Veggie Patches and Comfort Zones

Summer is over and Autumn has fallen. We've had a very hot, dry Summer in Melbourne, which means our garden, which is neglected at the best of times, looks like the Gobi Desert. My husband asked me the other day whether I thought it was possible our backyard was suffering from erosion. I was dubious, but couldn't rule it out.

Anyway, we have a wonderful friend Kath, who has green thumbs and has been doing a course on permaculture (not exactly sure what that is, but suspect it includes living sustainably, growing your own organic veggies and knowing the difference between compost, fertiliser and mulch). Kath came round last Sunday and helped me set up a veggie patch - yay!

red galoshes beside the baby veggies

It looks pretty good I reckon - we've planted lettuces, basil, parsley, coriander, chives, spring onions, mint, thyme and sage. I'm planning on sowing zucchini, snowpeas and leeks in Spring. If it works I'll be thrilled, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. As I said, gardening is not my strong point. Kath recommends looking at it as an experiment and a learning process. Which sounds very wise. I'm always telling myself I need to get my hands dirty and try things which are a bit outside my comfort zone/patch;)

On a different note, I got locked outside the back door by my 3 year old yesterday. It wasn't a fun experience and we've since had a big talk about how his actions affect others and given him a controlled 'lockout' (don't worry, we didn't traumatise him). I think he has gained a better sense of what it feels like to be shut out, but I doubt we've seen the last of his 'adventurous' behaviour. All a normal part of growing up, I know. It's what the 'misbehaviour' brings out in me that rattles me the most!

So, I'm gathering that this parenting caper is FULL-time and requires more patience, wisdom and love than I humanly posssess. Thankfully, parents aren't born; they are raised. Much like my baby veggies.

Putting on my red galoshes and steppng out into unchartered puddles,
helen xox

If I was in the Kia Ad

If I was in the Kia Ad

I'm an ex-English teacher, married to a preacher who's partial to pizza and hates water features.
I'm a full time mum, wiping noses and bums,
Raising the rabble, teaching them to babble & scrabble;
avoid scribbling on walls, fighting unjust wars, keeping scores and slamming doors.
I can hum a tune, swoon, howl at the moon;
I'm melancholic, hydroponic, sometimes sardonic;
wouldn't say no to a gin and tonic.
I'm educated, dedicated, domesticated, syncopated.
I don't exercise, I prioritise,
synthesize, mesmerize, internalise, contextualize,
Detest goodbyes.
Love to create, love the Creator,
Imperfect in love, yet loved perfectly.

This was inspired by an old friend John, who was in my bible study group a hundred years ago in West Pymble. It was pretty fun to write. If you want to have a go at your own 'Kia Ad', I'd love to see it. I reckon we all have a bit of poetry in us, just waiting to bubble out...

Tasteful water features & limestone landscapes,
helen xox