First Harvest of Vege

Yes - the ever reliable radish. I can report that all parts have been used; the leaves went into soup (super thanks, dear Marjie) while the red globes are being munched upon by Mickle.

I was supervised as I pulled the radish plants - and Zebby was also demonstrating his "Sphinx pose", a sign of a happy and warm Zebby Cat.



Only that sunshine was really hot; Wellington got to 21C which is like a full-on Summer's Day here! Zebby's human was wearing a short sleeved T-shirt for the first time since March!



So back inside to the shade, and onto "his" bed to perfect his indoor Sphinx while I made the soup.

I don't think Egyptian Sphinxes had as much ample, fluffy and generous feline tummy, lol!

Springtime progresses ....

There are huge flower heads starting to form on the cabbage trees, said to be a sure sign that we will get a good Summer. The tree in the above picture is on the section of land next to the flats.



I photographed this one on the way up the hill - the flower spikes are younger but will soon be strong.

Beside the bus stop this pelagonium was doing strong, poking though its humans' fence to show such a pretty flower.

Mean while back at the ranch ... two zucchini (courgette) plants finally planted in their big pots, with sugar snap peas in front and a mixed medley of 3 carrots, a small quantity of radishes and small (fingers crossed for results) multi coloured beets. With the oregano from last year in front to encourage them all.

Next up I need to plant 6 "money maker" tomato plants into containers along side my mystery "which summer squash" seedlings - either little golden mini squash (pattypans to UK readers or scallopini to us downunder) or they are the KamoKamo/zuch hybrids like last year. Full on guessing to us all as only one type germinated in my indoor pots, and I can't remember what was in which mini peat-pot.

Have started a new Kamokamo/Zuch hybrid in a wee peat pot as promised one for my neighbours. Have also started new lots of dwarf beans (hoping this 2nd lot germinate) , lebonese style cucumbers plus more sugar snap peas. All are lurking inside in their wee peatpots, ready to germinate, hopefully grow wonderfully on the living room windowsill, and then be planted out.

I confess that I have given up pretty gardening all for growing veggie plants - however the veg are in containers so there is still a chance for a flowering shrub to survive.

And the semi-vertical rest of my garden is well maintained, it just is unlikely to support any obviously edible stuff just now (except grass for Zebby Cat)

Those Brain-Fade Moments!

I just peeled an apple. Did I put the peelings into the scraps container ready to empty into the compost bin? Nope, I put them in the bag full of apples.

Last week I thought I was getting myself a bowl of potato chips (Brit.trans: crisps). I looked down to find I'd poured myself a lovely wee bowl of Zebby's dry cat food!

Then there was the occasion I put the toaster away, with the freshly made toast still in it.......

Zebby's answer to His daft human's actions is to sleep out of sight, well almost:

Springtime is back doing the usual Super Windy Thing

Carrots and and radishes doing the springtime thing is very nice - not so nice were the WomBoks (a chinese cabbage) that bolted madly in September so had to be harvested in October as they were very long and leggy while not happy with the October gale force winds. The long leaves were used in a fried rice stir-fry while the sturdy stems are in the compost bin. I expected plants with way more bunched up leaves like last year. This year's September fooled many here with its warmer than usual temps, then October has cooled a lot and reminded us of more usual Springtime weather patterns

Thankfully the radish attempts and the three carrots have survived sharing a home with those pesky WomBoks that bolted


On the plus side, a springtime dominated by gale force winds from the north does result in many chances to dry the towels and sheets outside



I do love the wonderful natural aroma that cotton sheets and towels dried out in the sun and wind have. It is well worth the battle to get each sheet and towel off the clothesline and into the clothes basket then inside in order to fold each one up in peace, with the opportunity to enjoy the fresh, nature given scent from each piece as I fold it. A scent of wind, and sunshine and of Wellington's clean air.

I admit I am very spoilt to live in a city where the air pollution gets blown away daily by the every day wind gusts, blusters and weather squalls. I've lived here since my 4th birthday. It would take one heck of a lot to convince me to live anywhere else.

And you know that my much loved ZebbyCat lives here with me, I'm not moving anywhere without him, and he wont move to any other place in any way happily, so here we are, Mickle and Zebby in our Happy Home!

During September ....

Yes, I know it is now October, but a bit has happened since my last post.

The Govt here has a scheme to get help get older homes insulated* - they pay 1/3rd of the cost. My wee flat qualified as "older" as it was built before 2000.

Along with underfloor insulation I've had a plastic sheeting placed over the ground in the basement to prevent dampness inside. Before that could be done the basement had to be emptied-



Then the insulation team put in the sheeting and stapled it into the ground, while also pushing the insulation up in between the floor joists.



This insulation is fireproof, and can easily be moved for any work on the wiring or plumbing.



Zebby stayed under his quilt while it all happened, and the first time he stepped outside the front door afterwards he refused to go any further - there were strange things under the clotheline! Eventually Zeb realised the old doors made a handy spot for playing "King of the Castle" and sunbathing.



Once all the junk from the basement had gone (whisked away up the demon steps by some rubbish removers) Zebby's garden was peaceful again with just the daisies for him to contemplate.

Okay - just the one daisy flower for Zebby to contemplate or flatten with a paw!


* there are similar insulation schemes in some Australian States

Kowhai

Springtime is definately here in Wellington. All sorts of trees introduced from the Northern Hemisphere are starting to show their glorious blossoms and blooms, and the fruit trees are so welcome. My local supermarket has a garden section, with plants raised to cope with Wellington's frequent strong wind. A joy to view every springtime in New Zealand is the flowering of the native Kowhai Tree -


This one has been planted in a small garden between the supermarket's garden centre and the ramp for cars to go down to the lower carpark! ( I took this photo while coming up the trolley ramp) Usually I 'm not a fan of golden yellow flowers, but this Kowhai Tree is so beautiful, a spot of golden glory amongst all the grey concrete and urban walls. Inspired planting by the supermarket's owners!

Another One!

Stick Insect that is - this time in the brown colourway. The head is at the top. It is holding the 3rd set of leggies together at the bottom.

Christchurch and the Canterbury area are still receiving many after-shocks - over 120 so far with some measuring as high as 5.1. I just heard on the radio news that the water supply has been thoroughly tested and has just now been given the all clear to drink (folks have had to boil all water for the past few days). The scientific boffins think this particular faultline hadn't moved for 16 thousand years, so you'll understand our suprise at Christchurch being hit!

All is fine at Mickle and Zebbycat's home this evening - I'm blogging and he's snoring.