We’re having the most unusual winter here in Sydney.
A couple of weeks ago we were deluged with rain – our garage flooded, our gutters overflowed and all the fish in our little backyard pond died from the sudden change in temperature. We had eleven inches (282mm) last month – the highest Sydney July rainfall since 1950.
A few days later we were in the midst of what appeared to be an early spring, with sunny days in the mid-20s (Celsius). And this combination of rain and sunshine has brought out the most glorious colours in our neighbourhood.
Our street is awash with pink magnolias (below) and camellias (above)…
Our dwarf peach and nectarine trees are covered in gorgeous pink blooms. Last year we harvested just one white peach, but it was memorably delicious…
A third of our garden beds are given over to growing chook food. This benefits both our girls and the garden, as much of what is grown are legumes that improve the soil. These ones grew from spilt grain mix, so we’re not sure what they are, but they’re very pretty…
Lavender was growing well in a neighbouring house…
…flowering kale from the same garden…
Bright red poinsettias can still be seen on the odd plant here and there…
Our rosemary is flowering, with tiny lilac blooms…
And remember my little friend Small Girl? She’s still visiting every few days, and last week I watched as she carefully rearranged her dynamic stone sculpture on the steps…
Hope you all have a lovely weekend – may your gardens and neighbourhoods be filled with colour and friends too!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 