Chicken a la carte

We now have 12 Isa Brown chooks foraging in the nursery area. As well as producing big brown beautiful eggs, Isa Browns are known for their enthusiasm for devouring snails, slugs, spiders, worms and other creepy crawlies. They are also terrific little diggers and will clean up the weeds from under trees more efficiently than I could possibly manage. Within our chook yard, a persimmon, pomegranate, elderberry and some apples are currently benefiting from the ultimate chook experience: natural weeding, pest reduction and lavish deposits of natural fertiliser. I say “currently” because the chook run is a moveable contraption.

Our “Chicken a la carte” system involves a converted trailer/cage that is moved by a tractor to the desired location.
An electric fence is then erected around an area of approximately 50 square metres and the chooks are released into their new territory. They spend the day digging around the trees and fertilising the area and then in the early evening they are released into the nursery area to clean up snails and other pests.

The “Chicken a la carte” comes with all mod cons: perches, suspended water dispenser, feeding tray and nesting boxes with external access. Fresh hay is laid over the wire mesh floor and manure enhanced mulch is removed at regular intervals. The cage is completely fox proof which provides peace of mind when foxes are active in the area. The electric enclosure stops foxes entering as well as discouraging chooks from leaving. We still have one earnest soul who insists on escaping, despite the shocking experience, and is probably laying eggs in some yet-to-be-discovered hidden nest.
Fortunately they are all industrious little diggers with the added bounty of producing large eggs with rich yellow yolks.
After gorging ourselves on poached eggs, scrambled eggs, omelettes, soufflés, custards and meringues we realised that if we consumed all the eggs the “girls” were producing, we’d end up with dangerous cholesterol levels.
We have now come to a very satisfactory arrangement with a roadside stall at a nearby farm where they sell our eggs and we get a discount on their vegies. A perfect "eggs-ample" of community co-operation.

Millions of Peaches

This blog is a bit post-harvest as “The Peaches” have now finished for the season but I thought it might be interesting to include some photos here and a short item. When the peach trees are in blossom, in early September, the orchard is a picture in pink, although the windy weather and even occasional snow fall that we can get at the same time has a devastating impact on the fragile flowers.
When we bought “The Laurels” 14 years ago it had quite a few peach trees – about 200 in all and most of the peaches ripened during the school holidays (late December/January) so it timed in nicely with when we were all around and able to pick, pack, sell and process.
Since then, the trees have aged (and so have we!) and now there are only a handful of the original peach trees left. We planted another 100 or so varieties to test them for suitability but the soil on the new site was not ideal for peaches and the wildlife (wombats, wallabies and rabbits) took more than a passing interest in the new plantings. Although some of the new peach trees have flourished, others have failed to thrive and some have ultimately perished. One variety that does well is the Fragar. This is a white-fleshed peach that tastes divine, like a Nectarine but with the characteristic fuzzy stubble of a peach.
We have yet to harvest enough of the new varieties to be able to sell them but they are a welcome addition to our annual bottling frenzy.
This year our peach preserves featured Plain Peaches, Peach and Ginger Jam, Peach and Blueberry Jam, Brandied Peaches, Peach Snapps and Peach and Kiwi Chutney. After the peaches were finished, we started processing the plums and then came the blueberries and the grapes and now the apples, kiwi fruit, medlars, persimmons and quinces are waiting in the wings.
We have been germinating seeds and taking cuttings and grafts of some of our successful fruit trees and will be eventually adding them to the nursery catalogue. At the moment there are a number of pots of Calamondin and Cape Gooseberries freshly germinating from seed. Some Apples, Blueberries, Plums, Peaches, Kiwi fruit, Currants and Quinces are coming on nicely but are still too young to sell.
We have had folk asking when the next plant sale will be on, so we are tentatively planning for an Autumn plant sale some time in April. I have propagated some new plants, like Stevia, Arthritis Plant and Mushroom Plant that were not available previously plus the Sages like Bethel, Bog, Pineapple and Fruit Salad are in full flower now and looking very colourful. More on plants to be offered for an Autumn plant sale in the next blog.

