It's been windy at Underhill

Geoff and I went to Underhill yesterday and were greeted by two trees down across the drive. We spent a bit of time clearing some of the smaller debris so we could climb over it a bit easier. But we could not carry Geoff's old kitchen cupboards over it. This meant we had to contrive another way to get them up to the shed. Next time we will definitely carry the chainsaw with us.

 

It has been very wet over the last month and the top dam was absolutely full! Only one star picket showing above the surface now. Unfortunately we only had Geoff's phone for photos as I had forgotten my camera. We will definitely carry a camera with us next time we go.

Most of the day was spent digging holes for some fruit trees and berry plants that Geoff has ordered. We also had to check that we have enough wire and star pickets for the cages in which the trees will grow. Also had to check that we had what we need for irrigating the trees. All we have to remember are some washers and joiners next time we go.

A lot of time was spent weeding the berry yard tubs ready for the Medlar tree and some new berries. Of course we had to attempt to wombat proof the berry yard. They have found ways to get in. We have to remember to take some tent pegs down for that next time too.

In weeding we found some tiny potatoes so have brought those home to plant in our vegie gardens. They worked wonderfully for us both and at Underhill last year so here's hoping they work this year too.

We even had time for Geoff to light a fire and make a coffee and toast the sandwich we'd bought on the way that was a bit stale. What a great day! It was so productive. 

Bare tree trunks

 I didn't like the look of the pecan tree trunk in my bare lawn at the bottom of the ramp. I also thought a path would be a good idea leading from the ramp to the paved areas so that wheel bound people have better access to the house. So Kim and I worked very hard today to do a rough layout of bricks for the path and weed the grass from the garden area.

From this...

... to this.

Over the last few weeks we have also cleared the other corner of the back wall, using the large orchid and bird's nest fern to hide other unsightly parts of the garden. Soon I will move the roses that are growing along the back wall in the shade (and never really doing well of course) and revamp this paved area to be a bit more useable.

Thanks Kim, I love my new little bit of 'instant' garden.

In the garden this week

This minute creature was found by Kim in the woodpile this week It is a bug of some sort with two babies! If you know what it is please let me know.

Mabe it is one of these - Red Velvet Mite - but it is American

Perhaps it is a Red Spider Mite

They don't seem to be the Red Mite that affects chooks. I have seen those and they are certainly not bright red.