Restoring my soul.

I moved to the Adelaide Hills just short of 5 months ago in the height of the summer growing season. The garden was blooming and overgrown; the irises had erupted and had spread in their hundreds across the front garden. Burying the growth of many small native plants and precluding the habitation of local wildlife and birds . I set out on a clear and salvage crusade and so far have dug out at least 90 per cent of the unwanted Iris plants. In so doing I have uncovered kangaroo paw, coria, a bearded iris that is growing magnificently, native grass. All have now set root and taken their rightful place in the garden among the myriad of plants, with luck by next Spring the flowers will bloom and the ground cover will have spread to cover the whole area under the roses.

I purchased 4 laying hens to finally fill the existing chook coop and run. Henny, Jenny, Penny and Fran are delightful and have many little quirks that I am learning about every day. so far only 2 of them are actually laying, two seem to be taking their sweet time. Fran chicken likes to roost up in the mandarin tree just before bed time so I can’t shoo her into the coop for the night. Henny and Penny lay eggs in the far back corner of the yard under the cover off the Cana lillies and bearded iris instead of up in the lay box inside the coop. Henny and Penny are also very sociable and will peck the ground around my feet when I’m in the yard or come to the back door of the house as soon as they hear me open it. Jenny and Fran prefer their own company and will wander around on their own and at their own pace.

As if chickens were not enough of an addition to our house we are getting a Labrador puppy in about five weeks time. stay tuned for puppy training hi jinx.

Stick around for more of my country life.