Turtle tales

During the recent rain, David was driving back from Yass when he came across a snake-necked turtle crossing the road. David must have a turtle as his totem as he seems to see them when no-one else would even notice them. He stopped to help it across the road and found it had been damaged, presumably by a car, and had a back leg bleeding and a cracked shell. He picked it up carefully (turtles have a nasty habit of excreting the most foul-smelling fluid from their musk glands when they are disturbed) and brought it home for some TLC. Frequent bathings with antiseptic cleaned up the wound and disinfected the shell and a few days later turtle was walking quite briskly on the grass and looking very bright eyed (if not exactly bushy-tailed). David and Phil took him down to the dam and released him in the bushes nearby and he promptly headed for the water. We know there are other turtles in the dam so hopefully he will adjust fairly readily to his new environment.
The turtle experience had me wondering what kind of things snake-necked turtles like to eat, so I trawled the internet and came across some interesting information. Chelodina longicolli, to give them their proper name, are mostly carnivores, and will eat worms, mosquito larvae, fish, snails and red meat. The difference between a turtle and a tortoise is that a tortoise lives on land, and eats vegetation. A snake necked turtle, on the other hand, is mostly a carnivore and will only eat when submerged in the water. You can apparently tell the difference between a male and a female turtle by the length of their tail and the shape of the back of their shell. Males have a longer tail while females are generally bigger. If you are lucky enough to see a few turtles together, it’s handy to know that the collective noun for a group of these aquatic creatures is ‘a bale of turtles’. An even more interesting piece of trivia is the little known fact that some turtles can breathe underwater through their bottoms, especially during hibernation. Fascinating trick. Must remember to mention that at the next dinner party when there's a lull in the conversation!

Frog heaven

After the Herb Sale we had several days of solid rain. Frogs moved into the pond out the front, the bath on the deck (see photo of water lilies in the bath) and in any other puddle they could possibly find. Above the noise of steady rain we could hear the deafening chorus of frogs – at least three distinct frog calls at any time. At night, the noise of frogs was so loud that it was hard to even hear the television above the sounds of frogs in a mating frenzy. The pond was soon covered with frothy film (see photo of frog spawn) so it looks like we’ll be seeing more tadpoles soon. At least the brown snake that lives out the front near the pond should be happy with the new arrivals. One summer we had a red-bellied black snake chase a frog up onto the deck (climbing four steps to get there). The frog took refuge in a gum boot and the snake was lying in wait outside the kitchen door when David went outside. Obviously frogs have a considerable appeal to snakes so we may be seeing more of both species this summer.

Post Plant Sale Comments

The Herb and Plant Sale was a great success, despite the fact that Sunday rained steadily all day. People still arrived in raincoats and umbrellas: some were even repeat customers from the day before!

With the help of family and friends, we sold a lot of plants but there are still more to go. We may have another sale on another weekend but November is looking pretty busy with other commitments at the moment so it may have to wait. I am using this blog site to direct people to a list of plants still available (see Post headed Plant Sale Sat 28th/Sun 29th October 2005) . If you are interested in any purchases, just email us at highlandwayherbfarm@gmail.com.

Plant Sale Sat 29th/Sun 30th October 2005

Two days to go. I have FINALLY composed a full list of plants for sale this weekend. As mentioned in the previous posting, we have multiples of most of these plants but if there is anything in particular that you REALLY want, drop us a line and we will put it aside for you.

David will be giving talks at 12 noon and 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday on the topic "Herbs in the Permaculture Garden". We also have lots of pots of garlic to give away.

