First official blog post is done and dusted :)
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/
Not entirely sure where I’m going with this or who the target audience is, but I wanted to well and truly have it underway when we start house building and popping out kids, so here goes.
Nice to finally have Mr Bon interested in the garden :)
Good start to your blog Bon, I like it!
orchid40 said:
Good start to your blog Bon, I like it!
Thanks O40 :)
And thanks BG for being my first follower :):)
And I think that comment is from someone here too – PM? I can’t remember all your real names :D
Yes, if only I could work my way around how to comment on it…
3 tomatoes short, hey? I thought it was a gruesome episode, but loved that 3 tomatoes quote which has been going through my head all week…one of the more original descriptions, methinks…
congratulations on the vegetable garden: just getting in and having a go is the way to do it…you can always recycle the “failures”…
bon008 said:
orchid40 said:
Good start to your blog Bon, I like it!
Thanks O40 :)
And thanks BG for being my first follower :):)
And I think that comment is from someone here too – PM? I can’t remember all your real names :D
you’re welcome :)
I have posted a comment now too. couldn’t work out how at first. I think the other one was PM.
bon008 said:
orchid40 said:
Good start to your blog Bon, I like it!
Thanks O40 :)
And thanks BG for being my first follower :):)
And I think that comment is from someone here too – PM? I can’t remember all your real names :D
I reckon that Comment came from me too eh but?
Dinetta said:
Yes, if only I could work my way around how to comment on it…
3 tomatoes short, hey? I thought it was a gruesome episode, but loved that 3 tomatoes quote which has been going through my head all week…one of the more original descriptions, methinks…congratulations on the vegetable garden: just getting in and having a go is the way to do it…you can always recycle the “failures”…
Thanks Dinetta :)
Normally I can’t watch gory movies etc, but with Midsomer Murders I just love the bizarre murders they keep coming up with :D
bon008 said:
Normally I can’t watch gory movies etc, but with Midsomer Murders I just love the bizarre murders they keep coming up with :D
Very British….I once spent a happy hour reading the Midsomer Murders website…nearly as good as the episodes…
tonight’s episode had a lovely twist but gee it got complicated in the last stages…
Dinetta said:
bon008 said:Normally I can’t watch gory movies etc, but with Midsomer Murders I just love the bizarre murders they keep coming up with :D
Very British….I once spent a happy hour reading the Midsomer Murders website…nearly as good as the episodes…
tonight’s episode had a lovely twist but gee it got complicated in the last stages…
Oooh, don’t say anything else, it’s only just started over here in Perth :D
Sorry, I was just refreshing the browser when I remembered the time difference….
Nup, you can do the hard yards and work it out for yourself…but listen up and don’t blink, it’s that tight…
Dinetta said:
Sorry, I was just refreshing the browser when I remembered the time difference….Nup, you can do the hard yards and work it out for yourself…but listen up and don’t blink, it’s that tight…
Better put the laptop down and concentrate then!
:) good O Bon.
did you buy those rainwater tank beds new?bon008 said:
Dinetta said:
Yes, if only I could work my way around how to comment on it…
3 tomatoes short, hey? I thought it was a gruesome episode, but loved that 3 tomatoes quote which has been going through my head all week…one of the more original descriptions, methinks…congratulations on the vegetable garden: just getting in and having a go is the way to do it…you can always recycle the “failures”…
Thanks Dinetta :)
Normally I can’t watch gory movies etc, but with Midsomer Murders I just love the bizarre murders they keep coming up with :D
I’m a Midsomer fan too. I luv the seeing the gardens and outdoors. Just as BG’s photos portray it.
Oh cool blog Bon :D I will follow with interest.
Dinetta said:
Sorry, I was just refreshing the browser when I remembered the time difference….Nup, you can do the hard yards and work it out for yourself…but listen up and don’t blink, it’s that tight…
Well, I missed the big twist, and most of the plot.. I fell asleep on the couch :D I wish Midsomer wasn’t on so late!!
roughbarked said:
:) good O Bon. did you buy those rainwater tank beds new?
Yep, from a local WA place. An embarrassing number of months ago grin
The company once rung me up and asked if they could come and take some photos of the beds.. I had to say, “erm… They’re sort of… filled with weeds and surrounded with weeds!” :D
bon008 said:
Dinetta said:
Sorry, I was just refreshing the browser when I remembered the time difference….Nup, you can do the hard yards and work it out for yourself…but listen up and don’t blink, it’s that tight…
Well, I missed the big twist, and most of the plot.. I fell asleep on the couch :D I wish Midsomer wasn’t on so late!!
yeah .. I did the same :( I hate missing that show.
Anyone see the documentary on the way the music is made?
roughbarked said:
Anyone see the documentary on the way the music is made?
No.. sounds interesting though!
bon008 said:
roughbarked said:Anyone see the documentary on the way the music is made?
No.. sounds interesting though!
The theme music is played on an instrument called a Theremin. It is an electronic instrument, and playing it doesn’t involve any contact. The player puts their hands between two antennas, and moving one hand controls the pitch, the other controls the volume.
roughbarked said:
bon008 said:
roughbarked said:Anyone see the documentary on the way the music is made?
No.. sounds interesting though!
The theme music is played on an instrument called a Theremin. It is an electronic instrument, and playing it doesn’t involve any contact. The player puts their hands between two antennas, and moving one hand controls the pitch, the other controls the volume.
Oh, I’ve always wanted to try out a theremin. Music and my brain just don’t work together, but I figure a theremin would be a bit more intuitive..
I left a comment:) Very eggcited about seeing your garden Bon:)
Lucky1 said:
I left a comment:) Very eggcited about seeing your garden Bon:)
Thanks Lucky :)
Ah I have to become a registered blogger to comment.. another thing to remember..
roughbarked said:
Ah I have to become a registered blogger to comment.. another thing to remember..
Shouldn’t have to – I remember checking a box to allow anonymous comments. Or you can use the “name/URL” option..
bon008 said:
Lucky1 said:
I left a comment:) Very eggcited about seeing your garden Bon:)
Thanks Lucky :)
Your most welcome. Photos are great way of showing a garden off….. I’m just so pleased to be able to read about your gardening adventures. Those raised beds are very cool. My local poultry suppler sells them as well.
bon008 said:
roughbarked said:
Ah I have to become a registered blogger to comment.. another thing to remember..
Shouldn’t have to – I remember checking a box to allow anonymous comments. Or you can use the “name/URL” option..
I’m not a blogger but could use my google registration
I commented to I am SubTropical Happiness.
kimmysmum said:
I commented to I am SubTropical Happiness.
I wondered if that was you :) Thanks kimmysmum! I have added you to my following list, your blog looks really interesting :)
bon008 said:
Well, I missed the big twist, and most of the plot.. I fell asleep on the couch :D I wish Midsomer wasn’t on so late!!
It starts at 20:30 here…
roughbarked said:
yeah .. I did the same :( I hate missing that show.
Anyone see the documentary on the way the music is made?
No but I wish I had…
Another post up – my precious little vegies are being attacked by slaters.
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/09/vegies-under-attack.html
I’ve put out a beer trap and the bon008-version of scrunched up newspaper – vegemite inside squashed toilet rolls.
Please comment on the blog or reply here if you have other ideas on what to do about the slaters :)
A few adventures in the garden today…
bon008 said:
A few adventures in the garden today…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/10/reticulation-misadventures.html
Irrigation suppliers for all the bit and bobs..
Bunnings is where you buy cheao Chinese copies.
Forks always make more than one hole.
bon008 said:
bon008 said:
A few adventures in the garden today…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/10/reticulation-misadventures.html
Oh, I just copied and pasted…and I left a comment…these things take such a long time to resolve…exploding shower heads? Now there’s a story…
Morning Bon & Others.
I try and stay out of areas in Bunnings that don’t have live vegie plants in or seed displays…LOL
Great yarn…..I mean rant…feel better for it now???
attagirl – give that citrus heaps – they love it.
your activated zeolite is something i will get next time i’m in the organic store at Virginia.
A good read Bon! Hope you get your retic fixed :)
Dinetta said:
bon008 said:
bon008 said:
A few adventures in the garden today…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/10/reticulation-misadventures.html
Oh, I just copied and pasted…and I left a comment…these things take such a long time to resolve…exploding shower heads? Now there’s a story…
Oh geez, don’t get me started on that one.. :D We’ve still got the ancient high-flow low-pressure showerhead the shower had when we moved in, and we’ve decided to just keep using that until we knock the house down. I don’t feel too bad about the amount of water that it uses since that water goes straight out to the fruit trees via the greywater system. That and the fact that we’re filthy hippies, and don’t shower every day :D
Lucky1 said:
Morning Bon & Others.I try and stay out of areas in Bunnings that don’t have live vegie plants in or seed displays…LOL
Great yarn…..I mean rant…feel better for it now???
Yes thanks Lucky :):)
The upside is, whenever we go into the retic aisle at Bunnings, it is always full of people looking confused and bewildered, just like us! Mr Bon said when he went back the second time, the rest of the store was empty but the retic aisle was packed :P
There is a retic store not far away, but it’s not open on Sundays and Sunday is usually our gardening day.
Hey Bon,
any Irrgation Places near you, best to try them out.
Some of these low-flow showerheads mean a shower takes longer than with the fast-flows…it takes forever to wash the soap off…
You’re lucky it goes straight on to the fruit trees…
pepe said:
attagirl – give that citrus heaps – they love it.
your activated zeolite is something i will get next time i’m in the organic store at Virginia.
Thanks pepe :)
Most of these products I found out about through local gardening workshops.. as things that have worked well in Perth’s particular conditions. The blood & bone & potash & sheep manure & chicken manure was on GA once, when Pete was feeding up a citrus tree, and I watched that segment maybe ten times until I finally memorised what he was doing :D
veg gardener said:
Hey Bon,
any Irrgation Places near you, best to try them out.
There are VG, but not open on Sundays :( If I’m lucky Mr Bon will go today.. he works from home on Mondays so can pop out during his lunch break.
bon008 said:
veg gardener said:
Hey Bon,
any Irrgation Places near you, best to try them out.
There are VG, but not open on Sundays :( If I’m lucky Mr Bon will go today.. he works from home on Mondays so can pop out during his lunch break.
Yeah there the Best to try we have a roll of every pipe that is on the place and all fittings in the shed incase someone puts a hole in the pipe.
Dinetta said:
Some of these low-flow showerheads mean a shower takes longer than with the fast-flows…it takes forever to wash the soap off…You’re lucky it goes straight on to the fruit trees…
hehe, ours is the worse of both worlds I’m afraid!! It uses lots of water, but the water comes out soooooooo gently, that it takes forever to rinse your hair out etc. For the short time before the (first) low-flow one exploded, I was loving it. However with only the two of us, the greywater isn’t enough to get the citrus through summer, so if we did have a low-flow one we’d have to give the citrus extra fresh water.. so I don’t feel too bad about having a slightly longer shower :)
veg gardener said:
bon008 said:
veg gardener said:
Hey Bon,
any Irrgation Places near you, best to try them out.
There are VG, but not open on Sundays :( If I’m lucky Mr Bon will go today.. he works from home on Mondays so can pop out during his lunch break.
Yeah there the Best to try we have a roll of every pipe that is on the place and all fittings in the shed incase someone puts a hole in the pipe.
Once we get this one-inch pipe, I think we’l have spares of everything too :) However our laundry is so small and disorganised that I don’t want tooo many spares.
Geez I’d better stop filling up the left-hand side soon!!
bon008 said:
veg gardener said:
bon008 said:There are VG, but not open on Sundays :( If I’m lucky Mr Bon will go today.. he works from home on Mondays so can pop out during his lunch break.
Yeah there the Best to try we have a roll of every pipe that is on the place and all fittings in the shed incase someone puts a hole in the pipe.
Once we get this one-inch pipe, I think we’l have spares of everything too :) However our laundry is so small and disorganised that I don’t want tooo many spares.
Geez I’d better stop filling up the left-hand side soon!!
lol, theres that much Fencing wire here we could do all the fences again.
Finally reached the end of the retic saga this week:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/10/success-at-last.html
Trying to get into the habit of doing blog posts more often – otherwise the weekend posts tend to be a bit long – sorry!
Bed time now.. waves
Baby ‘marties and a baby mantis at Bon’s place today :)
Kill the slaters, end their culture. Kill the slaters, end their culture…
When that got a little boring, I came up with a ditty of my own, but I can’t remember the exact words now. 10 points for anyone who can pick the “kill the slaters” reference, by the way.
————————-
hehehehe – beaut blog bon.
for my ten points – i need a clue – is it a science fiction/fantasy type book reference????
pepe said:
Kill the slaters, end their culture. Kill the slaters, end their culture…When that got a little boring, I came up with a ditty of my own, but I can’t remember the exact words now. 10 points for anyone who can pick the “kill the slaters” reference, by the way.
————————-
hehehehe – beaut blog bon.for my ten points – i need a clue – is it a science fiction/fantasy type book reference????
It’s from a TV show. Sci Fi comedy :) (pretty recent and not all that popular, so good luck!! :))
Mr Bon knows what the answer is, so I was hoping it might motivate him to commend.. :)
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight…Beans! :)
Lovely bean you have there, reminds me that I must put some in today.
The mushroom was impressive as well, the one and only time I tried a mushroom box resulted exactly the same. I wasn’t game to eat the mutant mushroom, are you going to try yours?
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/
Beans! :)
Have you tried the lemonade recipe that makes a bubbly lemonade drink? If you have too many lemons and want the recipe I can pass it on. Just say so in this thread. I have started picking beans here too. Like you, I was amazed how fast they went from 2cm to 15cm. Prolific as well.
shell bell said:
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight…Beans! :)
Lovely bean you have there, reminds me that I must put some in today.
