Notes, observations and research for a developing permaculture property
POBBLEBONKING? That's the sound of the pobblebonk frog that lives here. It may be an ugly little bastard, but it makes a marvellous noise, and gives us hope. ...............................................................................................................
Ice on the car windows, ice in the dog bowl, even a layer of ice on the shallow puddle that passes for a dam. If the days have been intermittently bright, and mild, the nights have dropped decisively below zero (-4 in Bendigo last night).
SISSINGHURST: AN UNFINISHED HISTORY (Adam Nicolson) engrossing exploration of Vita Sackville-West's famous National Trust-owned home and its social and ecological history, and her grandson's efforts to return it to a functioning, economically viable farm.
DARWIN'S ISLAND: THE GALAPAGOS IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND (Steve Jones) clumsily titled and sometimes awkwardly 'contemporised' but nonetheless fascinating account of Darwin's role as, among other things, the first 'soil scientist'.
THE OLIVE GROVE: AN EXHILARATING ACCOUNT OF LEAVING THE CITY FOR LIFE ON THE LAND (Patrice Newell) better than expected reflections on a biodynamic beef and olive property in the Hunter Valley
GARDENS OF THE GOLDFIELDS (Mary Stroebel) fantastically (if a bit luridly!) illustrated investigation of diverse gardens and gardening in our region, today and in the past.
BUSH FOOD: ABORIGINAL FOOD AND HERBAL MEDICINE (Jennifer Isaacs) detailed and beautifully illustrated to help with identification and preparation
still to read ...
FIELD GUIDE TO WEEDS IN AUSTRALIA (Charles Lamp and Frank Collet)