Here is the complete list (over 130 plants!) The odd plant may be added before the day but this is the baseline. Wish I could add photos for all these but it would take forever. Contact us if you need any more information. Happy herb gardening!
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ALEXANDERS (Smyrnium olusatrum) The original celery. Bright green perennial with edible leaves, roots & seeds.
ALOE VERA (Aloe vera syn. Aloe barbadensis) Cleopatra's favourite face mask. Relieves bites, burns & rashes.
Glossy ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica) Edible leaves & seeds. Chewing stems relieves car sickness.
ARROWHEAD (Sagittaria sagittifolia) Waterplant with sweet, crisp tubers; high in protein & great in stir-frys.
Jerusalem ARTICHOKE (Helianthus tuberosus) Tubers rich in minerals. Bright yellow flowers in late summer. Useful summer screen hedge.
ASPIDISTRA (Aspidistra elatior) Cast iron plant. Can endure temperatures between 23 to 100 degrees F.
AZOLLA (Azolla sp.) Attractive water fern that produces nitrogen-rich mulch for compost & potting mixes.
BABY'S TEARS (Soleirolia soleirolii) Creates a deep shag pile carpet in shady areas.
River BAMBOO (Bolboschoenus medianus) Water plant with edible tuber. Dense thickets of bamboo-like plants with long, weeping leaves.
BAY LAUREL (Laurus nobilis) Great specimen or pot tree. Leaves placed under a pillow will induce prophetic dreams.
BETONY (Stachys betonica) Stimulates the immune system and tones the nervous system. Protects against nightmares and despair.
Thornless BLACKBERRY (Rubus canadensi) A powerful herb of protection with delicious fruit and no thorns.
BUGLE WEED (Ajuga reptans) Iridescent spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Old hangover remedy.
BUTTERFLY BUSH (Buddleia davidii) Showy flowers attract butterflies, bees & honey-eaters.
CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis) Poor man’s saffron. Tea relieves depression.
CAPE GOOSEBERRY (Physallia peruviana) Tasty berries inside intricately woven papery husks.
CARDAMON (Elettaria cardamomum) A touch of the Orient. Bake fish or chicken in richly aromatic leaves. Frost sensitive.
CATMINT (Nepeta cataria) A cold tolerant variety. Blue flowers. Great edging plant.
CATNIP (Nepeta cataria) Aromatic leaves attract cats. White flowers. Relaxing tea. Leaves can be smoked for mild euphoric effect.
CEDRONELLA (Cedronella canariensis) Bright green leaves with aromatic citrus scent. Repels mosquitoes.
Greater CELANDINE (Chelidonium majus) Caustic orange sap removes warts. Yellow flowers in summer.
Lawn CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile "Treneague") Induces sleep and calms the nerves. Great ground cover in open positions.
CHERRY LAUREL (Prunus laurocerasus) Fire-retardant hedgerow, shelter belt or clipped screen.
Garlic CHIVES (Allium tuberosum) A feature of Chinese cuisine. Seeds used as a tonic to improve kidney function.
Kitchen CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum) Aid digestion. Deter aphids. Attractive purple flowers in Spring.
Onion CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum) Great tonic for the circulatory, digestive, & respiratory systems.
COMFREY (Symphytum officinale) Ideal compost activator or liquid fertiliser. Heals sprains, strains & fractures.
CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) Chinese Parsley. Use in soups, stews, sauces, curries. Aromatic leaves improve digestion. Seed has a lemon flavour & is mildly narcotic.
Land CRESS (Barbarea vulgaris) Hot, spicy flavour. Rich in Vitamin C. Useful winter salad plant.
CURRY PLANT (Helichrysum angustifolium). Strongly aromatic leaves. Add to dishes for mild curry flavour.
African DAISY (Osteospermum fruticosum) Purple daisy flowers attract pollinators. Good ground cover - trailing habit. Drought-tolerant.
Grey-leaf DAISY (Argyranthemum foeniculaceum) Delicate white daisy flowers over a long period. Flowers attract pollinators. Frost hardy.
Sea-side DAISY (Erigeron sp.) Dense clusters of miniature daisies attract predators. Always flowering. Drought tolerant. Frost hardy.
Shasta DAISY (Leucanthemum maximum) White daisy flowers as large as a saucer in summer. Attracts predators. Great cut flower.
Yellow DAISY (Euryops pectinatus) Yellow daisy flowers over a long period. Attracts predators.
DOGBANE (Coleus cannis) Fleshy leaves with a distinctive aroma, said to repel dogs (& some people!) Spikes of lavender-like flowers in autumn. Frost sensitive.
