Winter bloomers

Lovely Winter bloomers to pretty the garden while many sleep - magnolia, Frenchette lavendar and Hellebores.

Winter Herbs

What I dislike most about Winter is the limited herbs. So this Winter, I'm trying different ways to keep herbs on hand. I've bottled rosemary in olive oil and dried rosemary and lavendar. I've cut parsley and put them in ice blocks, ready for soups and the slow cooker. And, I'm trying two terrariums - coriander and chervil. Winter, I'm ready!

Wish-list cottage on a Sunday walk

Woodend is about an hour's drive from Melbourne but a world away from a stereotypical Australia we know. With Autumnal leaves, Winter bite and German inspired beer brews, it surprises you to find iconic Australian cottages with native front gardens. Here's one I love to share.

Show me your garden

Alfred Austin says "show me your garden and I shall tell you who you are". What does this tell you about me?

Gardening and Leadership

A wall of climbing roses have been growing very well as a wind breaker, as a vista to hide my neighbour's unkempt house and for security. Leaders can learn a lot from these roses. These roses serve to protect so others may flourish, to tackle any enemies and to shine so others can admire and follow.

When there is no wall or hedge for protection, Iike the dessert, scarcity rules - only a few plants thrive. Even with an oasis of leadership, a drought can quickly wipe away the abundance that temporarily grew. A wall or hedge however protects and enables nurturing of abundance. This is what my wall of roses reminds me, everyday before I leave our home and every night when I return.

New terranium

Windy Sunday as Winter progresses. Aphids mercilessly attack my Iceberg roses. Trellis cracks under the Summer weight gain of climbing roses and the thrash of westerly winds. Autumn leaves swirl around the garden. My dog, Monty, trying to catch the last rays of sunshine. And in the stillness of the handmade Terranium, a cup of tea can be had for the soul to rest and hibernate on Sundays.