The mushroom was impressive as well, the one and only time I tried a mushroom box resulted exactly the same. I wasn’t game to eat the mutant mushroom, are you going to try yours?
We have done the mushie box thing twice here. Neither time was the economical success I had imagined. Don’t think we will try again.
shell bell said:
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight…Beans! :)
Lovely bean you have there, reminds me that I must put some in today.
The mushroom was impressive as well, the one and only time I tried a mushroom box resulted exactly the same. I wasn’t game to eat the mutant mushroom, are you going to try yours?
hehehe :)
We’ve had stacks of mushroom boxes over the years, and this is the first time it’s happened to us! Although this was the first Portabello box we’ve had in ages. Hubby cooked the mushroom up, baked in the oven in a mustard sauce, it was delicious :) He cooked up a shitake mushroom sauce to go with our steak that night too, to try to get me over my fear of “weird” mushrooms. It didn’t work.. poor hubby :)
There are now a couple of mushrooms coming through in the box’s second flush.. hopefully more than one will make it this time :D
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/
Beans! :)
Have you tried the lemonade recipe that makes a bubbly lemonade drink? If you have too many lemons and want the recipe I can pass it on. Just say so in this thread. I have started picking beans here too. Like you, I was amazed how fast they went from 2cm to 15cm. Prolific as well.
Not yet, although I remember seeing a lemonade recipe on this forum once and thinking I really must try that. I might have it saved somewhere, I’ll try to remember to have a look tonight.
Still heaps of lemons, but we’re all out of jars and bottles now!
pomolo said:
shell bell said:
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight…Beans! :)
Lovely bean you have there, reminds me that I must put some in today.
The mushroom was impressive as well, the one and only time I tried a mushroom box resulted exactly the same. I wasn’t game to eat the mutant mushroom, are you going to try yours?
We have done the mushie box thing twice here. Neither time was the economical success I had imagined. Don’t think we will try again.
We normally get three good flushes from our boxes, although it varies – they don’t work so well when it’s too hot or too cold. I’m not sure if the economics work out, but I find it really fun and we do get the box of yummy compost for the garden..
bon008 said:
shell bell said:
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight…Beans! :)
Lovely bean you have there, reminds me that I must put some in today.
The mushroom was impressive as well, the one and only time I tried a mushroom box resulted exactly the same. I wasn’t game to eat the mutant mushroom, are you going to try yours?
hehehe :)
We’ve had stacks of mushroom boxes over the years, and this is the first time it’s happened to us! Although this was the first Portabello box we’ve had in ages. Hubby cooked the mushroom up, baked in the oven in a mustard sauce, it was delicious :) He cooked up a shitake mushroom sauce to go with our steak that night too, to try to get me over my fear of “weird” mushrooms. It didn’t work.. poor hubby :)
There are now a couple of mushrooms coming through in the box’s second flush.. hopefully more than one will make it this time :D
Morning Bon…as just telling my SIL about your mushrooms and he said they had the same prob with a portobello box from Bunnings. They nromally buy their kits from Flower Power (and usually just ordinary mushrooms)
AnneS said:
Morning Bon…as just telling my SIL about your mushrooms and he said they had the same prob with a portobello box from Bunnings. They nromally buy their kits from Flower Power (and usually just ordinary mushrooms)
Ooh, thanks Anne! We’ve always had success with the normal mushies, so we might stick to them from now on :)
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight… http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/ Beans! :)
beaut bean bon.
you won’t have problems consuming beans – put them in every meal.
your preserved lemons look good.
pepe said:
bon008 said:
Exciting development in our patch tonight… http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/ Beans! :)beaut bean bon.
you won’t have problems consuming beans – put them in every meal.
your preserved lemons look good.
Thanks pepe :) So far it looks like the total harvest will be 8-10 beans, but we’ll see. I reckon I’ll end up eating them all raw!
Some interesting insect finds in my vegie bed this evening:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/11/biodiversity-ftw.html
Hopefully we’re starting to build up a nice varied population of insects that will be more in balance as we go on – rather than having one or two things in plague quantities. Here’s hoping! Hopefully the honeyeaters will discover the inchworms soon :)
Forgot to mention my blog post last night..
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/11/woeful-wednesday-hydrophobic-soil.html
Won’t say anything else as I’m too cranky (about work) to say anything nice.. :(
bon008 said:
Forgot to mention my blog post last night.. http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/11/woeful-wednesday-hydrophobic-soil.html Won’t say anything else as I’m too cranky (about work) to say anything nice.. :(
good blog.
try ‘bentonite’ clay. it certainly works in pots. it’s called Munn’s ‘Wetta Lawn & Garden’ and cost $18 for 10 kilos.
pepe said:
bon008 said:
Forgot to mention my blog post last night.. http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/11/woeful-wednesday-hydrophobic-soil.html Won’t say anything else as I’m too cranky (about work) to say anything nice.. :(good blog.
try ‘bentonite’ clay. it certainly works in pots. it’s called Munn’s ‘Wetta Lawn & Garden’ and cost $18 for 10 kilos.
Hey pepe. Thanks :) I use a product called Sand Remedy, which contains bentonite clay, zeolite and gypsum.. maybe other things, not sure.
Hey pepe. Thanks :) I use a product called Sand Remedy, which contains bentonite clay, zeolite and gypsum.. maybe other things, not sure.
———————-
ah well – that sounds like it should have worked but obviously it didn’t.
you probably have to fork all the mulch into the soil add more manure and then replant. that soil is obviously difficult.
pepe said:
ah well – that sounds like it should have worked but obviously it didn’t.
you probably have to fork all the mulch into the soil add more manure and then replant. that soil is obviously difficult.
Oh good lord, replanting is much too much work for me!! I work on the principal of adding the goodies to the surface, and letting the worms do the rest of the worm – although I do try to dig the sand remedy in a bit – hard with citrus as the surface foots really are all over the surface.
I’ve got wetting agent, sand remedy, spongelite, blood & bone & potash, chook manure, sheep manure, and mulch all waiting to be given to that tree and most of the other citrus. Should be an annual process but you never know when a long bout of extra-illness will get in the way.
I know the soil looks and sounds terrible, but I am extremely happy with how that little citrus is doing. Before the last soil treatment is was slowly succumbing to insect & snail attack – now it’s throwing out new growth and seems to be coping with pests with no problems at all. So something must be working!
bon008 said:
pepe said:ah well – that sounds like it should have worked but obviously it didn’t.
you probably have to fork all the mulch into the soil add more manure and then replant. that soil is obviously difficult.
Oh good lord, replanting is much too much work for me!! I work on the principal of adding the goodies to the surface, and letting the worms do the rest of the worm – although I do try to dig the sand remedy in a bit – hard with citrus as the surface foots really are all over the surface.
I’ve got wetting agent, sand remedy, spongelite, blood & bone & potash, chook manure, sheep manure, and mulch all waiting to be given to that tree and most of the other citrus. Should be an annual process but you never know when a long bout of extra-illness will get in the way.
I know the soil looks and sounds terrible, but I am extremely happy with how that little citrus is doing. Before the last soil treatment is was slowly succumbing to insect & snail attack – now it’s throwing out new growth and seems to be coping with pests with no problems at all. So something must be working!
just keep adding all that organic matter on top of the soil. nature will do the rest. don’t think annual, it will be ongoing so when you see that it is diminishing and when you feel up to it, just pile on more. I believe (although I do not have personal experience) that this is the way to handle very sandy soils.
congrats on the imperial mandarin. i’ll be getting my first ones this year.
let us know how you resolve the non-wetting soil. it’s improved soil already and you can’t dig where the citrus is – and applying soil wetter four times a year seems excessive.
bluegreen said:
just keep adding all that organic matter on top of the soil. nature will do the rest. don’t think annual, it will be ongoing so when you see that it is diminishing and when you feel up to it, just pile on more. I believe (although I do not have personal experience) that this is the way to handle very sandy soils.
Thanks BG – that is pretty much the plan.
pepe said:
congrats on the imperial mandarin. i’ll be getting my first ones this year.let us know how you resolve the non-wetting soil. it’s improved soil already and you can’t dig where the citrus is – and applying soil wetter four times a year seems excessive.
It’ll go up on the blog when I get around to it, and I’ll put a link here too :)
Just watching this weekend’s GA. Josh is even more keen on wetting agent than the 4 times a year folk! He is saying every two months, in the warmer weather.
bon008 said:
Just watching this weekend’s GA. Josh is even more keen on wetting agent than the 4 times a year folk! He is saying every two months, in the warmer weather.
Hello strangers, just thought I’d drop in and add a random comment or two. :)
My personal take on wetting agent is to apply at the beginning of Spring, Summer and Autumn and that it takes two or three applications a week or a fortnight apart to do any good if your soil is already hydrophobic.
If soil is water repellent, then the water sits on the surface for a bit before it finds the easiest route down. When you apply wetting agent the first time, it will soak into the top inch or two and be effective there, but most of it will follow the water’s route, working a little to the sides of that path. As you water in the first week, the water will help disperse the wetting agent a little wider but you will still end up with large pockets that are bone dry, as we are relying on the water to spread the wetting agent and the water is still following a slightly wider version of its original path.The second application spreads further into these dry pockets, and the third should hopefully do the trick.
So I guess that makes me a 6 – 9 times a year person. :)
Today’s topic is bokashi:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2009/12/bokashi-busy-ness.html
And now that that’s finished, I’m off to bed :)
Finaaaaaaally gotten back into blogging – hopefully I can pick up the pace a bit now that the holiday season is over.
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/
While I’m on the subject of cannas – they’re not poisonous or anything are they?? We’re going to a hawaiian party next weekend, and will be wearing some hibiscus flowers from garden, but I thought the yellow canna flower might look good if it’s safe to wear? Assumign the flower lasts that long :)
bon008 said:
Finaaaaaaally gotten back into blogging – hopefully I can pick up the pace a bit now that the holiday season is over.http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/
While I’m on the subject of cannas – they’re not poisonous or anything are they?? We’re going to a hawaiian party next weekend, and will be wearing some hibiscus flowers from garden, but I thought the yellow canna flower might look good if it’s safe to wear? Assumign the flower lasts that long :)
Perfectly fine Bon. :)
If your hibiscus or cannas decide not to play ball on the day (Murphy says there is a chance), give me a hoy…I have pink double and scarlet single hibiscus flowers and yellow, orange or red cannas, depending on what’s flowering on the day. In case mine aren’t playing ball, next door has hibiscuits as well and seeing as he’s my landlord, wouldn’t mind me pinching some.
hortfurball said:
bon008 said:
Finaaaaaaally gotten back into blogging – hopefully I can pick up the pace a bit now that the holiday season is over.http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/
While I’m on the subject of cannas – they’re not poisonous or anything are they?? We’re going to a hawaiian party next weekend, and will be wearing some hibiscus flowers from garden, but I thought the yellow canna flower might look good if it’s safe to wear? Assumign the flower lasts that long :)
Perfectly fine Bon. :)
If your hibiscus or cannas decide not to play ball on the day (Murphy says there is a chance), give me a hoy…I have pink double and scarlet single hibiscus flowers and yellow, orange or red cannas, depending on what’s flowering on the day. In case mine aren’t playing ball, next door has hibiscuits as well and seeing as he’s my landlord, wouldn’t mind me pinching some.
Awesome, thanks :)
Not looking too flash at the moment :(
Entire grumpy post at http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/01/waving-little-white-flag.html
bon008 said:
Not looking too flash at the moment :(
Entire grumpy post at http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/01/waving-little-white-flag.html
Holy Crap Bon!! I’ve never seen so many slaters in one spot!
jeez, you got slaters!
bon008 said:
Not looking too flash at the moment :(
Entire grumpy post at http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/01/waving-little-white-flag.html
Yeow! I have never seen so many slaters in one spot!
hortfurball said:
Holy Crap Bon!! I’ve never seen so many slaters in one spot!
Snap!
Struth. Slater orgy!
Get a chook!!
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, not nice at all !!!
bluegreen said:
hortfurball said:Holy Crap Bon!! I’ve never seen so many slaters in one spot!
Snap!
Well I’m glad everyone else is astounded :) I badly overmulched the bed when I first set it up, so when the current harvest are all done it’s going into rest mode for a while – needs to be topped up with compost and other stuff as it’s sunk heaps. Next time around I will use a lot less mulch, but I’m not sure what else to do.
Dinetta – thanks for your comment on the blog – I am planning several more bird baths to get the bird life in, but I can’t quite find the one I’ve envisaged in my head. Also planning to plant out more grevillias etc in the back, but that’s a long term, post house-demolition plan. I think the dog is the main culprit in the lack of birds anyway. The lack of big birds.. the honeyeaters don’t seem to be bothered by her.
I was wondering whether maybe I could tempt the little skinks (which seem to “sleep” in the sand around the edges of the vegie bed) into living in the top of the vegie beds? Maybe some shallow water dishes, and logs for them to hide in? I’m just not sure how they’d get up into the top of the bed to begin with – it’s 0.8m high from memory Perhaps I should pop my spare piece of lattice against the bed as a climbing frame :D Next time I find a skink in the house, I’ll pop it into the vegie bed :)
Maybe you have too much unbroken down organic matter in there. They say slaters preferr rotting stuff.
bubba louie said:
Maybe you have too much unbroken down organic matter in there. They say slaters preferr rotting stuff.
Hmm.. I have a load of compost I could add to the bed, which might distract them from the vegies – but then maybe that would just encourage them to breed more!!
In the future I think I will use a different kid of mulch – something more straw like – and I will lay square-profiled stakes down on the soil either side of plants, to keep the immediate area mulch-free.
Hi Bon …got some grand looking slaters..
been looking at the bon blog thingie..
Re-Bokashi… great stuff would be with mine.. feed the worm farm with the b’compost.