Giant EVENING PRIMROSE (Oenothera biennis) Heavily-perfumed summer flowers open at dusk. Flowers are edible. Seed oil used to treat PMT & arthritis.
FENNEL (Foeniculum sp.) Great for salad dressings. Fennel tea reduces flatulence & restores damaged liver cells.
FEVERFEW (Chrysanthemum parthenium) Miniature daisy flowers. Leaves relieve migraines. Flowers can be brewed for a pyrethrum-type insecticide.
FIVE HERB PLANT (Coleus amboinicus) Cuban oregano. Strongly aromatic leaves taste great with cheese. Fresh leaves reduce inflammation & relieve headaches, sores & insect bites. Frost sensitive.
FRENCH SORREL (Rumex acetosa) Lemon flavoured leaves add a tangy taste to salads. Tea relieves sore throats, kidney & liver problems.
Chinese GARLIC (Allium sp.) A softneck Chinese variety of garlic. Softnecks are good keepers & easy to braid.
Kitchen GARLIC (Allium sativum) Add to cooking. Plant under fruit trees to increase soil fertility & repel pests.
Onion GARLIC (Allium sativum) Similar properties to Kitchen Garlic but has a stronger onion flavour.
Purple striped GARLIC (Allium sativum). A Chinese hardneck variety with a single, large clove. More flavorful & gourmet tasting than softnecks.
Russian GARLIC (Allium ampeloprasum) Also known as Elephant Garlic. A type of leek with huge cloves & a milder flavour than true garlic.
Society GARLIC (Tulbaghia violaceae) Milder flavour than kitchen garlic. Delicate pink flowers over a long period of time.
Oak leaf GERANIUM (Pelargonium quercifolium) Balsam scented leaves & violet flowers in summer. Great vegie companion.
Isabella GRAPE (Vitis labrusca) A thicker skin than a dessert grape, smaller in size & slightly tart. High glucose content.
GROUND CHESTNUT (Bunium bulbocastanum) Leaves can be used like parsley. Flowers, seeds & tuber are edible. Attractive fern-like leaves.
HEARTSEASE (Viola tricolour) Toss flowers in salads. Use as a gargle & blood purifier in the treatment of colds.
HIGHLAND HIBISCUS (Anisodontea capensis) A cold-hardy mallow with miniature pink hibiscus-like flowers. Attracts predators. Minor source of pollen for bees.
HYPERICUM (St Johns Wort) (Hypericum perforatum) Multiple medicinal uses including treatment of depression. Bright yellow flowers. Plant with caution.
Star JASMINE (Jasminum officinale) White flowers in Spring. Intensive aromatic scent, especially at night. Massage oil used to treat depression & tension.
LAMBS EARS (Stachys byzantina) Soft, grey, velvety leaves & bright purple flowers in summer. Has been used as an astringent & an emergency dressing to bandage wounds.
English LAVENDER (Lavendula angustifolia) Classic cottage garden herb. Summer flowers attract bees. Leaves soothe insect bites & flower tea has a calming effect
French LAVENDER (Lavandula dentata) Spikes of lilac blooms attract bees. Flowers for most of the year.
LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) Leaves make a refreshing, sedative, lemon-flavoured tea. Use in fruit salads, vinegars etc.
LEMON VERBENA (Aloysia triphylla syn. Lippia citriodora) Exotic lemon-smelling leaves. Tea is mildly sedative, & used to treat nervous insomnia, flatulence & fevers.
Green Mignonette LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa) Cut-and-come-again salad green with bright green leaves. Great in tossed salads.
Chinese Day LILY (Hemerocalis) Young shoots & flower buds can be steamed or stir-fried. Bright orange summer flowers.
Pineapple LILY Large spikes of summer flowers. Bulbs used in S.Africa as a poultice treatment for rheumatism.
MARIONBERRY (Rubus sp.) A cross between the Chehalem and Olallieberry blackberries. Ripens before Christmas. Thorny canes protect small birds.
Sweet MARJORAM (Origanum marjorana) Aromatic herb popular in Greek & Italian cooking. Used to relieve tension headaches & insomnia.
Apple MINT (Mentha suaveolens) Soft apple green leaves. Relatively frost hardy. Smells of green apples.
Apple Snow MINT (Mentha suaveolens 'variegata') A variegation of Apple Mint with creamy edges. Also relatively frost hardy.
Asian MINT (Polygonum odoratum) Vietnamese Mint/Chinese Coriander. Green/black variegated leaves with the hot, spicy taste of coriander, curry & lemon.
Chocolate MINT (Mentha sp.) Mint with a hint of chocolate. Delicious after-dinner tea or dip leaves in chocolate for dessert.
Curly MINT (Mentha spicata var. crispata) Curly leaves with crinkly edges. Reasonably frost hardy.
Eau-de-cologne MINT (Mentha x piperita 'citrata') Purple stemmed leaves with the glorious scent of eau-de-cologne. Great added to the bath.
Ginger MINT (Mentha X Gentilis) Attractive mint with vigorous habit & spicy overtones. Add sparingly when cooking.
