT becomes immensely more difficult (and expensive). But hope still lies before us because I have it on the highest authority that the most powerful way to exert pressure on councilors is to front up to the council meeting.

If you really care about saving The Hills from McDonald’s, then the choice lies before you. Relax at home in front of the box, or attend the meeting. Keep that restaurant engagement, or attend the meeting. Enjoy that game of netball or tennis, or attend the meeting. Make out that you can’t take the kids with you because they’d be bored, or attend the meeting (and show the kids how to be active, engaged citizens).

The council has, for only the second time in its history, moved its meeting to larger premises in the expectation of a big turnout. If most apparently-concerned citizens decide to leave it to others to attend, then a poor turnout will look even poorer when rattling around in a big hall. But maybe poetic justice will be served that way, for a citizenry that can’t be bothered dragging its rear end over to a council meeting is probably well suited to a row of McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut at the gateway to Sherbrooke Forest.

Here are the Yarra Ranges Council meeting details:

TIME: 7:45 pm next Tuesday October 11 (the discussion and voting on the McDonald’s issue will be the very first agenda item).

PLACE: the York on Lilydale Resort, corner York Road and Swansea Road, Mt Evelyn

No need to RSVP, just turn up. If you have a banner or prop to amplify your presence, please bring.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS TO ATTEND – offering them a lift is a good way of cutting off one of their escape routes!

Welcome to the HotHouse

2011-09-22T11:15:00.000+10:00

Apologies in advance for the "mood lighting".

It seems the camera lens thinks it's sitting around 100% humidity in there right now.

~ Some Seedling C.S.A. Trays ~

~ Seed Starting is Fun! ~

~ More Seedling C.S.A. Trays ~

~ Advanced Tomato Seedlings ~

Destined for bed plantings outside in Nov

~ Advanced tomatoes ~

Planted in wicking pots which will be moved outside once things are reliably frost free outside

Early Springing

2011-09-02T07:37:00.039+10:00

This little baby less than 24hrs old is the first of the eggplant and capsicum to come through from the one's I experimentally sowed 3 weeks ago.

It was one of those wish plantings, where I threw caution to the wind, experimenting in the hothouse. In past years I wouldn't have considered putting seed in until September, even in cold frames. Without any protection October is the earliest we are likely to be able to germinate most of these types of seed.

In this case because I have been in and out of the hot house regularly for the last 2 months I knew if we got a reasonable amount of cloudless days that they would come up fine. It really gets warm with the first hint of sun in there and the fact that it's sited on brick means if we have sun for most of the day the thermal mass moderates the overnight drops significantly.

That said I was also aware,based on last season, the fact I wasn't going to turn on the electric hotbed meant there was a very good possibility of me being "overly hopeful" with these heat lovers. When it all came down to it though the worst that was going to happen is that some of the seed would rot rather than germinate and the rest would just wait until their instincts said "it's time".

Any jump we can get on the season up here is always worth a try. The difference in being able to grow from advanced plants rather than seedlings when it all rolls round can be make or break for those that prefer much longer/hotter seasons than we regularly experience.

An extra month of growth at this end probably increases our chances of fruit at the other end by about 50%. Considering how much our family enjoy eggplant that's something I am always willing to give a go to achieve as long as it isn't going to "cost the earth" by requiring electricity.

How's your spring planning and planting coming along?

Planetary Permaculture Pilgrimage

2011-08-31T12:35:00.000+10:00

**Just a quick heads up for those that may have missed the information about this series of evens previously.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to do advanced study with many of the greatest teachers of permaculture.

Australian Learning Adventure Information

Geoff Lawton - PDC Teacher Training Course

Monday 7th to Friday 11th November 2011

Zaytuna Farm: Permaculture Research Institute of Australia, New South Wales

On this 5 day course you will learn the philosophy and delivery techniques of Permaculture Design Certificate course teaching. The course covers preparation of curriculum, slideshows, and shares examples of courses taught around the world in different styles for different locations. Through this course you will have opportunity to potentially become part of the PRI teachers' network.

$300 (Deposit to lock in booking)

$1100 (Full Price. Must be paid at least 21 days prior to commencement)

$990 (Early bird discount for those who pay in full at least 6 weeks prior to course commencement)

Geoff Lawton is a permaculture consultant, designer and teacher. Since 1985, Lawton has undertaken a large number of jobs consulting, designing, teaching and implementing in over thirty countries around the world. He has currently educated over 6,000 students in permaculture worldwide. Lawton's 'master plan' is to see aid projects being replicated as fast as possible to help ameliorate the growing food and water crisis.

Contact: education@permaculture.org.au

Robin Clayfield - Dynamic groups, Dynamic Learning

Monday 14th to Saturday 19th November 2011

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, Queensland

Robin is offering a six day intensive training course for teachers, trainers, facilitators and group leaders. It utilizes and models creative facilitation techniques, interactive learning methods, empowerment tools, dynamic group energy and fun. Participants are empowered to develop their confidence, skills, knowledge and a tool box of processes in an exciting, colourful and supportive environment.

