When I first started writing this update about my winter garden I felt a vague sense of shame about my current lack of connection to parts of my garden. I sat with the discomfort of this feeling and soon realised that the cold weather and less need to water means I’m spending more time inside.
As I reversed the car down our alleyway one particular cold morning after navigating the six point turn required to complete this task, I suggested to my son that this daily challenge was a metaphor for life.
I blame this solemn perspective on cold weather and a lack of Vitamin D. I’ve noticed I’m becoming more introspective and broadly anti-social. I still attend the regular family and networking catch ups that are embedded in my social calendar, but I am much less likely to join impromptu get togethers.
I do not fight it, but I am aware of it.
There’s also a general lack of activity beyond my daily stretches and the odd walk with the dog that inevitably leads to what I’ll refer to as my winter coat.
This extra layer does not aid my self-loving feeling.
As I’ve been dwelling on my inactivity and the rituals that come with this season I’m reminded that this when I hang my washing on clothes racks inside the house, over our central heating vents, rather than the clothesline along the side of the house. I am walking through the garden less because there is not enough direct sunlight to dry the clothes outside.
I’m also feeling disappointed that my plans for Berry Lane did not take shape. One of the correas I planted has died and the dwarf mulberry bush struggled. I’ve cut it back and will need to move it to sunnier position in another part of the garden.
Gentle nudges to do something garden related
We were invited to brunch with my brother-in-law and his family at their home in inner Melbourne. Over the past year, their newly planted native garden has flourished, with a variety of substantial trees, shrubs, and grasses now well established. It’s inspiring to see what they’ve achieved in such a small space. There’s even room for my niece and I to kick the soccer ball to each other, which we did after taking her cat for a walk around the local neighbourhood.
I asked to collect some cuttings from their grevillea, and a few other plants I am yet to identify, to strike in my own garden. Returning home that afternoon I cut back my lavender bush and saved the leaves to dry, and placed many of the stems in water to see if they form roots.
I’ve been wondering where all of this lavender will go if it takes. I’m thinking Berry Lane as the first option, given the berries are on notice, and need to perform next season once I cut them all back. There will also be space once I move the dwarf mulberry bush.
Enjoying the simple life
Cold weather is also an invitation to cook and read, so I’ve been doing both. Most meals are garnished with something from my garden and my smoothies always include mint and lettuce (yes, lettuce) from my garden. Here’s one of my creations with a few home grown support acts - coriander and lettuce. This has been the best year so far for growing coriander. It thrives in my winter garden.
It’s been a while since I’ve shared my book reviews with you, because I’m hand writing my reflections in a reading journal. This is a lovely ritual and one I recommend you try.
Here’s a snapshot of the books I’ve read over the last 3 months.
Weathering by
With love & gratitude,
KPH
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which I live and pay my respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.
Share this post