Kitchen MINT (Mentha sp.) Large leaves & a strong mint flavour. Common culinary mint. Add to salad dressings or cooking.
Native MINT (Mentha sp.) Strongly aromatic leaves, reminiscent of pennyroyal. Repels ants & flies. Frost hardy.
PepperMINT (Mentha piperita) Refreshing taste of peppermint. Makes delicious iced drink or after dinner tea. Mild anesthetic action.
SpearMINT (Mentha spicata) Cleansing taste of peppermint. Great culinary mint. Adds contrast to spicy dishes.
MIRROR PLANT (Coprosma repens) Looking Glass Plant. Fire retardant, suitable for hedges or windbreaks. Eaten by poultry & used as a stock feed.
Miniature MONDO GRASS (Ophiopogan japonicus 'Nana') Great for edges or ground cover. Lilac flowers followed by blue-black berries. Very hardy.
NATIVE DAPHNE (Pittosporum undulatum) Intensely fragrant, creamy-white flowers in spring/summer attract bees. Orange berries attract birds. Fire retardant. Good decoy plant.
OREGANO (Origanum vulgare) Savoury herb with peppery flavour. Popular in Greek/Italian cooking. Tea soothes coughs & headaches. Great ground cover; suppresses weeds.
Golden OREGANO (Origanum vulgare 'Aureum') Glorious golden leaves, with the delicious aromatic scent of marjoram. Delicate pink flowers in mid summer.
OYSTER PLANT (Acanthus mollis) Bear's Breeches. Dramatic planting for damp, shady sites. Roots used medicinally to treat dislocated joints & burns.
Curly-leaved PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum) Use as a garnish, add to soups. Rich in iron, beta carotene & vitamins B1, B2 & C. Natural anti-histamine. Companion plant for roses & tomatoes.
Italian PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum var. neopolitanum) Stronger growing plant than the common parsley. Similar properties.
PENNYROYAL (Mentha pulegium) Pungent, aromatic herb. Leaves rubbed on pets will repel ticks, ants & fleas. Great ground cover for damp places.
Variegated PERIWINKLE (Vinca major) Sorcerer's Violet. Attractive ground cover with violet flowers in early spring. Leaves reduce nose bleeds. Flower is a laxative.
PERSIAN STRAWBERRY TREE (Cornus capitata) Small evergreen tree. Fire retardant properties. Edible (but seedy) fruit suitable for preserves. Great decoy plant.
POTATO VINE (Solanum jasminoide) Fast growing climber with delicate star shaped flowers in spring & summer. Possible therapeutic source of solasadine.
PYRETHRUM (Tanacetum cinerarifolium) Companion plant with insecticidal qualities. Make an insect-repellent dust by drying the white daisy flowers.
Thornless RASPBERRY (Serpell's Willamette) Thornless bush with medium sized red raspberries with a "cooked" raspberry flavour. Early variety: great in jams.
Garden RHUBARB (Rheum officinale) Cook red stems for a delicious dessert. Try adding some angelica & less sugar.
RIVER BAMBOO (Bolboschoenus medianus) Attractive background water plant with dense thickets of bamboo-like plants with long, weeping leaves. Tubers edible when young.
Salad ROCKET (Eruca sativa) Bright green leaves with a mustard-like taste. Add to salads or use as garnish.
Pink Climbing Thornless ROSE (Rosa sp.) Origin unknown. Vigorous grower with glorious pink flowers most of summer.
Bush ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) Great for cooking. Leaves help preserve food. Distilled flower water makes a soothing eye wash.
RUE (Ruta graveolens) Herb of grace. Dried leaf is an effective insecticide, used to deter caterpillars. Leonardo da Vinci & Michelangelo used rue as a leaf wash to treat tired eyes
Bethel SAGE (Salvia involucrata 'Bethelli') Fast growing salvia with tubular pink flowers in summer & autumn. Flowers are edible. Birds love it.
Bog SAGE (Salvia uliginosa) Electric blue flower spikes on long stems in spring & summer. Tolerates part shade & a slightly damp position.
JERUSALEM SAGE (Phlomis fruticosa) Wrinkled sage green woolly leaves. Very unusual pink/yellow flowers in whorls. Very hardy.
Kitchen SAGE ( Salvia officinalis) Use in cooking to aid digestion of fatty meals. Toss flowers in salads. Sage tea is an antiseptic, nerve & blood tonic.
Pineapple SAGE (Salvia elegans) Edible red flowers in spring & autumn attract honeyeaters & bees. Pleasant addition to herbal tea.
SALAD BURNET (Sanguisorba minor) Evergreen salad herb with a cucumber flavour. Add young leaves to salads. Leaf tea is a tonic & mild diuretic & reduces tooth decay.
Green SANTOLINA (Santolina chamaecyparissus 'virens' ) Tolerates more water than grey Santolina. Tiny, creamy, chartreuse colored flowers in mid-late summer.