Full Price $995 (Gov't/Corp/Business), Regular Price $845 (Workers), Low Income $695 (Students, Unemployed)

Cost includes all meals, morning teas, all day cuppas, facility hire and use all day and night, tuition, handouts.

Bunkhouse and camping options under $20.

Contact Robin for registration and accommodation information on all Crystal Waters Courses: robin@earthcare.com.au

www.dynamicgroups.com.au

Robin Clayfield - Creative Community Governance and Decision Making Workshop

Monday 21st November 2011

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, Queensland

This one day intensive is for people involved in Community organizations and groups who would like more skills, ideas, tools and processes for making decisions and having discussions as a group. It brings in creativity, fun, team building and successful, interactive processes in a ‘Dynamic Group’ context.

Full Price $125 (Gov't/Corp/Business), Regular Price $110 (Workers), Low Income $95 (Students, Unemployed)

Robin Clayfield has taught over 30 PDC’s through the late eighties and nineties, created and taught Advanced Permaculture Creative Teachers Facilitation courses with Skye, and now co-trains the Cert IV in Training and Assessment course for Permaculture teachers and others in creative and sustainability industries. She co-wrote the book 'Teaching Permaculture Creatively'.

Contact Robin for registration and accommodation information on all Crystal Waters Courses: robin@earthcare.com.au

www.dynamicgroups.com.au

Rosemary Morrow - Permaculture Design Certificate Teacher Training

Thursday 24th to Monday 28th November 2011

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, Queensland

A five day course in teaching permaculture with strong emphasis on walking the talk - and the Ethics of permaculture. It is important that participants have some idea of the scope of a PDC and what outcomes are important for their students. After the first day it is very practical.

Course cost: $1200 full price, $600 for scholarship position.

Bunkhouse and camping options under $20.

Rosemary Morrow is a permaculture teacher now orienting herself to supporting younger permaculturists and especially in teacher training. She is convinced of everyone's right to know how to manage water and grow food when faced with climate change, and to buffer the more extreme effects. She wrote Earth Users Guide to Permaculture as well as the companion book for Permaculture Teachers.

Contact Robin for registration and accommodation information on all Crystal Waters Courses: robin@earthcare.com.au

David Holmgren - Advanced Permaculture Principles and Reading Landscapes

30th November and 1st December 2011

Melliodora, Hepburn, Victoria

On this two day Advanced course you will experience an in-depth exploration of the permaculture ethics and principles as articulated by David Holmgren, direct from the source. On home territory, David will point out interesting features of the local area and provide an opportunity to expand your observation and landscape reading skills. He will give a complete tour of his property, Melliodora, where you will be able to identify the principles in practice. David will explain some of the history of the property since he first started to develop it in 1985, showing the design and its evolution over time as a dynamic property, and he will explain some of the work done in the surrounding public land as well. Skill up and increase the depth of your knowledge of these foundational elements of permaculture design to pass on to your future students.

Course cost: $290

Accommodations available in the community.

info@holmgren.com.au

Planetary Permaculture Pilgrimage organized in collaboration with Tamara Griffiths and Delvin Solkinson

www.gaiacraft.com

Delvin@cosm.org

http://tamaraandduckyhaveadventures.blogspot.com/

Tamara@moonrisepermaculture.com.au

Plants Want To Live

2011-08-29T14:40:00.001+10:00

I might have mentioned before my foundation theory of gardening that "Plants want to live". It's the one that gives me the gumption to keep trying and learning when it all just seems too hard. I know I personally find it much easier to put my ego aside when I think of me and the plant as a team both truly wanting to succeed.

The amount of occasions I have had the fact that plants really do want to live proved makes those occasions when I don't succeed just that little bit easier to take. It's times like the picture above that I just stand in awe of the resilience of nature.

This picture was taken today. These tomato plants grew from seed that was introduced into these pots when I added worm castings to some soil mix when I was potting up brassica's in May. The seed came from the tomatoes I used for paste last year, so very much variety unknown as I only managed to get my hands on one box of Roma.

When I first saw them stick their little heads into the world in early June I was confused to say the least. I gave them a less that 50% chance of survival, as I wasn't going to turn on a heat mat for them, but watered them whilst watching their slow but steady progress. Then in early August they took off and now I have to seriously think about where they're going because they are at the point of begging for more room.

It's to that end in the next few days that last year's wicking pots will be emptied out. The soil will have more nutrients added and these little tomatoes will be given a chance to fulfil their destiny.

Early hothouse tomatoes, anyone?

Finding My Feet

2011-08-26T09:30:00.000+10:00

I have no idea what's happening out with everyone else but I can definitively say the energy's chaotic round here. That in itself is not a good or bad thing, it just is. I've been pushed and challenged, greeted and supported by it. What strikes me though is that it is unlike what feels to me like a normal ebb and flow. I keep being presented with swirls and spikes, sudden shifts sideways and at times having the rug ripped from under me with no ceremony what so ever.

I've been challenged to learn how to live with heart breaking uncertainty, 2 weeks can be a very long time, and been grateful when most of that weight was lifted from my shoulders. With help and support I have come out the other side with more skills, more love and confidence that only something pushing you almost to breaking point can give.

Now my life is going in a totally different direction to the one I expected. It's a great direction, just one that I never expected to be travelling.