Re-non wetting soil.. have the same problem.. did the eco system a go .. not sure if it any better than the other brands.. now I’m thinking about wicking beds
urban-wombat said:
been looking at the bon blog thingie..Re-Bokashi… great stuff would be with mine.. feed the worm farm with the b’compost.
Re-non wetting soil.. have the same problem.. did the eco system a go .. not sure if it any better than the other brands.. now I’m thinking about wicking beds
Hi Urban Wombat :)
I’m told (haven’t tried it) that if you give anything other than paper/dog poop to a dog poop worm farm – they will stop eating the dog poop. Kinda makes sense – once they realise what else might be an offer, it must be unpleasant going back to dog poop!
I usually put my bokashi into the compost tumbler – I’m a lazy composter and rarely bother tumbling it etc, so the bokashi gives it a good kick in the pants and keeps it going without much effort from me.
How do you go with mould in your bokashi bin? The first two full buckets I did, I had no blue mould and only a small amount of white mould. Then I did a batch in summer and got blue mould – this was at least a year ago – and ever since then it’s been a struggle to stop the blue mould. I think it’s due to the heat and maybe I am not cleaning the bucket well enough between batches. Any thoughts?? I did ask the lady at the shop where I got the bokashi bin, she said don’t worry about it, just continue as normal.
I’ve been using.. oh, what is it? Ezi-Wet I think, the one that comes in a blue bottle, but I’ve bought a different brand – just haven’t finished the old bottle yet. The last time I used it (around two citrus trees) it worked a lot quicker and better than usual so I think (hope!) that’s a sign that the soil improvement done in those areas is helping…
bon008 said:
How do you go with mould in your bokashi bin? The first two full buckets I did, I had no blue mould and only a small amount of white mould. Then I did a batch in summer and got blue mould – this was at least a year ago – and ever since then it’s been a struggle to stop the blue mould. I think it’s due to the heat and maybe I am not cleaning the bucket well enough between batches. Any thoughts?? I did ask the lady at the shop where I got the bokashi bin, she said don’t worry about it, just continue as normal.
I haven’t had any blue mould, but I found I was getting less white mould if I used a cloth and water to clean out the bucket between uses instead of just rinsing.
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
How do you go with mould in your bokashi bin? The first two full buckets I did, I had no blue mould and only a small amount of white mould. Then I did a batch in summer and got blue mould – this was at least a year ago – and ever since then it’s been a struggle to stop the blue mould. I think it’s due to the heat and maybe I am not cleaning the bucket well enough between batches. Any thoughts?? I did ask the lady at the shop where I got the bokashi bin, she said don’t worry about it, just continue as normal.I haven’t had any blue mould, but I found I was getting less white mould if I used a cloth and water to clean out the bucket between uses instead of just rinsing.
Hmm, OK. I spray with the hose and then go over it with the steam cleaner. But maybe a bit of a scrub in between the two would help – the steam cleaner doesn’t actually remove bits and bobs of stuff that the hose couldn’t get out.
Thanks BG, I’ll give that a go.
bon008 said:
bluegreen said:I only ever flush the bucket with the garden hose and haven’t had any probs the blue mould could be the bran isn’t active enough.. just a thought.
bon008 said:
How do you go with mould in your bokashi bin? The first two full buckets I did, I had no blue mould and only a small amount of white mould. Then I did a batch in summer and got blue mould – this was at least a year ago – and ever since then it’s been a struggle to stop the blue mould. I think it’s due to the heat and maybe I am not cleaning the bucket well enough between batches. Any thoughts?? I did ask the lady at the shop where I got the bokashi bin, she said don’t worry about it, just continue as normal.I haven’t had any blue mould, but I found I was getting less white mould if I used a cloth and water to clean out the bucket between uses instead of just rinsing.
Hmm, OK. I spray with the hose and then go over it with the steam cleaner. But maybe a bit of a scrub in between the two would help – the steam cleaner doesn’t actually remove bits and bobs of stuff that the hose couldn’t get out.
Thanks BG, I’ll give that a go.
urban-wombat said:
I only ever flush the bucket with the garden hose and haven’t had any probs the blue mould could be the bran isn’t active enough.. just a thought.
Well.. I have wondered if it is taking me too long to get through a packet of bran. I always wonder if I’m putting in too much food at one time, too much or too little bran.. oh well, blue mould or no blue mould, it still really fires up the compost, so it’s not a huge drama.
I could try getting smaller packets of the bran so it stays fresher.
bon008 said:
I was wondering whether maybe I could tempt the little skinks (which seem to “sleep” in the sand around the edges of the vegie bed) into living in the top of the vegie beds? Maybe some shallow water dishes, and logs for them to hide in? I’m just not sure how they’d get up into the top of the bed to begin with – it’s 0.8m high from memory Perhaps I should pop my spare piece of lattice against the bed as a climbing frame :D Next time I find a skink in the house, I’ll pop it into the vegie bed :)
hortfurball said:
bon008 said:
I was wondering whether maybe I could tempt the little skinks (which seem to “sleep” in the sand around the edges of the vegie bed) into living in the top of the vegie beds? Maybe some shallow water dishes, and logs for them to hide in? I’m just not sure how they’d get up into the top of the bed to begin with – it’s 0.8m high from memory Perhaps I should pop my spare piece of lattice against the bed as a climbing frame :D Next time I find a skink in the house, I’ll pop it into the vegie bed :)
Trust me, once you’ve seen a few run up and down your fences you won’t worry about how they’ll get up You’re right though, they may need a little more incentive than just a prolific food source, then again, I don’t have shallow bowls of water out for them and they are everywhere! They don’t need logs, they’ll just hide amongst the mulch if you have large particles with space underneath.
Hmm.. I can see them maybe running up colourbond if the corrugations were vertical – but I would have though horizontal, shiny corrugations would be a bit of a struggle for them?
We do have quite a few, but Tess chases them whenever she spots them :( Maybe I need to plant some shrubs around the vegie beds to give them some more habitat..
bon008 said:
Not looking too flash at the moment :(
Entire grumpy post at http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/01/waving-little-white-flag.html
I have a serious case of slater envy, must put some wood down and start a breeding program. You are sooooo lucky IMHO :)
shell bell said:
I have a serious case of slater envy, must put some wood down and start a breeding program. You are sooooo lucky IMHO :)
Do you EAT slaters, Shell Bell??? :)
Tess has been helping out in the garden lately…
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/05/officially-twit.html
bon008 said:
Tess has been helping out in the garden lately…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/05/officially-twit.html
way to go Tess!
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
Tess has been helping out in the garden lately…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/05/officially-twit.html
way to go Tess!
:) She has quite a fine collection of dirty corn cobs!
bon008 said:
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
Tess has been helping out in the garden lately…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/05/officially-twit.html
way to go Tess!
:) She has quite a fine collection of dirty corn cobs!
According to Sir David Attenborough, a lot of plants owe their start to life to animals burying seed for later eating and then forgetting about it! lol!
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
bluegreen said:way to go Tess!
:) She has quite a fine collection of dirty corn cobs!
According to Sir David Attenborough, a lot of plants owe their start to life to animals burying seed for later eating and then forgetting about it! lol!
Good thing Tess doesn’t know that – she’d be sitting around waiting for bone trees to grow :D
I wonder what she’d do with an entire lebanese cucumber – I have a couple getting to the dodgy side of fresh, maybe I’ll investigate tonight…
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
Tess has been helping out in the garden lately…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/05/officially-twit.html
way to go Tess!
Your native plant looks to be Calothamnus quadrifidus
roughbarked said:
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
Tess has been helping out in the garden lately…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/05/officially-twit.html
way to go Tess!
Your native plant looks to be Calothamnus quadrifidus
or C. villosus perhaps.. wait until it grows a bit better
roughbarked said:
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
Tess has been helping out in the garden lately…http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/05/officially-twit.html
way to go Tess!
Your native plant looks to be Calothamnus quadrifidus
Thanks RB :) If I remember I’ll have a look for the labels tonight…
roughbarked said:
roughbarked said:
bluegreen said:way to go Tess!
Your native plant looks to be Calothamnus quadrifidus
or C. villosus perhaps.. wait until it grows a bit better
Ooh, great photo!
Not that’s all that interesting, but here’s even more verbosity on the bits and pieces I’ve managed to get done today.
Ugh, I meant to type “not that it’s all that interesting”
Lately my typing has been really going down hill, I must start actually proofreading before I hit Submit.
(case in point, I was about to hit Submit and noticed I’d left out a word. What’s happened to my brain?! And then I read again and found the word, oh DEAR, time for a Baileys.)
bon008 said:
Ugh, I meant to type “not that it’s all that interesting”Lately my typing has been really going down hill, I must start actually proofreading before I hit Submit.
(case in point, I was about to hit Submit and noticed I’d left out a word. What’s happened to my brain?! And then I read again and found the word, oh DEAR, time for a Baileys.)
I proof read and still glide over the mistakes. I’m too old to be perfect any more.
Some household critters and a very exciting (for me) flower, at Bon’s place these days:
A pretty flower. Shame about the critters though.
pomolo said:
A pretty flower. Shame about the critters though.
Oh.. I was quite pleased about them :)
can’t post to your blog because I have google scripts banned.
Rodents can easily be at home climbing trees. In fact Rattus rattus(black rat.. bubonic plague rat) is also known as tree rat.
roughbarked said:
can’t post to your blog because I have google scripts banned.Rodents can easily be at home climbing trees. In fact Rattus rattus(black rat.. bubonic plague rat) is also known as tree rat.
Oh, I know they can – I’ve just never caught them in the act in my garden. Whenever I see them they’re way up above dog snout level, much to the dog’s distress :D
(This mandarin tree is small, only about 1.5 tall)
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/06/russian-roulette-time-for-blueberry.html
Any advice for my poor blueberry bush welcome – either here or on the blog. Also feel free to reassure me that I’m not going to die from Legionnaire’s – I was too chicken to click on the link earlier about tetanus, although I would like to learn more about the risks.
bon008 said:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/06/russian-roulette-time-for-blueberry.htmlAny advice for my poor blueberry bush welcome – either here or on the blog. Also feel free to reassure me that I’m not going to die from Legionnaire’s – I was too chicken to click on the link earlier about tetanus, although I would like to learn more about the risks.
I believe blueberry like acidic soils and plenty of water???
Dinetta said:
bon008 said:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/06/russian-roulette-time-for-blueberry.htmlAny advice for my poor blueberry bush welcome – either here or on the blog. Also feel free to reassure me that I’m not going to die from Legionnaire’s – I was too chicken to click on the link earlier about tetanus, although I would like to learn more about the risks.
I believe blueberry like acidic soils and plenty of water???
It’s in the appropriate potting mix now – not sure what it was in before. I did some googling and had another look outside – I think the problem is it was planted too deep in the first pot. Comparing it with my other blueberry bush, it seems like a good 1.5 inches of trunk was buried. I always try to follow the “put it back at the level it was at” rule when repotting, but it gets tricky when whoever did the first pot may have gotten it wrong..
I’m going to change my mulching habits – take the mulch out in winter and put it back, carefully, in summer. So hopefully, no collar rot from now on – I just don’t know if the sad one is healthy enough to recover.. we’ll see.
I can’t repeat the words I just said after dropping a can on my toe.
but they were very colourful..
Opps wrong thread LOL
Happy Potter said:
I can’t repeat the words I just said after dropping a can on my toe.
but they were very colourful..
to match your toe?
Happy Potter said:
Opps wrong thread LOL
Nah, that sounds perfect for my thread! Sort of thing that happens all the time at Bon’s Place!
:D
bon008 said:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/06/russian-roulette-time-for-blueberry.htmlAny advice for my poor blueberry bush welcome – either here or on the blog. Also feel free to reassure me that I’m not going to die from Legionnaire’s – I was too chicken to click on the link earlier about tetanus, although I would like to learn more about the risks.
roughbarked said:
bon008 said:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/06/russian-roulette-time-for-blueberry.htmlAny advice for my poor blueberry bush welcome – either here or on the blog. Also feel free to reassure me that I’m not going to die from Legionnaire’s – I was too chicken to click on the link earlier about tetanus, although I would like to learn more about the risks.
more likely to get legionaires than tetanus. More airconditioners and irrigatioon systems than barbed wire fences around horse paddocks.. for most people.
How reassuring :D
bon008 said:
roughbarked said:
bon008 said:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/06/russian-roulette-time-for-blueberry.htmlAny advice for my poor blueberry bush welcome – either here or on the blog. Also feel free to reassure me that I’m not going to die from Legionnaire’s – I was too chicken to click on the link earlier about tetanus, although I would like to learn more about the risks.
more likely to get legionaires than tetanus. More airconditioners and irrigatioon systems than barbed wire fences around horse paddocks.. for most people.How reassuring :D
Do you feel ill?
looking for symptoms?
roughbarked said:
bon008 said:
roughbarked said:more likely to get legionaires than tetanus. More airconditioners and irrigatioon systems than barbed wire fences around horse paddocks.. for most people.
How reassuring :D
Do you feel ill?
looking for symptoms?
No, goodness no, don’t tell me what any of the symptoms are of I will start getting them!
My feeling ill is a moot point. IBS decided to kick off this morning two minutes before I had to walk out the door to catch the train. Yay.
An interesting find in our work worm farms today:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/07/birds-bees-and-worms.html
:)
bon008 said:
An interesting find in our work worm farms today:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/07/birds-bees-and-worms.html
:)
oooohhhhh……………………. worm porn:D I’m rooting for the worms…lol
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:
An interesting find in our work worm farms today:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/07/birds-bees-and-worms.html
:)
oooohhhhh……………………. worm porn:D I’m rooting for the worms…lol
hehehehe :)
bon008 said:
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:
An interesting find in our work worm farms today:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/07/birds-bees-and-worms.html
:)
oooohhhhh……………………. worm porn:D I’m rooting for the worms…lol
hehehehe :)
Must be something in the scraps;P
Mine are booming, but have slowed down some, be the area under the carport that is doing that. The don’t get the arvo sun on them.