Grey SANTOLINA (Santolina chamaecyparissus) Cotton Lavender. Attractive low hedge. Sprigs deter moths. Leaf & flower wash heals ringworms & skin scabs.
SELF HEAL (Prunella vulgaris) Woundwort/All-heal. Tough attractive ground cover with spikes of purple flowers in spring. Can be mown as a herbal lawn. Useful gargle for sore throats.
SMALLAGE (Apium graveolens sp. Secalinum Group) Old variety of celery. Use leaves like parsley to flavour soups & stews. Tea induces sleep.
SOAPWORT (Saponaria officinalis) Rhizome, stem & leaves contain saponins which act as water softeners. Clove-scented blush pink flowers over summer & autumn
SOUTHERNWOOD (Artemisia abrotanum) Lad's Love. Useful companion plant. Leaf is added to baths & poultices to treat skin conditions; leaves added to herb pillows to ease insomnia.
White Alpine STRAWBERRY (Fragaria vesca var. semperflorens) Sweet, small white berries appear in late October. Great for snacking, fruit salads. Ignored by birds and chooks.
Fernleaf TANSY (Tanacetum vulgare 'Crispum') Miniature form of tansy, with lime green aromatic leaves with a ferny appearance. Not as invasive as standard tansy.
French TARRAGON (Artemisia dracunculus) Popular in cooking. Great in salad dressing. Aids digestion. Chewed leaf stops hiccups.
Mexican TARRAGON (Tagetes lucida) Leaves have a strong sweet aniseed flavour. Smoked by Aztec peoples of Mexico: mild hallucinogenic effects.
Russian TARRAGON (Artemisia dracunculus) Very hardy. Flavour improves the longer it grows in the one place. Agreeable tonic tea.
Lemon-scented THYME (Thymus X citriodorus) Leaves have a fresh lemon fragrance. Pleasant tea with antiseptic properties.
Pizza THYME (Thymus nummularius) Spicy addition to Italian style dishes. Great rockery plant. Combine with sage & plantain to treat sore throats.
White THYME (Thymus sp.) Dense clumps of pale green leaves & white flowers in summer.
Wild THYME (Thymus vulgaris) An essential ingredient of French cuisine. Improves digestion; controls coughs.
Heart TOMATO. A variety grown in the Tallong area over many years. Large, beefy tomato with excellent flavour.
Italian TOMATO. A commercially sourced seed that produces tomatoes with a delicious flavour, great for sauces.
Moneyspinner TOMATO. Seeds brought from Scotland to Robertson after WWII. Relatively cold hardy. Reasonable size, lots of juice.
Norman Reeves TOMATO. A tomato from the Gloucester area. Large, fleshy tomato. Relatively cold-hardy.
San Marzano TOMATO. A variety grown in the Tallong area over many years. Relatively frost hardy variety. Produced fruit in unheated glasshouse over winter.
Sun TOMATO. A variety grown in the Tallong area over many years.
TUPPENCE (Lysimachia nummularia) Creeping Jenny/Moneywort. Great ground cover. Tiny golden-coin flowers in summer. Bruised leaves treat wounds.
VERONICA SPICATA (Blue) Tall spikes of deep blue flowers in summer. Flowers attract butterflies & bees.
VIOLET (Viola odorata) Large leaves & glorious deep purple scented flowers in late winter/early spring. Tea relieves coughs & headaches.
White VIOLET (Viola sp.) Dainty white flowers with an inner mauve blush in late winter/early spring. Add petals to salads; crystallise for decoration.
Wood VIOLET (Viola sp.) Dark green/purple leaves & lavender blue flowers in late winter/early spring. Naturalises well under shrubs etc.
WARRIGAL CREENS (Tetragonia tetragoniodes) New Zealand spinach. Edible dark green leaves & tiny yellow flowers in summer. Great ground cover for an open area.
Crested WATTLE/Cape WATTLE (Albizia lophantha) Australian native. Germinates readily. Great pioneer tree. Legume. Short-lived.
Tortured WILLOW (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’) Less invasive than other willows. Suitable for damp areas. Winter branches used in floristry.
Roman WORMWOOD (Artemisia pontica) Fern like silvery green leaves. Steep a sprig in wine for a mild digestive.
Shrub WORMWOOD (Artemisia absinthium) Attractive silvery-grey foliage. Used in the French liqueur "Absinthe". Leaf used as a digestive tonic. Scatter in chook houses to repel insects.
Tree WORMWOOD (Artemisia arborescens) Tall shrub with silvery-grey leaves & yellow flowers in spring. Cottage garden background planting. Repels flies.
Mauve YARROW (Achillea millefolium) Great companion plant & compost activator. Accumulates copper, nitrates & phosphates. Crush leaves to stem light bleeding.
White YARROW (Achillea millefolium) Great companion plant & compost activator. Accumulates copper, nitrates & phosphates. Crush leaves to stem light bleeding.