This path is always going to force me to grow, to push me to be and trust in a way I have never had asked of me before. I've had to wave goodbye to my under control, well decorated rut. With a little fear but mostly joy I now look forward to treading this path where the only certainty is uncertainty.

Make the Food - Savory Delight Loaf

2011-08-22T10:12:00.003+10:00

Well as these things go this loaf is as far away my usual bread baking as can be but in this case I have a very definite reason.

I am running the first of 3 workshops, next weekend, and it needs to appeal to people who have mostly never made bread before. As a majority I am expecting that the bread they will have been used to is soft, white and based on conventional yeast. A bread that doesn't meet these criteria is likely to require more pallet education than my class time will allow and the last thing I want to do is put them off bread making for life.

In this case though that means I was looking to create something extremely flavourful that required the minimum of fussing and wouldn't be out of place in the window of Bakers Delight. So for those of you out there that are challenged by the amount of wholegrains I tend to use or Wild Yeast breads in general either due to their flavour, or that they just seem too intimidating this is a recipe for you.

Savory Delight
Dough
565g Strong White Bread flour
65g Whole wheat flour (even if you hate wholewheat give this a try as it really rounds out the flavour)

435g water
12 g Salt
8g Instant Dried Yeast
8g Sugar

Addins
65g Sundried Tomato, finely chopped
35g Parmesan or Romano, finely grated
35g Tasty, finely Diced
5g Rosemary, fresh and finely chopped
35g Roasted Garlic

Weigh garlic & roast, for 20-40 minutes. You want something with a bit of light brown to it and easily mashable with a fork. This can be done the night before or whilst you are bringing your oven up to temperature.

Measure out all your dough ingredients and bring together into a ball. Either hand kneed for around 5 min or use a stand mixer for 2-3 minutes then put the dough aside, covered, for around 20 min to rest. Once the rest is complete hand kneed for around 7-10 minutes to bring the dough to a shiny elastic dough (medium gluten development).

The addins can then be incorporated into the bread by flattening out the dough and wrapping them in the middle. This is hand kneedable but I will admit to it being much easier in a stand mixer for 2-3 minutes on low or until fully incorporated.

Put aside in a covered container for another 20-30 minutes to prove.

Split the dough into two equal portions and shape into your preferred form (if you were looking to use this bread for a dip bowl or other such purpose the whole amount of dough will give you a huge cob loaf).

Allow to rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled. Move gently onto your baking tray and slash. Cover with a large roasting pan and put in the oven at 250C for 10-15 min. Remove the roasting pan, move the oven temperature down to 200 and continue cooking for a further 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven, thump test (should sound nice and hollow) and leave on a rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before tucking in

Everyday Rainbow - Day 119 of 365

2011-07-19T09:14:00.000+10:00

Unexpected Delights - Day 118 of 365

2011-07-18T08:33:00.001+10:00

Yes, it's a tomato getting ready to flower in one of the colder parts of Melbourne in July.

In an unusual set of circumstances this plant got potted up as a seedling in either April or May. It was intended to help out a permie friend of mine was planning to do a "tomatoes all year" experiment with one of her inner city clients.

As these things go for one reason or another it stayed here, in the hot house. When I remembered I watered it, once it proved that it had a hope of surviving I even threw some organic fertiliser it's way.

Thankfully, the worst thing I could have done to this tomato growing over Autumn and Winter was try and "force growth" with rich nutrients and heaps of water. Even in the hot house it still gets cold enough, overnight, to burn the weak sappy foliage that those regimes create. This tough little cherry tomato has so far had a couple of mature leaves brown after a couple of pretty severe overnight frosts but otherwise it's plodding along like a trooper.

We'll see if it survives until September and has the opportunity to set fruit in October but either way..

Seeing it in there gives me hope that the circle is turning and brings to mind yet again that plants have a monumental will to survive.

Cruizin' - Day 117 of 365

2011-07-14T12:28:00.000+10:00

NSW South Coast - May 2011

Wholegrain Choc & Nut Biscuits (Spelt) - Day 116 of 365

2011-07-13T08:51:00.000+10:00

Spelt Choc & Nut Biscuits
(approx 15 biscuits)

2 C Wholegrain Spelt Flour

1 Tsp Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

1 C Rolled oats

1 C smashed chocolate bar bits

1/2 C raw nuts (cashews, macadamia and almonds have all tested well here)

1/2 C Coconut Oil

1/3 C Raw Sugar
2 Lg Eggs
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 1/2 Tsp vanilla essence
**may need to add a Tbsp of water to bring it together end depending on egg size.

Preheat oven to 180C.

To a medium bowl add Flour, Baking Powder, Cinnamon and rolled oats. Add chocolate and nut pieces mix to distribute everything through then let sit.

Cream together the coconut oil and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time. Mix through salt, vanilla essence. When everything is thoroughly combined add the contents of the flour bowl and mix well. The mix at this point should hold together when squished into a ball, if not just add water 1 Tsp at a time.

Make balls of dough around about 1 Tbsp in size and slightly flatten as you put it on the oven tray.

Cook at 180C for 12-15 minutes, until slightly golden. Once cooled enough to move continue cooling on a rack.

