We put in three large water tanks (4,500 L each) in the front yard and put a trellis in front as a screen. We grew butternut pumpkins up in summer - planted two, but others grew (from the compost) including jap pumpkin. We also grew four bush pumpkins. All up, we harvested about 20 butternut pumpkins (the vines are still going strong and it's April !), about 30 bush pumpkins and several jap pumpkins. Enough to last through winter. We also had tomatoes, basil, parsley, spinach, rockmelon (wild), dwarf snow peas, sweet potatoes and potatoes in the front yard. A constant source of interest for neighbours!!!! We're in the process of re-doing the pathway, creating a new planting area. Photos soon when the paving and planting is done.

Adelaide had a heatwave in summer with temperature in the mid 40's. Many gardens got frizzled. We used the central structure to attach calico sheets we prepared, and tarps, to cover most of the garden plants. Everything survived the heat. From this view you can see the planter box Geoff made with the dwarf citrus trees, and the twin trellis' (and herb boxes) which provide an 'entrance' into the central garden area - the left one with tomatoes, and the right one with rockmelon and lebanese cucumbers.

Our fish pond suddenly got some interesting additions on the side. Turns out it's the water snails creating safe 'hatching' places for baby snails above the water line (and so they don't get eaten by the goldfish). The water snails keep a low profile most of the time, but occasionally you can see them doing their business above the water line.

Lina and Lena








Lina and Lena, couchsurfing visitors from Germany, in our back garden. They enjoyed the fresh veggies - welcome change from the usual backpackers fare.

In amongst the Basil Thai we found a moth with a cluster of eggs. Obviously has exotic taste! We're working on the basis that as long as there's enough for us, and there's plenty to share, then 'live and let live'.

We planted a eucaplypt tree, 'Summer Red', with glorious flowers to attract the birds. It will grow about 5m and will make a great display. It's at the back of the garden and will merge beautifully with the line of trees in the park over the fence. We have been really enjoying the bird life in our area and want to encourage more native birds to our yard. The pigeons, magpies and sparrows already make themselves at home!

Ladybird and Aphids

April 09: The aphids are having a glorious time on the rockmelon leaves. It's great to see ladybirds around munching on the aphids to keep the aphid population under control.

The rockmelons are persevering on with late season fruit despite the aphids!