My farm at home is badly neglected – on the occasion that I get home before dark, I have to walk the dog, and then when I get back it’s too late :(
bon008 said:
My farm at home is badly neglected – on the occasion that I get home before dark, I have to walk the dog, and then when I get back it’s too late :(
Even if you only feed them on the weekend….its not like you need to read to them or tuck them in…or take them walkies:)
Worms are very accommodating and will breed to their surroundings.
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:
My farm at home is badly neglected – on the occasion that I get home before dark, I have to walk the dog, and then when I get back it’s too late :(Even if you only feed them on the weekend….its not like you need to read to them or tuck them in…or take them walkies:)
Worms are very accommodating and will breed to their surroundings.
I’m not even that organised, I’m afraid :D It’s a bit of a boom and bust system here.. on average at this time of year I feed them every two weeks.. they’re really running out by the time I get to them though.
bon008 said:
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:
My farm at home is badly neglected – on the occasion that I get home before dark, I have to walk the dog, and then when I get back it’s too late :(Even if you only feed them on the weekend….its not like you need to read to them or tuck them in…or take them walkies:)
Worms are very accommodating and will breed to their surroundings.
I’m not even that organised, I’m afraid :D It’s a bit of a boom and bust system here.. on average at this time of year I feed them every two weeks.. they’re really running out by the time I get to them though.
Don’t be too hard on yourself….you haven’t killed them and they haven’t left you a note saying how hungry they are and moved down the street:)
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:
Lucky1 said:Even if you only feed them on the weekend….its not like you need to read to them or tuck them in…or take them walkies:)
Worms are very accommodating and will breed to their surroundings.
I’m not even that organised, I’m afraid :D It’s a bit of a boom and bust system here.. on average at this time of year I feed them every two weeks.. they’re really running out by the time I get to them though.
Don’t be too hard on yourself….you haven’t killed them and they haven’t left you a note saying how hungry they are and moved down the street:)
Hehe true :)
bon008 said:
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:I’m not even that organised, I’m afraid :D It’s a bit of a boom and bust system here.. on average at this time of year I feed them every two weeks.. they’re really running out by the time I get to them though.
Don’t be too hard on yourself….you haven’t killed them and they haven’t left you a note saying how hungry they are and moved down the street:)
Hehe true :)
See now don’t you feel better….lol
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:
Lucky1 said:Don’t be too hard on yourself….you haven’t killed them and they haven’t left you a note saying how hungry they are and moved down the street:)
Hehe true :)
See now don’t you feel better….lol
Yes, thanks Mum!! :D
bon008 said:
Lucky1 said:
bon008 said:Hehe true :)
See now don’t you feel better….lol
Yes, thanks Mum!! :D
Your welcome daughter……lol
Since the weather’s beautiful over here at the moment, and Mr Bon even agreed to help me – we finally got some gardening done!
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/07/finally-some-gardening.html
My stupid brain is still fixated on all the things that still need doing though. Humbug. Having very murderous thoughts about the $#*(%ing invading plumbago and morning glory. Bloody neighbours!
Had an adorable visitor the other day :)
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/07/please-do-feed-wildlife.html
bon008 said:
Had an adorable visitor the other day :)http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/07/please-do-feed-wildlife.html
a blurry lizard. i luv ‘em too.
This morning’s effort.. Having a big long rest now. So envious of fit, healthy, strong people on days like this!! :)
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/09/long-overdue-chore.html
bon008 said:
This morning’s effort.. Having a big long rest now. So envious of fit, healthy, strong people on days like this!! :)http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/09/long-overdue-chore.html
enjoyed your blog Bon :)
Thee said:
bon008 said:
This morning’s effort.. Having a big long rest now. So envious of fit, healthy, strong people on days like this!! :)http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/09/long-overdue-chore.html
enjoyed your blog Bon :)
Thanks Thee :)
Bravo on the effort Bon! It makes you feel good to get the job out of the way.
I see the sludgy bit collected on shade cloth, it works well eh :)
Happy Potter said:
Bravo on the effort Bon! It makes you feel good to get the job out of the way.I see the sludgy bit collected on shade cloth, it works well eh :)
Yeh, it really does! Thanks for that tip HP, it has served me well :)
bon008 said:
Happy Potter said:
Bravo on the effort Bon! It makes you feel good to get the job out of the way.I see the sludgy bit collected on shade cloth, it works well eh :)
Yeh, it really does! Thanks for that tip HP, it has served me well :)
I’m glad it works. I got sick of the taps blocking.
Bon the casts with the worms in it around the lemon tree will still breed and keep growing, as long as you give them some mulch to munch on.
That’s how I’ve ended up with parts of my garden loaded with composting worms. I keep those parts topped up with leaf litter or soiled chook straw.
Happy Potter said:
Bon the casts with the worms in it around the lemon tree will still breed and keep growing, as long as you give them some mulch to munch on.
That’s how I’ve ended up with parts of my garden loaded with composting worms. I keep those parts topped up with leaf litter or soiled chook straw.
Yeh, I know – when I’m weeding etc I usually find about 50% normal earthworms and 50% worm farm worms. I’d just usually make more effort to keep them in the farm so that it doesn’t have to slow down too much while they breed up again.
OK, the Yates people haven’t helped with my radish questions :)
Here’s a fairly recent picture:
So my questions are:
- is now the right time to thin? Actually I think it’s probably past time to thin, but I wasted a few days waiting to see if anyone answered over at Yates :)
- is it worth carefully replanting the ones I thin out? Unfortunately instead of coming up in a row, the radishes came up in two little clumps, so if I thin them out and throw away the spares, I will only have 2 or 3 radishes :D
aaaaaaaaaand a big thank you to the people who voted for me :) I don’t think I have much of a shot at winning at prizes, but it’s encouraging and I appreciate it :)
bon008 said:
OK, the Yates people haven’t helped with my radish questions :)Here’s a fairly recent picture:
So my questions are:
- is now the right time to thin? Actually I think it’s probably past time to thin, but I wasted a few days waiting to see if anyone answered over at Yates :)
- is it worth carefully replanting the ones I thin out? Unfortunately instead of coming up in a row, the radishes came up in two little clumps, so if I thin them out and throw away the spares, I will only have 2 or 3 radishes :Daaaaaaaaaand a big thank you to the people who voted for me :) I don’t think I have much of a shot at winning at prizes, but it’s encouraging and I appreciate it :)
amusing..
Radish needs to be eaten before 4 weeks is up.. The ones that are too small to be eaten save me money on buying more radish seed.There is no need to thin these other than by eating the ones that fatten quickly. This is not too close for radish, unless they are the giant white ones. Anything that doesn’t fatten, will make seed which is cheaper to buy than it is from Bunnings.
bon008 said:
OK, the Yates people haven’t helped with my radish questions :)Here’s a fairly recent picture:
So my questions are:
- is now the right time to thin? Actually I think it’s probably past time to thin, but I wasted a few days waiting to see if anyone answered over at Yates :)
- is it worth carefully replanting the ones I thin out? Unfortunately instead of coming up in a row, the radishes came up in two little clumps, so if I thin them out and throw away the spares, I will only have 2 or 3 radishes :Daaaaaaaaaand a big thank you to the people who voted for me :) I don’t think I have much of a shot at winning at prizes, but it’s encouraging and I appreciate it :)
Thanks RB & Longy!
So does one just have a bit of a gentle bandicoot around to see if they feel big enough to be worth harvesting?
I think I’m about to give up on growing in rows – I seem to find it much more satisfying to just throw seeds around the place :D
Mind you, rows would be a better option if I could find some more closely spaced drip-line – the stuff I have at the moment is about 20cm between drippers I think, which is pretty ineffective. Might have to go to the proper retic shop next time, instead of Bunnings.
One of the reasons I haven’t been around much lately – too busy!
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/12/sailing-not-so-high-seas.html
bon008 said:
One of the reasons I haven’t been around much lately – too busy!http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/12/sailing-not-so-high-seas.html
That looks like it would have been a beautiful day out Bon. Enjoyed your photos.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
One of the reasons I haven’t been around much lately – too busy!http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2010/12/sailing-not-so-high-seas.html
That looks like it would have been a beautiful day out Bon. Enjoyed your photos.
Thanks pomolo :)
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
bon008 said:
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
We used a year planner last year for the first time. Yes it was very useful. I have tried the a page a day type diary and it doesn’t work for what we needed. We got it mainly to be able to plan D’s medical appointments that were often an o/n stay in Brisbane. Of course we used it for everything else as well. Reminders of visitors coming. Giving our dog her monthly pill.etc.etc. Because of the nearest town flooding and the chaos since New Year, we haven’t got our 2011 even purchased yet but we will, possibly tomorrow when we do some shopping in town.
I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full. That was the only drawback that I noticed. You do need a large block of wall space to hang it too.
You can probably buy them at office equipment stores as you thought but we got ours at a rural supply and real estate/auctioneers business in town. We don’t have an office supply store here.
I suggest you give it a go. It will make a big difference to your planning ahead.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
We used a year planner last year for the first time. Yes it was very useful. I have tried the a page a day type diary and it doesn’t work for what we needed. We got it mainly to be able to plan D’s medical appointments that were often an o/n stay in Brisbane. Of course we used it for everything else as well. Reminders of visitors coming. Giving our dog her monthly pill.etc.etc. Because of the nearest town flooding and the chaos since New Year, we haven’t got our 2011 even purchased yet but we will, possibly tomorrow when we do some shopping in town.
I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full. That was the only drawback that I noticed. You do need a large block of wall space to hang it too.
You can probably buy them at office equipment stores as you thought but we got ours at a rural supply and real estate/auctioneers business in town. We don’t have an office supply store here.
I suggest you give it a go. It will make a big difference to your planning ahead.
Apparently it has the dates listed down the page and then various columns to the side (eg one for each family member, one for each group you belong to etc) Could possible use the columns for your scheduled gardening tasks bon.
bon008 said:
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
a year planner sounds like a good idea bon
pomolo said:
I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full.
use it as a pointer to the diary, where you can write in more details.
AnneS said:
Apparently it has the dates listed down the page and then various columns to the side (eg one for each family member, one for each group you belong to etc) Could possible use the columns for your scheduled gardening tasks bon.
a friend of mine has been using those for years. indispensable in her household and she and her hubby both work shifts and their two girls are 18 and 20 with the older working part time. It keeps a track of who will be home, when. As long as people fill in their times of course.
Also it’ll give you a time line for the following year.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
We used a year planner last year for the first time. Yes it was very useful. I have tried the a page a day type diary and it doesn’t work for what we needed. We got it mainly to be able to plan D’s medical appointments that were often an o/n stay in Brisbane. Of course we used it for everything else as well. Reminders of visitors coming. Giving our dog her monthly pill.etc.etc. Because of the nearest town flooding and the chaos since New Year, we haven’t got our 2011 even purchased yet but we will, possibly tomorrow when we do some shopping in town.
I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full. That was the only drawback that I noticed. You do need a large block of wall space to hang it too.
You can probably buy them at office equipment stores as you thought but we got ours at a rural supply and real estate/auctioneers business in town. We don’t have an office supply store here.
I suggest you give it a go. It will make a big difference to your planning ahead.
Thanks pomolo! I was tossing up whether it’s better to spend a bit more and get a perpetual one (you just change the headings for the days of the week so it can be re-used year after year) but I think I might be better off getting a cheaper one first just to see if the idea suits me.
Not sure if it’s worth doing before the demolition, might wait and think again when I hear back from the architect. Although, it could come in useful for planning the demolition, move, build etc.. hmm..
AnneS said:
- daughter told me today about a calendar she bought yesterday. Not quite what you want bon, but an interesting idea…bit exxy though (I like my freebie calendars!).
Anyway this is it:
http://www.kikki-k.com/shop/product/2011-family-calendar-large/Apparently it has the dates listed down the page and then various columns to the side (eg one for each family member, one for each group you belong to etc) Could possible use the columns for your scheduled gardening tasks bon.
Hi Anne,
I’ve heard great things about kikki-k’s family organisers. I sort of bookmarked them in my head as something to think about again when we have a big enough family to need one! But I hadn’t thought of using the columns for different tasks, interesting idea!
bluegreen said:
pomolo said:I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full.
use it as a pointer to the diary, where you can write in more details.
Ahh, that’s an excellent tip BG!
bluegreen said:
AnneS said:Apparently it has the dates listed down the page and then various columns to the side (eg one for each family member, one for each group you belong to etc) Could possible use the columns for your scheduled gardening tasks bon.
a friend of mine has been using those for years. indispensable in her household and she and her hubby both work shifts and their two girls are 18 and 20 with the older working part time. It keeps a track of who will be home, when. As long as people fill in their times of course.
we have one of those one from AVON has 5 columns one for Dad Mum and myself (sisters has moved out) and then one that says FAMILY. Works well, if you remember witch column is now yours. Most of the calender stuff is stored in my phones calender all On the one above the computer.
Veg gardener said:
we have one of those one from AVON has 5 columns one for Dad Mum and myself (sisters has moved out) and then one that says FAMILY. Works well, if you remember witch column is now yours. Most of the calender stuff is stored in my phones calender all On the one above the computer.
All well and good to have stuff stored in the phone calendar – until one has to send it off for repairs. Heaven only knows what I’ve missed, although I’m pretty sure nothing dreadfully important. I hope.
The phone repair place rang an hour ago, going to cost $126.00 for them to repair/replace the touch screen, but it will be back by the end of the week.
The budget fairy is not gonna be happy. Car going for service and rego check on Monday, final payment on furniture (that I needed when I moved into town) due next week so I don’t incur nearly 30% interest after the interest-free period expires and now the phone.