Transition Knox - Clothes Swap

2011-07-13T08:32:00.000+10:00

Saturday, 16 July 2011

10am till 12 noon

Ferntree Gully-Rowville Community Arts Centre

(same building as Ferntree Gully Library)

1010 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully.

Entry by gold coin donation

How does it work?

Participants bring along unwanted clothing and get a token for each item.
Use your tokens to “shop” for items that others have brought along.
Out of respect for fellow swappers and your community, please bring clean items nice enough to lend to a friend.
Nothing to swap? - Use gold coins to “shop” for items.
Please bring your own bag

Contact TransitionKnox@gmail.com if you can help out in any way or visit our website for more information about the event. http://transitionknox.wordpress.com

About Transition Knox

Transition Knox is a not for profit group committed to assisting people within Knox live more sustainable lives. The motivation behind the formation of Transition Knox is a well supported belief that petroleum supply is decreasing, leading to an increased cost in consumer goods and potentially limited supply of things we all now take for granted like imported foods, petrol and everyday consumables. Transition Knox also believes that climate change is an important issue and that the planet will benefit if we all try to live a less disposable lifestyle.

Like many of you, we don’t want to wait for our politicians and community leaders to come up with the answers. Community action is so often the best solution and can create quite a powerful message.

We think that the Knox community would benefit from building local resilience to future price hikes by learning new skills such as growing your own vegetables or keeping chooks as well as adopting more sustainable practices such as recycling clothes, purchasing local produce or installing energy saving devices at home.

Transition Knox hopes to build a local sustainability advice hub, providing training, support and resources to a range of local initiatives. Now it is over to you, we need your help to develop a more sustainable Knox and welcome your feedback, ideas and participation in a wide range of activities starting in 2011.

Email: transitionknox@gmail.com

Web: http://transitionknox.wordpress.com/

Visions of Foxglove Spires - Day 115 of 365

2011-07-12T07:48:00.002+10:00

May 2011

Foxglove Spires is mature but evolving 4 acre garden at Tilba Tilba on the NSW South coast. Each of the five times I have visited this inspirational garden over the last 10 years the site has reflected a passionately active gardening vision.

Morning Bake - Day 114 of 365

2011-07-11T10:12:00.001+10:00

Let's just go with, a whole lotta change and the blog gave.

We'll see if I am now mentally on top of it all enough to chew gum and walk

:-)

I am sorry about ignoring comments for the last couple of months but know your inquiries were appreciated even if I couldn't get up enough gumption to respond.

I wish you all warm cuppa's, snugly tucked blankets and loving hugs to help you enjoy these short winter days.

Last Day of Holiday

2011-07-03T14:16:00.005+10:00

Hi Andrew here, I just had a week off. Just to relax getting ready for a busy time for work and also at home. As Belinda is quite justifiably busy right now I thought I'd blog about what I did.

Made a pretty new herb garden with rock edging. It surrounds a wicking bed and is right alongside one of the main house walking paths. I expect that wicking bed and herb garden to be pretty important in the future.
Planted some berries
I rebuilt the chicken coop and fencing so the chooks have wider area including one of the nectarines to scratch under. I copiced a tree and used the whippy branches to raise the netting so we can now walk standing up straight inside the chook estate . Also hopefully it means the chooks won't be visiting the neighbours so much.
Talked to the neighbours a bit. Fixed a computer. One kindly gave me a reinfo grid for a berry arch.
I rescued my corp from the pirates in Galaxy Online 2
I cuddled Belinda
Did a few bush walks in new places
I realized (again) that the answer to my biggest problems was the same answer to so many things. Relax.

I'm pretty happy I got a bit of stuff done but still relaxed.

False Spring - Day 113 of 365

2011-05-04T08:53:00.000+10:00

You know Summer was cool when -

There are still tomato's trying to ripen in May

The strawberries cropped right through it

And

Autumn is warmer.

Prompting the early deciduous plants drop their leaves then re-sprout thinking Spring's arrived.

Late Raspberries - Day 112 of 365

2011-05-03T14:35:00.000+10:00

Pineapple Sage - Day 111 of 365

2011-05-02T14:31:00.000+10:00

If you pluck one of these little red flowers off and suck the bottom you get the fleeting taste of nectar

Native Raspberry - Day 110 of 365

2011-05-01T18:14:00.000+10:00

Taken at a the home of Petra Kahle as part of a tour to celebrate National Permaculture Day

Woven Tree of Dreams - Day 109 of 365

2011-04-30T16:54:00.000+10:00

ECOSS Food Sustainability Festival

Plum & Ginger Jelly - Day 108 of 365

2011-04-29T18:13:00.000+10:00

It's a bit cloudy so I'll have to play with the recipe a bit before I share.

Kicked to the Curb - Day 107 of 365

2011-04-28T18:21:00.000+10:00

Cause some days your plans turn on a dime and you end up somewhere else entirely.

