The Endless Fascination.....

The endless fascination I have for nature is found in bountiful abundance in my own garden. 

With spring well and truly embracing us with warmer days many plants are bursting with flowers. 

My mulberry tree heavily laden with fruit and for the first time my pineapple orange tree is also fruiting. Three of my four bottlebrush trees have begun to add a dash of vibrant red to both the front and back gardens. The two white ones have many buds which hopefully will be open soon. One of the several melaleuca trees which have similar flowers to the bottlebrush has a few of their white flowers opening with many more to follow.  

Everywhere I looked there were flowers, so many different varieties and colours. Different perfumes drifting in the air, the scent of the port wine magnolia is definitely one of the most alluring of all. There were tiny hoverflies and bees feasting on the pollen and nectar and many birds dashing in and out of the garden as they too came to enjoy a drink or a dip in one of the many birdbaths. 

A hub of activity enjoyed by so many, such a humbling and gratifying gift this garden is. 

Wandering around noting how by leaving the garden to mostly do as it pleases without over weeding or interfering with other lifeforms who dwell within the gardens walls has created a diverse microclimate. I am often discovering new insects and birds, and recently the encounter with the shingleback lizard alerted me to yet another garden dweller. 

The possums tend to have a favourite tree in the back garden when they often have an evening scuffle now and again. And in the dark of night many a croaking frog can be heard serenading the moon. 

As the canopy created by some of the larger trees is providing more shade below next autumn I will plant an understory of smaller plants and grasses which will help keep the earth moist during the long hot summer months.

The chickens seem to be getting into the raised garden bed no matter what I do try and keep them out, so having to rethink where the vegetables can grow without them helping themselves. 

But for today I am simply enjoying the atmosphere created which induces a relaxing nurturing calm.....