Saturday 31 May 2014

Winter Garden Delights

June in the Garden

The coolest months are upon us, and as we pass from Autumn to Winter

our gardens magnify to heap before us, all great vegetables that thrive at this time.





Various vegetables to take us through winter.    Lettuces, tomatoes, fennel, capsicum, endive, shallots, leeks, cabbage, broccoli to bok choy and eggplant.



We have protected the new garden beds from the chickens and placed watering systems in most.
Below are some of the more unusual trees I have collected.


The above one is a sour sop, which will shortly lose its leaves for winter.
Below is a Drumstick, or Horseradish tree, let's just say it was a good idea at the time.
Surely I am not the only one who indiscriminately collects unique trees?



On the left is an Anise Myrtle tree which has a gorgeous aniseed flavour.

To the right is my Pandan tree which is thriving and multiplying with pups.
Not watering very much is the secret to success for this Pandan tree.

Underneath is a potted curry tree,  Murraya koenigii
which is a very useful addition to curries and stir fries.

A lemon myrtle tree below, has been growing solidly since being planted in the ground 4 weeks ago.

This peach tree was pruned four weeks ago and it already has beautiful pink peach flowers.


One of these trees is a Valencia orange while the other is a Blood Orange.  
Time will tell which is which, as they were moved last Spring.


This is a post for the Garden Share Collective hosted by Lizzie at Strayed from the Table.
You can see the other members gardens here.
This is also posted on my Facebook page.
Thank you for walking around my garden on the 1st June 2014.
Kind regards, Merryn.

16 comments:

  1. Anise myrtle is on my list of plants I want. I have Cinnamon myrtle which is nice but I want the aniseed one too. Yes, I collect unique plants and trees too.

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    1. Cinnamon myrtle sounds wonderful. Does it have a strong smell/flavour? Do you use it in cooking? Now this, is original :D

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  2. We had a curry tree, but sadly the 46 degree weather finished it off. I might try one in a pot next time rather than straight in the ground. Love the anise myrtle!

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    1. We do not get higher than 32 C and even that is rare. Ours is in a pot with partial sun so yours might do better that way. The curry tree leaves are a staple in my garden. The anise myrtle has the most brilliant aroma. The do curry leaves also freeze well. Thanks for viewing my garden :D

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  3. I love your collection of unique trees Merryn :-) Do you get to keep tomatoes through Winter? Lucky you! Happy gardening.

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  4. Yes Kyrstie we have the most amazing double brick north facing wall that ensures the tomatoes get enough heat so we can pick all winter, just enough for us, for eating :D

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  5. it's amazing to read the exotic stuff you have growing in your back yard! we really are at opposite ends of the spectrum - i cannot fathom growing the stuff you are lucky to try - apart from the peach, but our stone fruit trees are losign their leaves for winter.
    thanks for the envy-trip!!! ;-).

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    1. You grow some gorgeous produce E but yes we are definitely in different climates. Tasmanian apples and stone fruit are THE best. I haven't yet eaten a good apple this year. Fingers crossed these trees survive our mild winter :D

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  6. I have lemon myrtle on my wish list for our new mini woodland but I've now added a few more after reading your post! Have you made tea with the leaves of anise myrtle??

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    1. Not yet Sarah but I will do and let you know how it tastes. The lemon myrtle makes for a brilliant tea and it is such a gorgeous, robust tree. This one lived in a pot for 4 years, quite happily :D

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  7. Another inspiring look into your fantastic garden Merryn! :D

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    1. Thanks Lorraine, there is always something to admire :d

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  8. If I had the space, I'd collect as many interesting trees as you have! One of my favourite trees in a past garden in Canada was a 'contorted hazel'. It grew in cool curls, and looked wonderful in winter against the snow. Must keep an eye out for one of those again.

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    1. Sue I would love a hazel tree, it sounds beautiful with a snow backdrop. All trees are so gorgeous.

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  9. You have some amazing unique trees, i too have some of those thanks to my hippy husband who insists we have them. I would like to get a pandan next though would be good for our steam basket.

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    1. In your climate most trees would prosper. The pandan came from Kyogle and loves heat and no water. I never water it as the last one died from over watering in a pot so it too would love your location :D

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