Afternoon Lemons - Day 106 of 365

2011-04-27T08:51:00.001+10:00

Regal Bearing - Day 105 of 365

2011-04-26T20:51:00.000+10:00

Autumn Pantry - Day 104 of 365

2011-04-25T14:49:00.000+10:00

Our interwebs is all sick

2011-04-19T09:55:00.003+10:00

Our internet connection at home is broken so Belinda can't post. Hopefully we'll get it fixed soon. Until then here is a picture of a kitten.

A River of Red - Day 103 of 365

2011-04-15T09:22:00.000+10:00

- Late Season Pasta Sauce -

Slowly, Slowly. - Day 102 of 365

2011-04-14T09:43:00.000+10:00

Var Siberian

New Season Apple Cake - Day 101 of 365

2011-04-13T08:24:00.003+10:00

New Season Apple Cake
(deep circular tin)

2 C Self Raising Flour
1/2 Tsp Mixed Spice
1/4 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Baking Powder
75g Butter, softened
3/4 C Raw Sugar
2 Eggs
1/4 C Maple Syrup
1/4 C Milk
3 Cup Apple; 1 C grated 2 C small dice

Preheat oven to 180C

Sift together flour, baking powder, mixed spice and cinnamon into a large bowl. Set aside

Cream Butter and sugar. When well mixed add eggs one at a time, ensuring the first egg is fully incorporated before adding the second. Add Maple Syrup and milk.

Carefully fold the apple and dry mix into the wet mix.

Bake for an hour or until a skewer comes out clean

I'm Late, I'm Late - Day 100 of 365

2011-04-12T09:39:00.000+10:00

- Luffa -

This is the furthest I have ever got with a Luffa plant in my climate. This little baby has no chance of pollination, as it hasn't put out any female flowers, so it is my will to record it for posterity.

Two Eggs - Day 99 of 365

2011-04-11T09:28:00.001+10:00

On Sunday we jumped from 1 to 2 eggs a day

Dry Borlotti Pods - Day 98 of 365

2011-04-10T07:34:00.000+10:00

Autumn Colour - Day 97 of 365

2011-04-09T19:30:00.001+10:00

Sculptural Beauty - Day 96 of 365

2011-04-08T06:29:00.001+10:00

-Bolting Artichoke-

On the verge of flowering

Seaside Daisy - Day 95 of 365

2011-04-07T18:24:00.000+10:00

Dusk - Day 94 of 365

2011-04-06T07:48:00.000+10:00

The end of daylight savings just underlines what my body already knows.

The cold is coming and bring with it's winter joy

Duckweed Adorned - Day 93 of 365

2011-04-05T09:18:00.000+10:00

Everyone's a little bit different - Day 92 of 365

2011-04-04T07:38:00.000+10:00

Sourdough can be made so many ways.. Thankfully intuitive or scientific we all end up with beautiful bread in the end.

City Food - Day 91 of 365

2011-04-03T19:37:00.000+10:00

- Autumn Plantings -

Taken outside and apartment building at the end of Union Rd

Stocking Up - Day 90 of 365

2011-04-02T08:35:00.001+11:00

.. As there is nothing quite so comforting as an Autumnal Freezer full of stock.

Spaghetti Squash - Day 89 of 365

2011-04-01T05:35:00.001+11:00

We may need a dinner party for this little girl

:-D

Unfurling - Day 88 of 365

2011-03-31T13:16:00.000+11:00

Purple Flowering Snow Pea (Fruit) - Day 87 of 365

2011-03-30T11:16:00.000+11:00

Oops. Missed One - Day 86 of 365

2011-03-29T08:59:00.000+11:00

I was wondering why the crookneck squash seemed to stop setting fruit. Then poking through the foliage I found this "little" specimen.

Getting There - Days 82 - 85 of 365

2011-03-28T12:24:00.000+11:00

These were not taken on the day's involved. The thought of lifting the camera until today was just too overwhelmingly complex.

Precious Harvest

Silverbeet (Chard) Bolting

Dill - Seed Head

Silverbeet (Chard) Pre-Flower

On Sickleave

2011-03-24T13:44:00.000+11:00

If I could string more than a sentence together I probably would.. but as it is I don't expect to be blogging until Monday.

For Those in Vic it's Petty's Apple festival this week

Perpetual Food - (Welsh) Bunching Onions

2011-03-23T09:52:00.001+11:00

When you are growing your own there are certain times of year that simply seem to rush by in a flurry of seed sowing, germination and transplanting. This perpetual food series is something I am developing to highlight perennial food crops that can reduce the load of annual planting, just a little.

The first year I bought seed for Welsh Bunching Onions I totally missed the point. In fact at the time I really thought I was simply buying spring onion seed. There was nothing in the seed description that made me sit up and take notice, it was simply the only non-bulbing onion that Cornucopia seeds, based in Victoria, sold at the time. Their description now tags them as perennial and I suspect the change is due to the fact that many like me didn't realise that if they put off harvesting that first season they would do something even more exciting than set seed.

It was only due to the fact that one of them got planted in an out of the way area of the ornamental garden that one of the green bunching onions got to show me it's true habit. If you leave them in the ground long enough they sort of send out side shoots. I say sort of because it actually starts within the outer layers of the original plant. In cases where the bunch is left long enough that out layer will often split, under the pressure of the new growth, but they don't actually need to be left that long before they are separated

These can then be divided when each "stem" has it's own roots. These divided plants when given their own space will then each form a bunch.

