These observations are for April, May and June 2019 however let me just take you back a few months. What exciting times in November last year we had a massive heatwave. We broke records at Biboohra with 46 C˚ on the 26th and we had 11 days sitting on 40 C˚+ and at time of writing this article it seems the heatwave has returned. In December Biboohra had a mini tornado on the 3rd rubbish bins flying everywhere. We had cyclone Owen active from the 2nd to 5th returning 14th and 15th. We had a nice lot of rain all up 360mm at our place. On the 31st we had 120 bush fires in Queensland along the coast from just north of Cairns to the Gold Coast. Further afield in Indonesia the Krakatau volcano erupted on the 22nd right on Winter solstice. 400 people dead and 40.000 displaced. … [Read more...] about More Exciting Weather and Nature Observations
Gardening
Garden Spirit and the Wildlife
I always tell the garden spirits that I am going away on a holiday of any length. They like to know my whereabouts and this way they don’t feel left out. More important is for us humans to acknowledge that the garden spirits are our helpers and supporters and they perform a lot of magic that you might not be aware of if you can’t see, feel or hear it. If you still your mind and take time to observe with all your senses what is going on in your garden or nature you will eventually start learning and understand. The spirits all present themselves one way or the other. Sometimes you will see a different light or energy movement between the sunflowers. You might get a pat on your shoulder or you hat will get knocked off your head while walking through your fruit orchard all caused by the … [Read more...] about Garden Spirit and the Wildlife
Weather Forecasting and Nature Observations
Earlier this year (2018)I was asked would I like to write the weather forecast for our lovely Biodynamic newsletter “Who Flung Dung”? Wow what an opportunity to learn new things as I have never thought much about weather forecasts except that I keep an eye on BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) when we are in the cyclone season. It suited me fine to take on the job as I am writing a book about what is happening in the garden during the year and I thought the two of them would go just nicely hand in hand. I am using the Antipodean Astro Calendar compiled by Brian Keats as my guide. You can order the calendar online (www.astro-calendar.com). It is a great calendar a must have if you ask me! I have included some of my hints and tips based on my garden observations in the Mareeba (QLD) area over a … [Read more...] about Weather Forecasting and Nature Observations
My Cow Horn Mandala
As some of you know I am a textile artist and I love being just that. A very creative textile stirrer, they call me. I do artist stirring of like minded people to be creative and go with the flow. I love being with people who like me think out of the square. I love creating anything from materials such as fabric to garden hoses, old onion bags to hand spun yarns, paper bags and rubber bands. From flowers and bamboo leaves to spider web and banana trunks. I love working with colours. I love creating patterns and making travel journals. I love beach combing collecting washed up sticks, shells and beans then string it together and hang the stuff in the almighty Beach Almond tree while soaking up the colours of the sunset crashing with the white sand and the turquoise water. I am in my … [Read more...] about My Cow Horn Mandala
Kaleidoscopic Photos of Garden
Wrapped Pork Mince Patties in Cabbage Leaf
250g pork mince Salt, pepper, dill and parsley 1 egg 2 tablespoon of plain flour 1 carrot, 2 handfuls of Shallots, 2 handfuls of Zucchini, 6 Beans. Clean and chop carrot, shallots, Zucchini and beans. Then put in a food processor and process until small bits and pieces. Mix all ingredients. Make 6 patties out of the mixed ingredients. Grab hold of 6 leaves of Old Women Gossip Cabbage. Blanch the leaves in boiling water then dip in cold water. Place a Pattie on each cabbage leaf. Wrap into a parcel. Bake in oven at 180 degree C for 1 hour. Decorate with leaves and flowers of Nasturtiums. Link to photo of dish. Don’t know what Old Women Gossip Cabbage and Nasturtiums looks like? Have a look at these photos. Make sure you don’t spill the beans as your best … [Read more...] about Wrapped Pork Mince Patties in Cabbage Leaf