BACK TO 'EARTH'

In times of confusion, stress or sorrow it is even more essential than usual that I get back to nature. Probably an instinctual response to healing the body and getting back to one's centre. The block we built the new house on is covered by a canopy of tall elegant Karri trees so I hadn't bothered with a vegie garden. Although the soil is a beautiful heavy loam the roots of eucalyptus won't allow some things to grow. But the deck is wide and sunny so as part of my recuperation I began trialling some seedlings in polystyrene fish boxes. Hamish (white poodle) has already been helping himself to the roquette. (I was wondering why he had the runs!)

I also rescued the nearly dead lemon tree from where I had been attempting to grow it and it is now thriving ecstatically in a pot (below)

Because the house was designed by an architect it faces north, which in this case means we present our arse to the street. People naturally head for the back door so to redirect them I went looking for interesting signs to put on the gate to indicate it was the preferred entrance. The result was disappointing so I made a sign instead. It is intended to fit in with the quasi-industrial look of the place.

Robin was a little skeptical that people would figure it out but I reckon even if they don't immediately get it, it will act in a subliminal way.....

The 'Stratco' planter is the first of many, because now I have the bug again I am re-arranging the parking areas so that I can get maximise benefit from the sun at the back (street-front) of the house.

My foot is still sore, but at least I can now do some light work. Next week, after months off, I will be back at work. I can't complain - it has been a gentle landing back on the planet.