The process of Division

Dig up the clump and lift it out of the hole.

Remember to give yourself a nice big bunch of soil as you want to avoid severing roots if possible.

Gently shake as much soil from the roots as you can to allow you to see what you are doing.

The more soil you are able to remove the easier it is to untangle the roots from each other without breaking them.

Swishing them in water works well but I didn't have a bucket with me today.

Once you have cleaned away the soil you will see that each section is connected at a point on the base of the stem, just above the roots. Use your secateurs or a knife to severe this section and create independent stems.

At this point you're ready to replant any you don't wish to cook with to start the process again.

**Pictured above is a Red Welsh Bunching Onion, they also come in green where the bottom of the stem is the standard white colour common to spring onions.**

Foggy Gifts - Day 81 of 365

2011-03-23T07:59:00.001+11:00

Glimpse of Things to Come - Day 80 of 365

2011-03-22T10:37:00.000+11:00

Putting My Positive Foot Forward

2011-03-21T14:26:00.000+11:00

Well, last week was The Meltdown.

This week is The Refocus, The Restructure and The (Re)-build. Thus to kick it off I started building things a finishing projects that I had the equipment for.

The highest priority of those right now is the the seasonal row covers. Needing to plant while the white cabbage butterfly is still extremely active means having the ability to protect our vegetable growing areas is really important.

In the past I have used a few reasonably ineffective and highly temporary solutions that caused more headaches than they solved. As a result one of my projects this year was to devise a reasonably inexpensive and easy to move structure that would allow the gardens to be easily covered without a whole lot of woo-ha. The plan, being a semi permanent "hoop system" that will only being moved when absolutely required.

In my case it didn't need to support heavy loads, All it is going to be required to hold up is a length of netting, or during cold years possibly some poly tunnel plastic, but being stable to the ground is very important. We get a lot of wind during Spring and Autumn. I need to know that the netting, or plastic isn't going to end up wiping out plants on a regular basis.

I have known the generalities of how I wanted to do this for a while. I wanted, to use an idea I have seen in a much bigger scale on many permie properties, irrigation pipe over stakes. My main problem was that I didn't want to end up spending a heap of money and large diameter irrigation pipe is an "investment" as well as being totally over the top for my needs.

The stability and support I would get out of 16mm , domestic dripper, pipe would be enough for my engineering needs. The problem is I couldn't find a supporting stake that would be strong enough not to break, under load, in our wind that was less than 16mm. The strength of the stake, and my ability to bash it firmly into the ground, was integral to the structural integrity of the end product. Thus this important project has been sitting on the back burner waiting for me to get back to it for quite a while.

After the fiasco of my first Autumn plantings this year in February I got determined. Enter a trip to Bunnings where I had no idea what I was going to buy but I did know what I wanted to find, a strong small diameter stakes around a meter high. So I found myself walking into the garden section a little anxious. Really apart from what I was planning to use this for, what other function could there be for something that met those criteria.

I did a quick glance around and saw all the usual suspects. The bamboo was thin enough, and small enough but definitely not strong enough. The wooden tomato stakes were strong enough, and short enough but way too wide. The metal stakes, too wide, too long, too long, too long, ohhh what's that. As my eyes fell on a metal "flower stake".

"A what!" An 8mm diameter, 0.9m tall plastic coated metal stake designed to support showy top heavy flowers. I was in little fits of delight as I scooted to the irrigation department and snagged myself a roll of irrigation pipe. Hurried back to the stakes and married pipe to stake just to be sure it wasn't a mirage, that it was going to fit closely enough not to slop around all over the place. It worked.. it really truly worked. I could feel the harmony of it as I scooped up 20 of them and headed for the register.

By the time A had come home there were all these little hoops standing up all over the garden. A little later we got out there together with a tape measure and made the span a reasonably consistent 1m, as my original efforts had wandered all over the place.

Last but not least last weekend I broke out the netting that I bought and made the dream a reality. Now I just have to remember to hand pollinate the round zucchini for a few weeks :-)

Standin' High and Lookin' Long - Day 79 of 365

2011-03-21T11:10:00.000+11:00

A view of Melbourne from SkyHigh Lookout Mt Dandenong/Kalorama.

If you have the option go up to Sky High at night the suburban and city lights are spectacular.

Seed to Seed (Cherokee Wax Bean) - Day 78 of 365

2011-03-20T07:06:00.000+11:00

Savouring the Blue - Day 77 of 365

2011-03-19T07:41:00.001+11:00

Spelt Olive Oil Crackers

2011-03-18T09:43:00.000+11:00

You know those those days when you get to lunch time, process the fact you have a "bring a plate" event that night and the housekeeping money is in transit, thus attainable by no one..

My fall back in these situations are crackers. They're reasonably quick, easy and most important pantry friendly.

The main thing to keep in mind with this recipe is that the quality of your salt and oil will make or break this recipe. In situations where you feel that the ingredients available are less than great simply ensure that you sprinkle some sesame seeds over the uncooked dough to give things a bit more bounce.