Plant Sale List

I have been threatening to post a list of plants that will be on sale this weekend. The delay has been in trying to condense all the information I have collated over the years into a few short pithy sentences. As an interim measure, I am posting a straight list of the plants, without botanical names or comments. I will replace this post with a full list of plants and uses within the next day or two. There are multiples of most plants for sale but as we aim for diversity rather than production line some, such as the thornless blackberry, may only be represented by the one plant. If you see something you particularly want, email us or add a comment to this blog page and I can put it aside for you. So here goes (drum roll!!) with the list………

Editors note: I have deleted this list as a full list is now available on the latest post.

Flat out like a lizard drinking

We spent the weekend working practically dawn to dusk trying to prepare for the Plant Sale day. We (mostly David) tidied up the yard, organised stands for herbs, and a bath for the water plants, cleared fallen tree branches and trimmed some low hanging limbs. Exhausting work but the area where the plants will be assembled is looking much more presentable. We have also decided to can the idea of a “Halloween Herb sale” and to go with the concept of a Plant Sale of culinary and medicinal herbs and practical plants. David will give talks at 12 noon and 2pm on the topic “Herbs in the Permaculture garden”.

Tidying up on the weekend, I was wondering why we had not found more snails with all the rain we have been getting and then I discovered why. A bluetongue lizard (see photo) has taken up residence in the nursery and has been gorging himself (or herself) on all the snails around the big pots. I had thought that birds (butcher birds, kookaburras) might have been responsible for the snail control as SOMEONE has been taking chunks out of the potted lettuce in the shade house. On second thoughts, I think the bower birds might have something to do with that. I was hoping that putting a bird bath out for them might have distracted them from sampling the salad herbs but I should have known better. They have developed a taste for lettuce, endive, rocket and cress.

We also have a resident brown snack at the front of the house and a huge red-bellied black snake next to the blueberries behind the laurels so the bluetongue is in good company. We may have to put up signs at the Plant Sale warning folk not to stray from the grassed area. They may get to see more than they bargained for!

Still working on the plant list and hope to post it on this blog in a day or two.