cherry tree slugs

Nasty slimy black slugs have appeared on pear and apple tree leaves. Turns out they're 'cherry tree slugs', the larvae of the black and yellow sawfly, and can be quite damaging. A bit of a google and I've put together some notes and ideas. Sounds as if initial hunches - squishing them and a spray of pyrethrym - weren't too far off the mark. Will try one of the drying techniques next, and monitor - both presence and extent of any damage.

brave little fig

If this thing can actually grow, I will be stunned. But thrilled. One of two figs (my favourite fruit tree of all) planted into pots last year and then replanted into garden, this one is on the levelled 'terrace' to west of house - which is basically compacted clay and sand fill. Planted into a mound of soil and compost, extended regularly with compost form the bukashi system, it has finally come back to life with spring rains.

playing lady bountiful

Almost the best bit of having a productive garden - giving it away! Couldn't resist taking and posting this: a collection of herbs (mint, thyme, lemon balm, sage, chives) some in blossom, and silverbeet leaves (as clearing last of them) in a gift bag to take to friends as a housewarming present.

tank and beyond

Now that tank is installed, we can take stock on the impact around it. Sure I did plans on paper, but there's nothing like seeing it in situ. With first heavy rains, it immediately became apparent that water flows and pools behind the tank, so paths/channels have been roughed out above to redirect water from orchard into the veg area, and thoughts turned to environment immediate round the tank itself.

the baby faced killer

Here she is, Bella the rabbit-killing beast of Fryerstown. Who'd have thought it. Not me, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Unfortunately, also heard it, the squeals of poor bunny in its death throes. My cityness severely exposed by resulting panic. Dead bunny now buried deep in a veg bed to decompose. Hmmm. Will see how that goes....

my new favourite plant?

Starting to develop their flowerheads are the shallots grown from last year's cloves. Though fighting for space with monstrous cabbages and silverbeet, they make lovely punctuation marks poking from the leaves. Love these extravagant pixie-hat curlicues and plump little cupolas. The stems themselves bend and curl - I can't resist sliding my hands along them as I pass - and the whole effect just makes me smile!