Spelt Olive Oil Crackers
Ingredients
2C white spelt flour
1 3/4 wholegrain spelt flour
1 C water (warm)
1 tsp salt (good quality lake or sea salt preferred)
1/3 C olive oil

Directions
Dissolve your salt in boiling water. Let sit and allow the temperature to come down to warm.

In your mixing bowl add your flour, warm salted water and olive oil. Mix with a dough hook for around a minute or combine and manually kneed for around 5 minutes.

Cut the soft pliable dough into around 10 equal sized pieces. Store either on a plate covered with plastic wrap or in a large flat container for 30-60 minutes.

Heat oven to 250C, a pizza stone is useful but not essential

After the dough has rested either roll out with a pin or a pasta machine until you get a thin sheet (around 4 on pasta machine or 1-2mm). Move the sheet onto a large piece of baking paper. If you are using seasoning or sesame seed brush the top of the dough with a little water and sprinkle.

With a pizza cutter, knife or biscuit cutter cut the dough into interesting shapes. Move the baking paper onto the back of a baking tray, this will allow you to just slide the paper onto the stone in a quick easy movement.

Cook for 3-5 minutes, you want the bubbles to lightly brown but pull it out if any of it seems to be looking too dark.

Tomatillo (Fruit) - Day 76 of 365

2011-03-18T07:58:00.001+11:00

No matter how hard you pedal..

2011-03-17T08:59:00.000+11:00

.. sometimes it just aint enough

--Although it's not the focus of my post today my thoughts have been, and will be with the Japanese people who's fighting spirit has been an honour to behold amidst this life changing tragedy.--

I am trying to break my silence. I am trying hard to feel like I have something of interest to impart. In many ways in the past this space has an educational focus. It's not that I ever felt I had all the answers but I probably did feel that I had a bit of knowledge that might ease the path for others. Either, I was arrogant or just plain wrong cause as of right now it just aint the case.

This growing season has kicked my tush and left me feeling inadequate, while the chaotic events of the last 6 months have shaken me badly. Just at the time it would have been advantageous to feel some level of confidence in my skill to provide for our household we had the growing season, that wasn't.

It's mid march and I haven't even broken 10 ripe tomato's. The ones I have had have arrived in the last week. To make it even more discouraging it's not even as if I have a heap of green tomatoes on bushes. There are a couple of varieties that did more than survive and put out a couple of fruit in self defence but believe me they are few and far between. We did well on lettuce for the first time ever, and beans weren't too dismal, we at least got a couple of feeds, but honestly it was famine and not feast.

Of course that was after the spring that wasn't where I attempted to start a seedling business, nearly went demented and still fell short. I was basically erring on the side of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". So I've said nothing and just peddled as hard as I can and, well, it hasn't worked.

White cabbage butterfly has decimated my autumn seedlings, both for home and sale, so at this point the best I am going achieve is have a reasonable early spring crop.. if I can find a way to keep the seeds that I have again sown protected.

My energy is now back home until spring planning where I will again tackle the idea of growing for others. I am going to admit though that my confidence is close to shattered.

So if I can't teach what have I learned -

3-5C cooler may be great in a hot summer but in a cold one it's the difference between summer cropping or not unless your using a hothouse (even then it's a gamble on the heat lovers)
In this wildly varying climate having the option of covering rows with plastic, or shadecloth, when required is not a nicety, it's essential
If you're not tripping over pots in the hot house during the summer growing season something is wrong
Soil fertility can make up for a whole host of other sins, if your soil fertility is spot on plants are more likely to cope in less than ideal conditions (from what I can tell this is pretty much the difference between the people in Melbourne that have had a great tomato year or a so, so one) it probably wouldn't have saved our, even cooler, season but my guess is at least I would be looking at "green tomato chutney" rather than nothing.
The ability to get Autumn seedlings in the ground in February when they need to be requires protection from White Cabbage butterfly, no if's but's or "then the zucchini won't get pollinated" maybe's
Spring garden plan actually needs to cover the entire year.. I need to plant for Autumn cropping during the summer growing season. If I don't have a succession plan things will not be placed to allow that to happen.
Be flexible, read the season and trust your instincts. The gamble I took planting the snow peas early means we are now getting ready to crop from them, which is a definite relief.
Be willing to move, remove and generally free up space when it becomes obvious Plan A is heading for the S bend.
Keep records of the plants that did well and those that didn't. You can't make an educated decision if you don't have the data
skimping on compost or other soil amendments that you know you need is just "robbing peter to pay paul" it might work for a season but after that your bill is going to arrive with interest so just budget accordingly

What's this season taught you about the way you garden?

Variety is the Spice of Life - Day 75 of 365

2011-03-17T07:40:00.007+11:00

Zucchini

Romanesco, Black Beauty , Middle East & Round

Red Chard - Day 74 of 365

2011-03-16T09:46:00.000+11:00

Seaside Bee - Day 73 of 365

2011-03-15T08:42:00.001+11:00

Bees on Seaside Daisy

Solar Porch - Day 72 of 365

2011-03-14T09:12:00.000+11:00

Passive solar innovations come in all sorts of forms.