Lentils for dinner tonight.
Yeehah said:
Veg gardener said:we have one of those one from AVON has 5 columns one for Dad Mum and myself (sisters has moved out) and then one that says FAMILY. Works well, if you remember witch column is now yours. Most of the calender stuff is stored in my phones calender all On the one above the computer.
All well and good to have stuff stored in the phone calendar – until one has to send it off for repairs. Heaven only knows what I’ve missed, although I’m pretty sure nothing dreadfully important. I hope.
The phone repair place rang an hour ago, going to cost $126.00 for them to repair/replace the touch screen, but it will be back by the end of the week.
The budget fairy is not gonna be happy. Car going for service and rego check on Monday, final payment on furniture (that I needed when I moved into town) due next week so I don’t incur nearly 30% interest after the interest-free period expires and now the phone.
Lentils for dinner tonight.
Oh dear. Hope you like lentils :)
bon008 said:
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
We used a year planner last year for the first time. Yes it was very useful. I have tried the a page a day type diary and it doesn’t work for what we needed. We got it mainly to be able to plan D’s medical appointments that were often an o/n stay in Brisbane. Of course we used it for everything else as well. Reminders of visitors coming. Giving our dog her monthly pill.etc.etc. Because of the nearest town flooding and the chaos since New Year, we haven’t got our 2011 even purchased yet but we will, possibly tomorrow when we do some shopping in town.
I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full. That was the only drawback that I noticed. You do need a large block of wall space to hang it too.
You can probably buy them at office equipment stores as you thought but we got ours at a rural supply and real estate/auctioneers business in town. We don’t have an office supply store here.
I suggest you give it a go. It will make a big difference to your planning ahead.
Thanks pomolo! I was tossing up whether it’s better to spend a bit more and get a perpetual one (you just change the headings for the days of the week so it can be re-used year after year) but I think I might be better off getting a cheaper one first just to see if the idea suits me.
Not sure if it’s worth doing before the demolition, might wait and think again when I hear back from the architect. Although, it could come in useful for planning the demolition, move, build etc.. hmm..
bon, I use a sabco yearly whiteboard planner for work plus a day by day diary. The planner is fantastic as a reference and as a next year programme. I have a few years worth now, and it is a great tool for comparing… it can add a tick to some good decisions and a ? mark to those of dubious decision.
My PNG planners with all their scrawling and different colour highlights made for a colourful mural by the end of the year!!!
bon008 said:
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
We used a year planner last year for the first time. Yes it was very useful. I have tried the a page a day type diary and it doesn’t work for what we needed. We got it mainly to be able to plan D’s medical appointments that were often an o/n stay in Brisbane. Of course we used it for everything else as well. Reminders of visitors coming. Giving our dog her monthly pill.etc.etc. Because of the nearest town flooding and the chaos since New Year, we haven’t got our 2011 even purchased yet but we will, possibly tomorrow when we do some shopping in town.
I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full. That was the only drawback that I noticed. You do need a large block of wall space to hang it too.
You can probably buy them at office equipment stores as you thought but we got ours at a rural supply and real estate/auctioneers business in town. We don’t have an office supply store here.
I suggest you give it a go. It will make a big difference to your planning ahead.
Thanks pomolo! I was tossing up whether it’s better to spend a bit more and get a perpetual one (you just change the headings for the days of the week so it can be re-used year after year) but I think I might be better off getting a cheaper one first just to see if the idea suits me.
Not sure if it’s worth doing before the demolition, might wait and think again when I hear back from the architect. Although, it could come in useful for planning the demolition, move, build etc.. hmm..
bon, I use a sabco yearly whiteboard planner for work plus a day by day diary. The planner is fantastic as a reference and as a next year programme. I have a few years worth now, and it is a great tool for comparing… it can add a tick to some good decisions and a ? mark to those of dubious decision.
My PNG planners with all their scrawling and different colour highlights made for a colourful mural by the end of the year!!!
bon008 said:
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
I’d be interested in you guys’ thoughts on my latest blog post:http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/staying-organised-in-garden.html
E.g. has anyone done something similar to plan their gardening activities for the year? Any helpful thoughts :)
We used a year planner last year for the first time. Yes it was very useful. I have tried the a page a day type diary and it doesn’t work for what we needed. We got it mainly to be able to plan D’s medical appointments that were often an o/n stay in Brisbane. Of course we used it for everything else as well. Reminders of visitors coming. Giving our dog her monthly pill.etc.etc. Because of the nearest town flooding and the chaos since New Year, we haven’t got our 2011 even purchased yet but we will, possibly tomorrow when we do some shopping in town.
I did find the small squares for each date a bit squeezy for writing details in full. That was the only drawback that I noticed. You do need a large block of wall space to hang it too.
You can probably buy them at office equipment stores as you thought but we got ours at a rural supply and real estate/auctioneers business in town. We don’t have an office supply store here.
I suggest you give it a go. It will make a big difference to your planning ahead.
Thanks pomolo! I was tossing up whether it’s better to spend a bit more and get a perpetual one (you just change the headings for the days of the week so it can be re-used year after year) but I think I might be better off getting a cheaper one first just to see if the idea suits me.
Not sure if it’s worth doing before the demolition, might wait and think again when I hear back from the architect. Although, it could come in useful for planning the demolition, move, build etc.. hmm..
bon, I use a sabco yearly whiteboard planner for work plus a day by day diary. The planner is fantastic as a reference and as a next year programme. I have a few years worth now, and it is a great tool for comparing… it can add a tick to some good decisions and a ? mark to those of dubious decision.
My PNG planners with all their scrawling and different colour highlights made for a colourful mural by the end of the year!!!
pain master said:
bon, I use a sabco yearly whiteboard planner for work plus a day by day diary. The planner is fantastic as a reference and as a next year programme. I have a few years worth now, and it is a great tool for comparing… it can add a tick to some good decisions and a ? mark to those of dubious decision.
My PNG planners with all their scrawling and different colour highlights made for a colourful mural by the end of the year!!!
Thanks PM. Actually it must also be quite cool at the end of the year, to look back and see the full year’s worth of colour and activities laid out in one place.
Is the forum playing up for anyone else?? The moment I click on “view by time”, it starts loading but never finishes :(
bon008 said:
Is the forum playing up for anyone else?? The moment I click on “view by time”, it starts loading but never finishes :(
no, all good here, clear your browser cache :)
trichome said:
bon008 said:
Is the forum playing up for anyone else?? The moment I click on “view by time”, it starts loading but never finishes :(
no, all good here, clear your browser cache :)
Thanks trichrome, got it sorted :)
Psst PM – I have replied to your comment about my tshirts :)
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/great-t-shirt-audit-of-2011.html#comments
Thanks for the idea, and the offer :)
bon008 said:
Psst PM – I have replied to your comment about my tshirts :)http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/great-t-shirt-audit-of-2011.html#comments
Thanks for the idea, and the offer :)
quite a collection of t-shirts there – beats my collection of 2.
pepe said:
bon008 said:
Psst PM – I have replied to your comment about my tshirts :)http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/01/great-t-shirt-audit-of-2011.html#comments
Thanks for the idea, and the offer :)
quite a collection of t-shirts there – beats my collection of 2.
It’s silly really, because I much prefer to wear tops without sleeves. But all the nerdy shirts only come with sleeves :D
I must admit I do sometimes get too carried away with shirts I identify with (as in, “oooooooh I love that show!”) and not think hard enough about whether I actually need the shirt or not. Still, there are worse weaknesses to have!
Just had a quick check of you blog bon, and like you we trialled the Green Harvest bags. I also found the paper bags a nuisance, but the mesh sleeves were good. I’ll either buy some more next year or else try to be clever and make some
AnneS said:
Just had a quick check of you blog bon, and like you we trialled the Green Harvest bags. I also found the paper bags a nuisance, but the mesh sleeves were good. I’ll either buy some more next year or else try to be clever and make some
Oooh, that is clever. I wonder if my dad has any flyscreen lying around..
bon008 said:
AnneS said:
Just had a quick check of you blog bon, and like you we trialled the Green Harvest bags. I also found the paper bags a nuisance, but the mesh sleeves were good. I’ll either buy some more next year or else try to be clever and make some
Oooh, that is clever. I wonder if my dad has any flyscreen lying around..
Only if I get around to making them….I’m not a skilled sewer so I might not succeed!
Just did up a blog post as a way to work out/document what trees will be staying with the new house and what trees will be going:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/03/great-tree-audit-of-11.html
All advice/comments welcome, as always :)
Hmm. I have an hour to spare and I thought maybe I should refill the fruit fly traps – but it occurs to me that it might be getting a bit cool for fruit fly anyway!
I’ve checked the GA site and I’ve done some Googling, but I can’t find any helpful info. Is it just a matter of continuing to put the traps out until you find you’re not catching any?
bon008 said:
Is it just a matter of continuing to put the traps out until you find you’re not catching any?
sounds good to me!
bon008 said:
Hmm. I have an hour to spare and I thought maybe I should refill the fruit fly traps – but it occurs to me that it might be getting a bit cool for fruit fly anyway!I’ve checked the GA site and I’ve done some Googling, but I can’t find any helpful info. Is it just a matter of continuing to put the traps out until you find you’re not catching any?
We are still spraying here Bon. D wants some citrus this season, do or die which is a possibility with the spray he’s using. Only kidding. Come to think of it…How come I don’t ever see a real fruit fly? I have stood at my trees and waited and waited but have never seen a fly. I know they are around because they stung some of the fruit. Elusive little varmits.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
Hmm. I have an hour to spare and I thought maybe I should refill the fruit fly traps – but it occurs to me that it might be getting a bit cool for fruit fly anyway!I’ve checked the GA site and I’ve done some Googling, but I can’t find any helpful info. Is it just a matter of continuing to put the traps out until you find you’re not catching any?
We are still spraying here Bon. D wants some citrus this season, do or die which is a possibility with the spray he’s using. Only kidding. Come to think of it…How come I don’t ever see a real fruit fly? I have stood at my trees and waited and waited but have never seen a fly. I know they are around because they stung some of the fruit. Elusive little varmits.
I’ve seen too many. :(
bluegreen said:
bon008 said:
Is it just a matter of continuing to put the traps out until you find you’re not catching any?sounds good to me!
Thanks BG :) Hopefully I’ll get around to that job tomorrow.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
Hmm. I have an hour to spare and I thought maybe I should refill the fruit fly traps – but it occurs to me that it might be getting a bit cool for fruit fly anyway!I’ve checked the GA site and I’ve done some Googling, but I can’t find any helpful info. Is it just a matter of continuing to put the traps out until you find you’re not catching any?
We are still spraying here Bon. D wants some citrus this season, do or die which is a possibility with the spray he’s using. Only kidding. Come to think of it…How come I don’t ever see a real fruit fly? I have stood at my trees and waited and waited but have never seen a fly. I know they are around because they stung some of the fruit. Elusive little varmits.
Thanks Pom, that’s good to know – this is the first season I’ve done any ff control so wasn’t sure how long to keep at it. On hot days when I’ve just refilled the traps I usually see ff hanging around within a couple of minutes.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
Hmm. I have an hour to spare and I thought maybe I should refill the fruit fly traps – but it occurs to me that it might be getting a bit cool for fruit fly anyway!I’ve checked the GA site and I’ve done some Googling, but I can’t find any helpful info. Is it just a matter of continuing to put the traps out until you find you’re not catching any?
We are still spraying here Bon. D wants some citrus this season, do or die which is a possibility with the spray he’s using. Only kidding. Come to think of it…How come I don’t ever see a real fruit fly? I have stood at my trees and waited and waited but have never seen a fly. I know they are around because they stung some of the fruit. Elusive little varmits.
Thanks Pom, that’s good to know – this is the first season I’ve done any ff control so wasn’t sure how long to keep at it. On hot days when I’ve just refilled the traps I usually see ff hanging around within a couple of minutes.
If you have had fruit fly at all then you should be on alert all winter. Any fruit which is late or early will either be a harbour or a new season starting place.
roughbarked said:
If you have had fruit fly at all then you should be on alert all winter. Any fruit which is late or early will either be a harbour or a new season starting place.
Thanks RB. Rats, I was hoping to get out of some work ;) Oh well!
Ok, fruit fly traps refilled. Now that the figs are finished, I’ve shared those traps out between the mandarin, grapefruit, and lemon trees.
Still plenty to do outside, but I’m pacing myself, & will do a quiet inside job for a rest. Did too much gardening last week, & I hate the dizzy lightheaded feeling it gives me =/
roughbarked said:
If you have had fruit fly at all then you should be on alert all winter. Any fruit which is late or early will either be a harbour or a new season starting place.
learned a bit about fruit fly today. The larvae pupate in the soil. In peak conditions it is about 2 weeks from egg to adult but as the weather gets cooler this cycle gets longer until the pupae live in the soil for the months over winter to emerge again when it warms up in Spring. One way to help break the cycle is to lay black plastic over the soil around the base of affected trees. This creates a physical barrier for the emerging flies preventing them from being able to take flight & therefore dying before they have an opportunity to reproduce.
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
If you have had fruit fly at all then you should be on alert all winter. Any fruit which is late or early will either be a harbour or a new season starting place.
learned a bit about fruit fly today. The larvae pupate in the soil. In peak conditions it is about 2 weeks from egg to adult but as the weather gets cooler this cycle gets longer until the pupae live in the soil for the months over winter to emerge again when it warms up in Spring. One way to help break the cycle is to lay black plastic over the soil around the base of affected trees. This creates a physical barrier for the emerging flies preventing them from being able to take flight & therefore dying before they have an opportunity to reproduce.
Thanks BG. I have heard about the black plastic technique, but I assume you would only use that under deep rooted trees, not citrus for example. Although the place I read it, it said the black plastic was to heat up the ground & kill the larvae, not just to stop them emerging – hmm.
