Saturday 3 May 2014

Garden Share Collective May Gardening


Autumn is definitely here, producing lovely sunny days with cooler mornings and evenings.

The perfect climate for growing capsicums.


Sweet Fennel


I have started a new herb garden against a north facing brick wall.
The shredded paper was padding for an object posted to me,
I decided to use it as mulch.  Anything from straw to paper, helps to keep the soil moist
and stop your delicate plants from drying out too quickly.

To the right is a new male kiwifruit plant I finally purchased.
My 3 year old female on the left has been alone for a while
and kiwifruit need male and female plants for pollination.
I will remember to water this one.


Shopping for plants is like going into a jewellery store.
You have to try hard not to get distracted.
Well, not too much anyway.
So I found this really cute cinnamon tree ~ if it lives for just 5 years it will pay for itself.



... and this adorable macadamia tree.


Here are winter tomatoes raised from seed and planted in a northerly position
against a brick wall that retains the heat and give the tomato plants extra warmth.


My Tahitian Lime and Eureka Lemon trees
bursting with glorious citrus fruit.

Our next banana bunch, growing in size and strength.


Blueberry bushes, a Biloxi and a Misty.
They will cross pollinate each other and grow up to 1m in size.
I have potted them into bigger pots as I want them to grow bigger before planting in the ground.


I trust you have enjoyed viewing my garden 
and I will do my best to keep everything watered and alive.
Please have a look at the other Garden Share Collective members gardens this month.

Buon appetito, Enjoy, Merryn.

14 comments:

  1. Wow a cinnamon tree! Will enjoy seeing how this progresses. Your little Macadamia is lovely :-)

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  2. Thanks Kyrstie! Yes I was delighted to get this cinnamon tree it is such a pretty bush. It only says 'does not tolerate frost' on the label which we don't get, so hopefully it will thrive in our subtropical climate. This macadamia was chosen for it's "suitable for coastal climates" label. Cross your fingers, I will remember to water it :D

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  3. Merry you're growing some amazing things. I haven't even thought of a cinnamon tree (not sure the climates right here in nz?) I'm in the process of planting up a small Nuttery and want to try Macadamia nuts with almonds and hazelnuts. As for your fennel I am very impressed! I think mine are all feathery leaf and no bulb. Keep watering and I look forward to seeing your garden next month :-)

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    1. We will see how the cinamon tree grows. You would have a better climate for nuts than me, but the macadamia is self fertile and I know you need two hazelnuts - they love a slightly cooler climate. Have fun with your nuttery Sarah :D

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  4. I've really enjoyed looking around your garden -- so much exotic growth going on there it's really made my day. I'm curious about the cinnamon. Will you be able to use the bark -- like the cinnamon bark sold as a spice? What about other parts of the tree? Could you make tea from the leaves, for example? Gardening is such fun, and even more fun now that I get to visit all the Garden Share Collective plots each month!

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    1. Yes Sue, after two years (with water) apparently you scrape the bark, leave it to dry on the tree overnight then collect the cinnamon bark the next day. It is exciting! I hadn't thought to use the leaves, as it gets bigger, tea would be well worth trying, thank you for the suggestion. I made your lavender extract the other day, so anything is possible. The garden share collective is wonderful, sharing our gardens and ideas 8)

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  5. You always grow the most interesting things! A cinnamon tree no less! :D

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    1. Thank you Lorraine, the arrival of the cinnamon tree is thrilling, let's hope it flourishes :)

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  6. me too - wow, a cinnamon tree!
    great to see what you are able to still grow in the cooler months, i'm envious of it all. i'm especially floored by the banana - what a luxury to have bananas in your own back yard.

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  7. Our climate is wonderful for many things, we are lucky there... We take bananas for granted but I guess they are not compatible to Hobart. Come, take some :-)

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  8. OMG you have the best garden. Those bananas made my eyeballs pop!

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  9. Thanks Maureen, the fruit trees give us so much pleasure :D

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  10. So envious of your cinnamon tree! I do have a little macadamia tree that is suitable for our frosty climate that seems to be flourishing though. I'm letting my garden sleep over winter- I think we both need a break!

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  11. I am so pleased to hear you have a successful macadamia tree growing. That gives me hope. Yes, the little cinnamon tree is a beauty, let's hope it survives winter :D

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