This one out at the Southern Cross Permaculture Institute down in Leongatha, Victoria could work on almost any home. The porch was a retrofit onto the north side of the house to allow them to keep the much needed warming sun in and light during winter while blocking the oven inducing heat in summer.

The angle and placement of the slats has been set so that when the sun is directly overhead in summer no sun will reach the windows and external walls. Now, as you can see on the wall, at the beginning of Autumn the sun angle is starting to allow more light through and this will continue to increase until Mid winter's shortest day.

When you're dealing with rooms that reach 50C on a 40C day a passive solar solution, rather than an active solar solution that you need to remember to use, is ideal.

A Jumble of Food - Day 71 of 365

2011-03-13T10:21:00.000+11:00

Purple Flowering Snow Pea - Day 70 of 365

2011-03-12T11:29:00.000+11:00

Round One! - Day 69 of 365

2011-03-11T12:54:00.000+11:00

I am sure there are those out there tougher than me.. but 2 boxes in 2 days requires a day in the garden.

It's Been One Interesting Season! - Day 68 of 365

2011-03-10T09:45:00.000+11:00

Vibrant Communities - Day 67 of 365

2011-03-09T09:44:00.000+11:00

Create Bright Community Spaces

-Selby Community House-

Sweet Bell Capsicum (Fruit) - Day 66 of 365

2011-03-08T08:44:00.000+11:00

Boy, do we need some sunny weather for these guy to pull though.

Balanced Squash - Day 65 of 365

2011-03-07T07:05:00.000+11:00

With Love - Day 64 of 365

2011-03-06T10:22:00.000+11:00

Spiced Apple Buns - Day 63 of 365

2011-03-05T08:54:00.001+11:00

Recipe Pending...

Leaning Towers - Day 62 of 365

2011-03-04T09:52:00.000+11:00

A Mess of Peas - Day 61 of 365

2011-03-03T07:06:00.001+11:00

Sure I could have given you an artistic close up.. but reality at this time if year is messy, vibrant and just a little wild.

Eternal Hope - Day 60 of 365

2011-03-02T07:57:00.001+11:00

Deutcher Fleiss - Potato Leaf Tomato

Cause where there's fruit, there's a chance they can ripen

Wholegrain Oat Pancakes (Spelt) - Day 59 of 365

2011-03-01T09:18:00.003+11:00

Night Before
1 C Active Sourdough Starter
1 C Rolled Oats
1 C Whole Grain Spelt Flour

Combine all ingredients and allow to sit in a warm draft free position for at least 8 ours

The Morning
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup/Honey
2 Tsp Baking Soda
1 Tsp Vanilla essence
1 Egg

Add all the morning ingredients to the overnight ferment. Mix thoroughly, manual hand or stand mixer, until you get a pour-able mix (add further water if required).

Using your 1/4 C scoop transfer mix into a hot frypan. Cook until you get some set holes, flip cook for another 30 seconds or so.

Serve Warm

Nasturtium - Day 58 of 365

2011-02-28T07:59:00.001+11:00

Round Zucchini - Day 57 of 365

2011-02-27T12:36:00.000+11:00

Breathe - Day 56 of 365

2011-02-26T08:33:00.002+11:00

Food Swap/Buy/Meet Sat 26th February

2011-02-25T14:25:00.001+11:00

10-11.30am Magpie House, Main Street Upwey

Locally-grown chemical-free fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, and seedlings available to buy or

swap. New stalls welcome. Bring your home-grown excess produce to swap-share-meet with

your local community -no oil for transport or production, throw-away packaging, pesticides,

herbicides etc.

For More information call Michelle Jones on 0409 526 862 to book your stall, or just attend.

Studied Repose - Day 55 of 365

2011-02-25T07:22:00.001+11:00

She would be very mad at me, if only she knew.

Blowing coat really isn't flattering look for a girl,

Ya know.

Self Heal - Day 54 of 365

2011-02-23T08:33:00.000+11:00

Prunella Vulgaris

Fudgy Chocolate Brownie (Spelt)

2011-02-23T08:20:00.002+11:00

Ingredients
100g dark chocolate
1/2C butter
2 Tsp vanilla Essence
3 (50-55g) Eggs
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp Salt
1 C wholegrain Spelt

Preheat oven to 180C and prepare baking pan (either butter and flour or baking paper).

In a double boiler melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir regularly until the ingredients have melted and you have no lumps. Add vanilla and let cool slightly

Alongside, in a large mixing bowl beat eggs and sugar together at a medium speed. Continue to mix until you have a thick, creamy mixture with the sugar dissolved (around 10 minutes)

Slowly add the chocolate to the egg mix a little at a time, so as not to cook the egg. With the salt stirred into the flour, gently add and fold into the wet mix. With a light hand mix until the flour is all moist but don't over mix.

Pour batter into the baking tray and spread to smooth.

Bake for 20 min without opening the oven. Then cover with either aluminium foil or another baking tray for 8 - 12 minutes (until a skewer comes out clean from a test near the centre). Remove from oven and let cool, allowing them to harden slightly in the pan.

Seasonal Quest - Day 53 of 365

2011-02-23T06:32:00.000+11:00

Just one more inch until world domination :-D

Spaghetti Squash