I did some watering this afternoon and saw that one of the traps in the mandarin tree has already caught two fruit fly, so they’re obviously still active in the garden!
I wonder how far out from the dripline the FF would “nest” (lay their eggs)?
Dinetta said:
I wonder how far out from the dripline the FF would “nest” (lay their eggs)?
I would guess just as far as the fruit rolls?
Dinetta said:
I wonder how far out from the dripline the FF would “nest” (lay their eggs)?
They lay their eggs in the fruit.. the fruit either falls directly to the ground or is carried short distances by Fruit Bats or in some instances birds. The larva either drop with the fruit or jump out of the fruit like parachutists.. they pupate into adult flies in the ground. They may stay in fruit that is tougher skinned such as oranges from where they may emerge as flies.
roughbarked said:
Dinetta said:
I wonder how far out from the dripline the FF would “nest” (lay their eggs)?
They lay their eggs in the fruit.. the fruit either falls directly to the ground or is carried short distances by Fruit Bats or in some instances birds. The larva either drop with the fruit or jump out of the fruit like parachutists.. they pupate into adult flies in the ground. They may stay in fruit that is tougher skinned such as oranges from where they may emerge as flies.
Thank goodness you picked that up, RoughBarked…so that’s why they say never to leave fallen fruit on the ground…
If Bon were to fertilize her fruit trees, then lay a good layer of, say, shredded paper, as mulch, would that slow the fruit fly down (as well as collecting all the fallen fruit)? As opposed to the black plastic sheeting, which would slow the watering down considerably…
Also, when do citrus trees like it dry? What season?
Dinetta said:
roughbarked said:
Dinetta said:
I wonder how far out from the dripline the FF would “nest” (lay their eggs)?
They lay their eggs in the fruit.. the fruit either falls directly to the ground or is carried short distances by Fruit Bats or in some instances birds. The larva either drop with the fruit or jump out of the fruit like parachutists.. they pupate into adult flies in the ground. They may stay in fruit that is tougher skinned such as oranges from where they may emerge as flies.
Thank goodness you picked that up, RoughBarked…so that’s why they say never to leave fallen fruit on the ground…
If Bon were to fertilize her fruit trees, then lay a good layer of, say, shredded paper, as mulch, would that slow the fruit fly down (as well as collecting all the fallen fruit)? As opposed to the black plastic sheeting, which would slow the watering down considerably…
Also, when do citrus trees like it dry? What season?
The fruit should all be stripped from the tree if fruit fly larvae is observed or even if the pinholes made by female fruit fly laying eggs is noticed. Infected fruit should all be double bagged in plastic bags, tied off and sat in a hot sunny position for minimum three days before binning. It should not be allowed to fall to the ground but if this has occurred then all fruit should be picked up and destroyed as above.
I wouldn’t recommend laying plastic sheeting on the soil unless you are going to pour concrete on it.
I use sheets of paper or old beer cartons as the weed mat under mulch. I use cardboard carrtons to separate this years nuts from last years when the walnuts are dropping.. So this is one way of avoiding the larva immediately getting into the soil if infected fruit is dropping, gives you a small window to catch the little grubs.
Unfortunately the only way to stop them once they have entered the soil is to spray nasties on your soil.
You could pen some chooks under the tree for the pupation period which at this time of year could be all winter.
When the flies hatch it will be obvious by the birds attracted to the spot. The new flies rise from the ground in numbers enough to bring all sorts of hungry birds which catch them on the wing as they rise into the air… similar to termites or winged ants.
Encouraging spiders such as the golden orb weavers to large populations in your garden can assist with fruit fly control. Encouraging large populations of insect eating native birds is also desirable. Also encouraging large populations of ants is useful. Traps and bait sprays should be replenished on a weekly basis all year around
roughbarked said:
You could pen some chooks under the tree for the pupation period which at this time of year could be all winter.
When the flies hatch it will be obvious by the birds attracted to the spot. The new flies rise from the ground in numbers enough to bring all sorts of hungry birds which catch them on the wing as they rise into the air… similar to termites or winged ants.
I was told that after the flies emerge there is a short time (24 hrs?) before they can fly so it is good to have your chooks cleaning them up at this time.
roughbarked said:
The fruit should all be stripped from the tree if fruit fly larvae is observed or even if the pinholes made by female fruit fly laying eggs is noticed. Infected fruit should all be double bagged in plastic bags, tied off and sat in a hot sunny position for minimum three days before binning. It should not be allowed to fall to the ground but if this has occurred then all fruit should be picked up and destroyed as above.
I wouldn’t recommend laying plastic sheeting on the soil unless you are going to pour concrete on it.
I use sheets of paper or old beer cartons as the weed mat under mulch. I use cardboard carrtons to separate this years nuts from last years when the walnuts are dropping.. So this is one way of avoiding the larva immediately getting into the soil if infected fruit is dropping, gives you a small window to catch the little grubs.
Unfortunately the only way to stop them once they have entered the soil is to spray nasties on your soil.You could pen some chooks under the tree for the pupation period which at this time of year could be all winter.
When the flies hatch it will be obvious by the birds attracted to the spot. The new flies rise from the ground in numbers enough to bring all sorts of hungry birds which catch them on the wing as they rise into the air… similar to termites or winged ants.
Thank goodness we’ve got you on board, RoughBarked…that was a hugely informative post…
Dinetta said:
I wonder how far out from the dripline the FF would “nest” (lay their eggs)?
They lay eggs in the fruit and then the maggot drops to the ground to pupate.
roughbarked said:
You could pen some chooks under the tree for the pupation period which at this time of year could be all winter.
When the flies hatch it will be obvious by the birds attracted to the spot. The new flies rise from the ground in numbers enough to bring all sorts of hungry birds which catch them on the wing as they rise into the air… similar to termites or winged ants.
Oh, well that’s good news. We can’t get chickens for a while yet but we do have honeyeaters and willy wagtails hanging out around the fruit trees.
Not really gardening related, but if anyone would like to see some photos of the south-west of WA :) (well, the bit I am familiar with)
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/05/checking-serenity.html
Quite a few photos, but they’re not particularly large ones.
This would be my favourite I think:
bon008 said:
Not really gardening related, but if anyone would like to see some photos of the south-west of WA :) (well, the bit I am familiar with)http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/05/checking-serenity.html
Quite a few photos, but they’re not particularly large ones.
This would be my favourite I think:
Very different landscape to what I’m used to…thanks for sharing…
Dinetta said:
Very different landscape to what I’m used to…thanks for sharing…
My pleasure :) Love the south-west bush.. the smell of it brings back so many memories. The dog still smells like the river :D
bon008 said:
Not really gardening related, but if anyone would like to see some photos of the south-west of WA :) (well, the bit I am familiar with)http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2011/05/checking-serenity.html
Quite a few photos, but they’re not particularly large ones.
This would be my favourite I think:
very pretty.
Not sure if this is worth starting a new topic for.
I have a little grevillea olivacea in the front garden, that I put in as rootstock. It’s now probably 80cm tall or so, and not especially wide. Healthy and all, just not especially dense and bushy.
If I wanted to have a go at saving it from the eventual demolition, which would be best out of: transplanting into a pot; taking cuttings; or collecting & germinating seed? Or a combination of those things, maybe?
Sorry, I’m the Forum’s brown fingers…has it flowered yet?
Grevillea, they have decent sized seeds, don’t they?
Dinetta said:
Grevillea, they have decent sized seeds, don’t they?
Decent sized pods, I’ve never actually looked closely at them.
It has flowered two or three times I think. I may have left it too late to collect seeds. I’ll try to remember to have a look on my way to the front door tonight.
bon008 said:
Not sure if this is worth starting a new topic for.I have a little grevillea olivacea in the front garden, that I put in as rootstock. It’s now probably 80cm tall or so, and not especially wide. Healthy and all, just not especially dense and bushy.
If I wanted to have a go at saving it from the eventual demolition, which would be best out of: transplanting into a pot; taking cuttings; or collecting & germinating seed? Or a combination of those things, maybe?
I’d try all three. Though seed will only be available for a short period and cuttings need to be from fresh growth. I’d transplant to another spot in the ground though.
bon008 said:
Dinetta said:
Grevillea, they have decent sized seeds, don’t they?
Decent sized pods, I’ve never actually looked closely at them.
It has flowered two or three times I think. I may have left it too late to collect seeds. I’ll try to remember to have a look on my way to the front door tonight.
When you transplant it do try to get a good sized rootball and don’t break it up water it well enough to remove all air bubbles. Don’t neglect to make sure it doesn’t dry out but don’t overdo it as Grevillea are susceptible to overwatering.
Thanks for all that info, RB!
Hmm.. I wonder if it were transplanted closer to the mulberry tree, whether it would be safe. I’ll leave transplanting until we’re surer about what exactly is happening to the block, but in the meantime I’ll look into cuttings & seed.
Also planning to do lavender cuttings and fig cuttings, but for the figs I’m waiting for the leaves to drop.
I have a couple of other natives in the front yard whose names I’ve completely forgotten, I could try cuttings of those, too.
Goodness knows when I will get it all done though – maybe I should take some annual leave!
bon008 said:
Thanks for all that info, RB!Hmm.. I wonder if it were transplanted closer to the mulberry tree, whether it would be safe. I’ll leave transplanting until we’re surer about what exactly is happening to the block, but in the meantime I’ll look into cuttings & seed.
Also planning to do lavender cuttings and fig cuttings, but for the figs I’m waiting for the leaves to drop.
I have a couple of other natives in the front yard whose names I’ve completely forgotten, I could try cuttings of those, too.
Goodness knows when I will get it all done though – maybe I should take some annual leave!
Heel cuttings work with Grevillea. try to make your cuttings quite long about 150 mm using growing tips. Can use rooting hormones but pick the right ones.. and go easy with them as they will burn the bum off the cutting if not careful.
Too much competition near the mulberry. Perhaps if you don’t have a spot for it then a pot wouldn’t be a bad solution.
roughbarked said:
bon008 said:
Thanks for all that info, RB!Hmm.. I wonder if it were transplanted closer to the mulberry tree, whether it would be safe. I’ll leave transplanting until we’re surer about what exactly is happening to the block, but in the meantime I’ll look into cuttings & seed.
Also planning to do lavender cuttings and fig cuttings, but for the figs I’m waiting for the leaves to drop.
I have a couple of other natives in the front yard whose names I’ve completely forgotten, I could try cuttings of those, too.
Goodness knows when I will get it all done though – maybe I should take some annual leave!
Heel cuttings work with Grevillea. try to make your cuttings quite long about 150 mm using growing tips. Can use rooting hormones but pick the right ones.. and go easy with them as they will burn the bum off the cutting if not careful.
Too much competition near the mulberry. Perhaps if you don’t have a spot for it then a pot wouldn’t be a bad solution.
Cheers :) Heel cutting is just when you sort of gently tear off a side branch such that it takes some bark from the branch it’s connected to, yes?
I think if we do transplant, we’ll go with the biggest pot we have. Then when we move back in after all the drama it can go back home..
I was planning to use honey for all the cuttings, just because I don’t happen to have any rooting hormone (or willow tree!) on hand.
Checked the grevillea – only a couple of empty seed pods. But there were quite a few tiny little flower buds, yay :):)
Hey, for those who had helpful advice on my rocking chair.. :)
I have found this fabric I really like, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a weight listed:
http://www.curtainfabricsonline.com/proddetail.php?prod=westminsterduckeggfabric
It is a curtain fabric however – would I be right in assuming that a damask curtain fabric would generally be heavy enough to use for upholstery?
I will probably email to enquire, but I thought I might as well run it by you guys too :) My mum sent me the site link as she is thinking of getting some fabric there – I will see if she was thinking of requesting samples, too.
bon008 said:
Hey, for those who had helpful advice on my rocking chair.. :)I have found this fabric I really like, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a weight listed:
http://www.curtainfabricsonline.com/proddetail.php?prod=westminsterduckeggfabricIt is a curtain fabric however – would I be right in assuming that a damask curtain fabric would generally be heavy enough to use for upholstery?
I will probably email to enquire, but I thought I might as well run it by you guys too :) My mum sent me the site link as she is thinking of getting some fabric there – I will see if she was thinking of requesting samples, too.
It wont be as heavey as upholstery fabric, some curtain fabric is pretty thin.
bubba louie said:
bon008 said:
Hey, for those who had helpful advice on my rocking chair.. :)I have found this fabric I really like, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a weight listed:
http://www.curtainfabricsonline.com/proddetail.php?prod=westminsterduckeggfabricIt is a curtain fabric however – would I be right in assuming that a damask curtain fabric would generally be heavy enough to use for upholstery?
I will probably email to enquire, but I thought I might as well run it by you guys too :) My mum sent me the site link as she is thinking of getting some fabric there – I will see if she was thinking of requesting samples, too.
It wont be as heavey as upholstery fabric, some curtain fabric is pretty thin.
I would think you’d have to take into account how much wear the chair is going to get. Curtain fabric isn’t made to take wear and tear. I thought we had already answered this.
bon008 said:
Hey, for those who had helpful advice on my rocking chair.. :)I have found this fabric I really like, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a weight listed:
http://www.curtainfabricsonline.com/proddetail.php?prod=westminsterduckeggfabricIt is a curtain fabric however – would I be right in assuming that a damask curtain fabric would generally be heavy enough to use for upholstery?
I will probably email to enquire, but I thought I might as well run it by you guys too :) My mum sent me the site link as she is thinking of getting some fabric there – I will see if she was thinking of requesting samples, too.
