A Grand Day In (make that 3)

So now I am really retired. No more paid work at set hours. I'm busier than ever! These past two weeks I have been out nearly every day - volunteering, helping out at Dunny Digs, learning how to play Mahjong...... the days are filling up. They are going to get even busier when I add Tai Chi to the list.

What's this got to do with the garden? Well it has taken a back seat and that's not where it likes to be. Gardens quickly let you know if they feel neglected. Especially when you have the best growing conditions of rain and sun. Hey have you checked me lately? Look at these beautiful weeds I've grown! Yoohoo... over here...I'm growing this great gum tree all by myself - in the middle of the driveway!

So I set aside one lovely day to pamper the garden. I donned the garden clothes and away I went. Ruprecht joined in the fun. Weeds were attacked and neglected areas were made to feel special. The downside is that nearly every insect known to humans came out and bit me (just their way of saying hello) and I am a mass of itchy red blotches.....oh they love me!

The current project is the last piece of land to be given a 'theme'. We now have Kata Tjuta next to Uluru and the compulsory sitting area is taking shape. Ruprecht has made a beautiful rustic bench and I'm nearly finished my garden whimsy - in traditional Aboriginal colours. Grandkid #3 helped a bit.

Perhaps the most satisfying part of this project was that I was able to transplant baby shrubs and grasses from around the garden. No nursery necessary. Left to their own devices kangaroo paws would take over the back garden. At least I can play god here and tell them where I want them to grow.

So one Grand Day In became 2 and then 3. As one part of the garden felt loved you could hear the other crying, 'what about me?' Just like a middle child. The veggies needed a tea break, the lawns needed a haircut. The lawn clippings needed a new room. The limes needed a good lie down and the pond needed hydrotherapy. The chooks needed bucket loads of weeds, Saxon needed outdoor time and Sammi needed .....well Sammi just takes what she needs.

So back today to my action packed retired life, but the garden feels loved. Just the beginning of autumn with autumn leaves falling to the ground like jewels on the lawn. Magic!