Bon, I have just remembered that I have a very overdue library book, about soft furnishings, I’ll put up the quote in it re the different weights (and weaves, apparently).
pomolo said:
bubba louie said:
bon008 said:
Hey, for those who had helpful advice on my rocking chair.. :)I have found this fabric I really like, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a weight listed:
http://www.curtainfabricsonline.com/proddetail.php?prod=westminsterduckeggfabricIt is a curtain fabric however – would I be right in assuming that a damask curtain fabric would generally be heavy enough to use for upholstery?
I will probably email to enquire, but I thought I might as well run it by you guys too :) My mum sent me the site link as she is thinking of getting some fabric there – I will see if she was thinking of requesting samples, too.
It wont be as heavey as upholstery fabric, some curtain fabric is pretty thin.
I would think you’d have to take into account how much wear the chair is going to get. Curtain fabric isn’t made to take wear and tear. I thought we had already answered this.
We have, but I always thought that curtain fabric was pretty hefty and heavy? Although I guess there’s more to being wear and tear proof than just the weight and tight weave.
Anyway, if I fall in love with a non-upholstery fabric I may just go ahead and do it anyway – if it wears out in a few years, lesson learned :D I’m still not entirely convinced that it will get a lot of wear and tear – given it will be tucked away in a quiet corner of the house and not in the main living room etc.
Dinetta said:
bon008 said:
Hey, for those who had helpful advice on my rocking chair.. :)I have found this fabric I really like, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a weight listed:
http://www.curtainfabricsonline.com/proddetail.php?prod=westminsterduckeggfabricIt is a curtain fabric however – would I be right in assuming that a damask curtain fabric would generally be heavy enough to use for upholstery?
I will probably email to enquire, but I thought I might as well run it by you guys too :) My mum sent me the site link as she is thinking of getting some fabric there – I will see if she was thinking of requesting samples, too.
Bon, I have just remembered that I have a very overdue library book, about soft furnishings, I’ll put up the quote in it re the different weights (and weaves, apparently).
If you have time, that would be great. I did some Googling this morning and I found some discussion about “upholstery” weight and “home decor” weight, but nothing that actually mapped those terms to the numerical weight you usually see listed..
Bon the book isn’t as good as I thought it was, they just say that upholstery fabric should be of moderate to heavy weight and “very stable”… in terms of sturdiness, I guess…you get more lee way with slip covers but if you’re upholstering, the sturdy upholstery fabric is the way to go…there’s a lot goes in to upholstery! all the webbing, edge rolls, platform cloth, welt cord, batting and cotton felt…amazing…but the result should last about 15 years…provided the heat doesn’t rot it…
Dinetta said:
Bon the book isn’t as good as I thought it was, they just say that upholstery fabric should be of moderate to heavy weight and “very stable”… in terms of sturdiness, I guess…you get more lee way with slip covers but if you’re upholstering, the sturdy upholstery fabric is the way to go…there’s a lot goes in to upholstery! all the webbing, edge rolls, platform cloth, welt cord, batting and cotton felt…amazing…but the result should last about 15 years…provided the heat doesn’t rot it…
Thanks Dinetta :)
I’ve since found there are some upholstery weight fabrics on this site (which is a “curtain fabric” site, so there must be overlap!), but not all the fabrics have their weight listed, so hopefully they’ll reply to my email.
You know, I did consider making slip covers for the rocking chair – the existing upholstery isn’t in bad condition (I just don’t like the fabric), and the panels pop in and out so easily. It does feel like overkill to pull the panels apart when the padding is in fine condition. Plus if I can avoid using the staple gun again, my brain will be happy.
Will have to have a think about it the funny shapes are viable. In any case, at the moment I am a lot more handy with a staple gun than a sewing machine.. I might have to rope my mum in :D
bon008 said:
You know, I did consider making slip covers for the rocking chair – the existing upholstery isn’t in bad condition (I just don’t like the fabric), and the panels pop in and out so easily. It does feel like overkill to pull the panels apart when the padding is in fine condition. Plus if I can avoid using the staple gun again, my brain will be happy.Will have to have a think about it the funny shapes are viable. In any case, at the moment I am a lot more handy with a staple gun than a sewing machine.. I might have to rope my mum in :D
Well you could trial with some cheaper material, any “mistakes” can be chalked up to experience and avoided during the home run…
Dinetta said:
bon008 said:
You know, I did consider making slip covers for the rocking chair – the existing upholstery isn’t in bad condition (I just don’t like the fabric), and the panels pop in and out so easily. It does feel like overkill to pull the panels apart when the padding is in fine condition. Plus if I can avoid using the staple gun again, my brain will be happy.Will have to have a think about it the funny shapes are viable. In any case, at the moment I am a lot more handy with a staple gun than a sewing machine.. I might have to rope my mum in :D
Well you could trial with some cheaper material, any “mistakes” can be chalked up to experience and avoided during the home run…
That’s a brilliant idea – like making a calico dress before the real thing.
bon008 said:
Dinetta said:Well you could trial with some cheaper material, any “mistakes” can be chalked up to experience and avoided during the home run…
That’s a brilliant idea – like making a calico dress before the real thing.
Yes, and I only suggest it because I’m so hopeless at sewing, that’s what I need to do… :P
Having a dilemma at the moment :(
I don’t know if I mentioned a while ago that the dog worked out how to get through the fence (ironically, a gap opened up because the new neighbours removed some of my arch-enemy plumbago).
We patched it up as best we could and thought it was pretty impenetrable. Well I got home yesterday and she was on the other side again, and in the process she got a whole bunch of cactus spikes embedded in her :( She’s been to the vet and we’ve pulled out all that we could find, but now I’m wondering what to do next.
In the short term, we’re going to Bunnings tomorrow to buy something to fence off the whole area around the cactus (and we’re not leaving her home alone until that is done). But the fact that she tried so hard to get through makes me wonder if any option short of removing the cactus will be safe.
Mr Bon has always had his heart set on keeping the cactus because it’s such a big old fella and has been here for ages. I see where he’s coming from but I tend to come at it from a more practical angle. When the new house is build space will be a lot tighter in the backyard and the cactus just isn’t convenient.
I would prefer to see if re-homed rather than destroyed, but the local botanic parks authority don’t want it, the council don’t want it, and I’m not sure there would be any local cactus collectors crazy enough to want such a big cactus.
I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(
… …I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
Harden my heart…
Dinetta said:
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(
… …I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
Harden my heart…
That’s where I’m at at the moment. Willing to kill it to protect the dog, let alone future kids etc. But I’m also quite hormonal at the moment so I wasn’t sure if I was overreacting :D
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(I don’t know if I mentioned a while ago that the dog worked out how to get through the fence (ironically, a gap opened up because the new neighbours removed some of my arch-enemy plumbago).
We patched it up as best we could and thought it was pretty impenetrable. Well I got home yesterday and she was on the other side again, and in the process she got a whole bunch of cactus spikes embedded in her :( She’s been to the vet and we’ve pulled out all that we could find, but now I’m wondering what to do next.
In the short term, we’re going to Bunnings tomorrow to buy something to fence off the whole area around the cactus (and we’re not leaving her home alone until that is done). But the fact that she tried so hard to get through makes me wonder if any option short of removing the cactus will be safe.
Mr Bon has always had his heart set on keeping the cactus because it’s such a big old fella and has been here for ages. I see where he’s coming from but I tend to come at it from a more practical angle. When the new house is build space will be a lot tighter in the backyard and the cactus just isn’t convenient.
I would prefer to see if re-homed rather than destroyed, but the local botanic parks authority don’t want it, the council don’t want it, and I’m not sure there would be any local cactus collectors crazy enough to want such a big cactus.
I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
Do you have FreeCycle where you are? You might be able to give it away on there. I think you can list freebies on Ebay and Gumtree too.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(I don’t know if I mentioned a while ago that the dog worked out how to get through the fence (ironically, a gap opened up because the new neighbours removed some of my arch-enemy plumbago).
We patched it up as best we could and thought it was pretty impenetrable. Well I got home yesterday and she was on the other side again, and in the process she got a whole bunch of cactus spikes embedded in her :( She’s been to the vet and we’ve pulled out all that we could find, but now I’m wondering what to do next.
In the short term, we’re going to Bunnings tomorrow to buy something to fence off the whole area around the cactus (and we’re not leaving her home alone until that is done). But the fact that she tried so hard to get through makes me wonder if any option short of removing the cactus will be safe.
Mr Bon has always had his heart set on keeping the cactus because it’s such a big old fella and has been here for ages. I see where he’s coming from but I tend to come at it from a more practical angle. When the new house is build space will be a lot tighter in the backyard and the cactus just isn’t convenient.
I would prefer to see if re-homed rather than destroyed, but the local botanic parks authority don’t want it, the council don’t want it, and I’m not sure there would be any local cactus collectors crazy enough to want such a big cactus.
I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
Do you have FreeCycle where you are? You might be able to give it away on there. I think you can list freebies on Ebay and Gumtree too.
I could try that, but when I contacted the council, they estimated it would cost $7000 to move it…
bon008 said:
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(I don’t know if I mentioned a while ago that the dog worked out how to get through the fence (ironically, a gap opened up because the new neighbours removed some of my arch-enemy plumbago).
We patched it up as best we could and thought it was pretty impenetrable. Well I got home yesterday and she was on the other side again, and in the process she got a whole bunch of cactus spikes embedded in her :( She’s been to the vet and we’ve pulled out all that we could find, but now I’m wondering what to do next.
In the short term, we’re going to Bunnings tomorrow to buy something to fence off the whole area around the cactus (and we’re not leaving her home alone until that is done). But the fact that she tried so hard to get through makes me wonder if any option short of removing the cactus will be safe.
Mr Bon has always had his heart set on keeping the cactus because it’s such a big old fella and has been here for ages. I see where he’s coming from but I tend to come at it from a more practical angle. When the new house is build space will be a lot tighter in the backyard and the cactus just isn’t convenient.
I would prefer to see if re-homed rather than destroyed, but the local botanic parks authority don’t want it, the council don’t want it, and I’m not sure there would be any local cactus collectors crazy enough to want such a big cactus.
I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
Do you have FreeCycle where you are? You might be able to give it away on there. I think you can list freebies on Ebay and Gumtree too.
I could try that, but when I contacted the council, they estimated it would cost $7000 to move it…
Give it it’s own little decorative fence?
bubba louie said:
Give it it’s own little decorative fence?
That’s the short term plan. But I’m worried we won’t be able to manage anything sturdy/safe enough to stop the dog from hurting herself trying to get through it again. Maybe I should not think about it until after we’ve been to Bunnings to see what the options are.
Mr Bon also suggested removing all the spikes near the bottom of the cactus.. but I’m not sure if that’s practical =/
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(I don’t know if I mentioned a while ago that the dog worked out how to get through the fence (ironically, a gap opened up because the new neighbours removed some of my arch-enemy plumbago).
We patched it up as best we could and thought it was pretty impenetrable. Well I got home yesterday and she was on the other side again, and in the process she got a whole bunch of cactus spikes embedded in her :( She’s been to the vet and we’ve pulled out all that we could find, but now I’m wondering what to do next.
In the short term, we’re going to Bunnings tomorrow to buy something to fence off the whole area around the cactus (and we’re not leaving her home alone until that is done). But the fact that she tried so hard to get through makes me wonder if any option short of removing the cactus will be safe.
Mr Bon has always had his heart set on keeping the cactus because it’s such a big old fella and has been here for ages. I see where he’s coming from but I tend to come at it from a more practical angle. When the new house is build space will be a lot tighter in the backyard and the cactus just isn’t convenient.
I would prefer to see if re-homed rather than destroyed, but the local botanic parks authority don’t want it, the council don’t want it, and I’m not sure there would be any local cactus collectors crazy enough to want such a big cactus.
I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
buy a jacket for the dog.
bon008 said:
bubba louie said:Give it it’s own little decorative fence?
That’s the short term plan. But I’m worried we won’t be able to manage anything sturdy/safe enough to stop the dog from hurting herself trying to get through it again. Maybe I should not think about it until after we’ve been to Bunnings to see what the options are.
Mr Bon also suggested removing all the spikes near the bottom of the cactus.. but I’m not sure if that’s practical =/
I was thinking more along the lines of a proper concreted in picket fence.
Dinetta said:
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(
… …I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
Harden my heart…
me too, I’d harden up and chop it down. If it’s become a nuisance
pain master said:
bon008 said:
Having a dilemma at the moment :(I don’t know if I mentioned a while ago that the dog worked out how to get through the fence (ironically, a gap opened up because the new neighbours removed some of my arch-enemy plumbago).
We patched it up as best we could and thought it was pretty impenetrable. Well I got home yesterday and she was on the other side again, and in the process she got a whole bunch of cactus spikes embedded in her :( She’s been to the vet and we’ve pulled out all that we could find, but now I’m wondering what to do next.
In the short term, we’re going to Bunnings tomorrow to buy something to fence off the whole area around the cactus (and we’re not leaving her home alone until that is done). But the fact that she tried so hard to get through makes me wonder if any option short of removing the cactus will be safe.
Mr Bon has always had his heart set on keeping the cactus because it’s such a big old fella and has been here for ages. I see where he’s coming from but I tend to come at it from a more practical angle. When the new house is build space will be a lot tighter in the backyard and the cactus just isn’t convenient.
I would prefer to see if re-homed rather than destroyed, but the local botanic parks authority don’t want it, the council don’t want it, and I’m not sure there would be any local cactus collectors crazy enough to want such a big cactus.
I don’t know what to do =/ Does anyone want to help me think it through – what would you do with a giant cactus in a relatively small space, which looks awesome, but has the potential to spike your family members?
buy a jacket for the dog.
Haha, I wish it was that easy! But it would have to be fully body armour :)
bubba louie said:
bon008 said:
bubba louie said:Give it it’s own little decorative fence?
That’s the short term plan. But I’m worried we won’t be able to manage anything sturdy/safe enough to stop the dog from hurting herself trying to get through it again. Maybe I should not think about it until after we’ve been to Bunnings to see what the options are.
Mr Bon also suggested removing all the spikes near the bottom of the cactus.. but I’m not sure if that’s practical =/
I was thinking more along the lines of a proper concreted in picket fence.
Ahh, OK. Yeh, that might work for the longer term :)
bon008 said:
bubba louie said:
bon008 said:That’s the short term plan. But I’m worried we won’t be able to manage anything sturdy/safe enough to stop the dog from hurting herself trying to get through it again. Maybe I should not think about it until after we’ve been to Bunnings to see what the options are.
Mr Bon also suggested removing all the spikes near the bottom of the cactus.. but I’m not sure if that’s practical =/
I was thinking more along the lines of a proper concreted in picket fence.
Ahh, OK. Yeh, that might work for the longer term :)
Once a dog has found that there is a world outside the fence there will be no keeping him in. needs dog obedience school.
Umm.. I hope it’s not impolite of me to pop back in and beg you all for help :)
Something’s been nibbling on my orange tree – I don’t know what to do about it because I don’t know what kind of critter is doing it.
I’ve put a photo up on my blog, I’ll put it here too:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2012/01/citrus-under-attack.html
Any thoughts? I’m just about to pop out into the garden again in case it’s a nocturnal critter.
Thanks :):)
bon008 said:
Umm.. I hope it’s not impolite of me to pop back in and beg you all for help :)Something’s been nibbling on my orange tree – I don’t know what to do about it because I don’t know what kind of critter is doing it.
I’ve put a photo up on my blog, I’ll put it here too:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2012/01/citrus-under-attack.htmlAny thoughts? I’m just about to pop out into the garden again in case it’s a nocturnal critter.
Thanks :):)
are they like blisters? Like a papery wound with the damage under the skin, or is that simply where something has had a chomp from the outside?
i saw your blog – the creature is an ‘elephant weevil’ (orthorhinus cylindrirostris). it’s doing the bark damage and needs to be removed before it pupates. you can spray them with pyrethrum .
there might be something else causing that fruit damage.
bon008 said:
Umm.. I hope it’s not impolite of me to pop back in and beg you all for help :)Something’s been nibbling on my orange tree – I don’t know what to do about it because I don’t know what kind of critter is doing it.
I’ve put a photo up on my blog, I’ll put it here too:
http://www.threetomatoesshort.com/2012/01/citrus-under-attack.htmlAny thoughts? I’m just about to pop out into the garden again in case it’s a nocturnal critter.
Thanks :):)
I’m no help with what is doing it but I can see it’s making a real mess. Hope you id it.
justin said:
i saw your blog – the creature is an ‘elephant weevil’ (orthorhinus cylindrirostris). it’s doing the bark damage and needs to be removed before it pupates. you can spray them with pyrethrum .
there might be something else causing that fruit damage.
Well Id’d Justin. You’re a legend in the critter stakes.
justin said:
i saw your blog – the creature is an ‘elephant weevil’ (orthorhinus cylindrirostris). it’s doing the bark damage and needs to be removed before it pupates. you can spray them with pyrethrum .
there might be something else causing that fruit damage.
Oh, cripes – late last night a friend on Twitter suggested Apple Weevil. I can’t stick around to chat now – just rushing off for a very busy day, but I’ll pop by later! Thanks Justin :)
bon008 said:
justin said:
i saw your blog – the creature is an ‘elephant weevil’ (orthorhinus cylindrirostris). it’s doing the bark damage and needs to be removed before it pupates. you can spray them with pyrethrum .
there might be something else causing that fruit damage.
Oh, cripes – late last night a friend on Twitter suggested Apple Weevil. I can’t stick around to chat now – just rushing off for a very busy day, but I’ll pop by later! Thanks Justin :)
OK, I finally have a rest period in this hectic weekend! I’ve Googled both and it looks to me like the weevil in question is definitely an elephant weevil, not an apple weevil – cheers again Justin! I will let me friend know – I ended up giving him the weevil so he could take some macro photos. He was planning to add a photo to the Wikipedia page for the apple weevil, since it doesn’t have a photo yet.
I always find it weird that at the grand old age of 28 there are still so many critters living in my own backyard that I’ve never seen before!
I suppose I should give the orange tree some worm juice & seaweed tonic to help it recover, too.
bon008 said:
bon008 said:
justin said:
i saw your blog – the creature is an ‘elephant weevil’ (orthorhinus cylindrirostris). it’s doing the bark damage and needs to be removed before it pupates. you can spray them with pyrethrum .
there might be something else causing that fruit damage.
Oh, cripes – late last night a friend on Twitter suggested Apple Weevil. I can’t stick around to chat now – just rushing off for a very busy day, but I’ll pop by later! Thanks Justin :)
OK, I finally have a rest period in this hectic weekend! I’ve Googled both and it looks to me like the weevil in question is definitely an elephant weevil, not an apple weevil – cheers again Justin! I will let me friend know – I ended up giving him the weevil so he could take some macro photos. He was planning to add a photo to the Wikipedia page for the apple weevil, since it doesn’t have a photo yet.
I always find it weird that at the grand old age of 28 there are still so many critters living in my own backyard that I’ve never seen before!
I suppose I should give the orange tree some worm juice & seaweed tonic to help it recover, too.
“Grand old age of 28” – oh to be so old…
pain master said:
bon008 said:
bon008 said:Oh, cripes – late last night a friend on Twitter suggested Apple Weevil. I can’t stick around to chat now – just rushing off for a very busy day, but I’ll pop by later! Thanks Justin :)
OK, I finally have a rest period in this hectic weekend! I’ve Googled both and it looks to me like the weevil in question is definitely an elephant weevil, not an apple weevil – cheers again Justin! I will let me friend know – I ended up giving him the weevil so he could take some macro photos. He was planning to add a photo to the Wikipedia page for the apple weevil, since it doesn’t have a photo yet.
I always find it weird that at the grand old age of 28 there are still so many critters living in my own backyard that I’ve never seen before!
I suppose I should give the orange tree some worm juice & seaweed tonic to help it recover, too.
“Grand old age of 28” – oh to be so old…
I reckon, and you are a bit of a spring chicken yourself!!! LOL
bon008 said:
bon008 said:
justin said:
i saw your blog – the creature is an ‘elephant weevil’ (orthorhinus cylindrirostris). it’s doing the bark damage and needs to be removed before it pupates. you can spray them with pyrethrum .
there might be something else causing that fruit damage.
Oh, cripes – late last night a friend on Twitter suggested Apple Weevil. I can’t stick around to chat now – just rushing off for a very busy day, but I’ll pop by later! Thanks Justin :)
OK, I finally have a rest period in this hectic weekend! I’ve Googled both and it looks to me like the weevil in question is definitely an elephant weevil, not an apple weevil – cheers again Justin! I will let me friend know – I ended up giving him the weevil so he could take some macro photos. He was planning to add a photo to the Wikipedia page for the apple weevil, since it doesn’t have a photo yet. I always find it weird that at the grand old age of 28 there are still so many critters living in my own backyard that I’ve never seen before!
I suppose I should give the orange tree some worm juice & seaweed tonic to help it recover, too.
giving the weevil to a macro photographer is an excellent way of sorting things out LOL.
pain master said:
“Grand old age of 28” – oh to be so old…
That was very tongue in cheek :)
But I do have a distinct memory of being in primary school, and thinking, “Ha! I know all the animals now!” – not quite realising that apart from all the big popular animals, there are so many tiny fascinating ones in the world :)
justin said:
bon008 said:
bon008 said:Oh, cripes – late last night a friend on Twitter suggested Apple Weevil. I can’t stick around to chat now – just rushing off for a very busy day, but I’ll pop by later! Thanks Justin :)
OK, I finally have a rest period in this hectic weekend! I’ve Googled both and it looks to me like the weevil in question is definitely an elephant weevil, not an apple weevil – cheers again Justin! I will let me friend know – I ended up giving him the weevil so he could take some macro photos. He was planning to add a photo to the Wikipedia page for the apple weevil, since it doesn’t have a photo yet. I always find it weird that at the grand old age of 28 there are still so many critters living in my own backyard that I’ve never seen before!
I suppose I should give the orange tree some worm juice & seaweed tonic to help it recover, too.giving the weevil to a macro photographer is an excellent way of sorting things out LOL.
Yep!
If anyone wants to see the weevil:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahameb/6659087385/in/photostream/lightbox/
Infinitely better than the ones I took with my camera phone!! :)
And he did add it to Wikipedia, too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthorhinus_cylindrirostris
bon008 said:
justin said:
bon008 said:OK, I finally have a rest period in this hectic weekend! I’ve Googled both and it looks to me like the weevil in question is definitely an elephant weevil, not an apple weevil – cheers again Justin! I will let me friend know – I ended up giving him the weevil so he could take some macro photos. He was planning to add a photo to the Wikipedia page for the apple weevil, since it doesn’t have a photo yet. I always find it weird that at the grand old age of 28 there are still so many critters living in my own backyard that I’ve never seen before!
I suppose I should give the orange tree some worm juice & seaweed tonic to help it recover, too.giving the weevil to a macro photographer is an excellent way of sorting things out LOL.
Yep!
If anyone wants to see the weevil:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahameb/6659087385/in/photostream/lightbox/
Infinitely better than the ones I took with my camera phone!! :)
And he did add it to Wikipedia, too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthorhinus_cylindrirostris
that is a really nice shot of the weevil closeup.
bon008 said:
pain master said:“Grand old age of 28” – oh to be so old…
That was very tongue in cheek :)
But I do have a distinct memory of being in primary school, and thinking, “Ha! I know all the animals now!” – not quite realising that apart from all the big popular animals, there are so many tiny fascinating ones in the world :)
And those tiny ones just keep on coming! I’m still finding new things in my garden and no doubt I will next week too.
pain master said:
bon008 said:
pain master said:“Grand old age of 28” – oh to be so old…
That was very tongue in cheek :)
But I do have a distinct memory of being in primary school, and thinking, “Ha! I know all the animals now!” – not quite realising that apart from all the big popular animals, there are so many tiny fascinating ones in the world :)
And those tiny ones just keep on coming! I’m still finding new things in my garden and no doubt I will next week too.
Oh I have seen these guys! Very coolio!
pain master said:
bon008 said:
pain master said:“Grand old age of 28” – oh to be so old…
That was very tongue in cheek :)
But I do have a distinct memory of being in primary school, and thinking, “Ha! I know all the animals now!” – not quite realising that apart from all the big popular animals, there are so many tiny fascinating ones in the world :)
And those tiny ones just keep on coming! I’m still finding new things in my garden and no doubt I will next week too.
My dad said the same thing on the weekend :) I’m trying to convince him to get his good camera repaired and start a blog about his insect finds. His backyard is full of diversity but he also specialises in providing butterfly habitat – every time I’m there he shows me his current chrysalis collection, and there’s usually one or two butterflies settling in for the night or hardening their wings after emerging.
He’s seen some unusual bees lately that he’s trying to identify, too. He needs to get on the web with us!
bon008 said:
pain master said:
bon008 said:That was very tongue in cheek :)
But I do have a distinct memory of being in primary school, and thinking, “Ha! I know all the animals now!” – not quite realising that apart from all the big popular animals, there are so many tiny fascinating ones in the world :)
And those tiny ones just keep on coming! I’m still finding new things in my garden and no doubt I will next week too.
My dad said the same thing on the weekend :) I’m trying to convince him to get his good camera repaired and start a blog about his insect finds. His backyard is full of diversity but he also specialises in providing butterfly habitat – every time I’m there he shows me his current chrysalis collection, and there’s usually one or two butterflies settling in for the night or hardening their wings after emerging.
He’s seen some unusual bees lately that he’s trying to identify, too. He needs to get on the web with us!
He does! Come on Mr Dad of Bon! The unusual bees maybe Cuckoo bees???
pain master said:
He does! Come on Mr Dad of Bon! The unusual bees maybe Cuckoo bees???
Ooh, just looked up Cuckoo Bees – pretty little things! Sent a link to dad to see if that is one of his unidentified friends.
I will continue hassling him about uploading photos and things whenever I see him :)
Actually when we eventually go and live at their place, I will be able to put his photos on my blog.. too easy! If he permits it, that is :)
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :D
Do have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
bon008 said:
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :DDo have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
WOOHOOOO! Congrats to you and Mr Bon :D
bon008 said:
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :DDo have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
oh congratulations bon! so exciting! yes you will feel tired but worth it! we will forgive you if not much gardening is done :)
bon008 said:
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :DDo have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
congrats – and rest well – the garden will wait.
bon008 said:
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :DDo have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
Oooooo! I’m so excited for you Bon. Don’t you worry about popping in here or about the garden. You have much bigger things of concern. Just let us know how it’s going now and again.
pomolo said:
bon008 said:
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :DDo have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
Oooooo! I’m so excited for you Bon. Don’t you worry about popping in here or about the garden. You have much bigger things of concern. Just let us know how it’s going now and again.
it is exciting news. Mr Bon is just going to have to take some lessons in watering from Mr HP.
While we are on babies.. my grand daughter is only around nine weeks off the boil now.Thanks HP, BG, pomolo, justin & RB. :)
Exciting news about your daughter, RB! So soon!
bon008 said:
Thanks HP, BG, pomolo, justin & RB. :)Exciting news about your daughter, RB! So soon!
Yours is exciting news as well.
The excitemenet is hotting up here.bon008 said:
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :DDo have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
hortfurball said:
bon008 said:
Hmm. Well I haven’t provided a gardening update in this thread for a while, have I? :DDo have some news I want to share with you lot though.. I am 14 weeks pregnant :)
I’m still trying to make the time to pop in here more often, but I’m so tired lately that spare time goes toward sleep or at least just rest.
Ooh! Congratulations Bon!
Thanks HFB :)