My new Phormium cutting knife...
My Flax Cutting Knife
What to do first in my garden today? After I've put on my gardening shorts and boots, that is. How about some more Phormium slicing? I have a new serrated breadknife to try out - sourced from the Op Shop, cost FOUR dollars. Gardening hand tools are SO expensive these days...
Three hours later...
My new knife is perfect - have just demolished a large species green Phormium growing in the middle of the Island Bed. Should have done this years ago - it's been completely squashing (and shading) an ornamental gooseberry, a Sally Holmes rose, and a white Hydrangea. Poor things.
Ouch!
My new knife is sharp. Ouch - just a few tiny wounds on my hands. Am now going back outside to light the bonfire (all the dead flax leaves are on it, plus other dry mess).
Much later...
I started my bonfire while NGP started trimming the Olearia hedges around the back of the house. We both carted barrowfuls of hedge to the fire, which crackled merrily. A smudge of smoke, regretfully, but at least it went straight up.
Sunday 15th February
Spent ages this afternoon slicing through yet another huge Phormium, the one growing at the top end of the Island Bed. Didn't finish the clean-up. Should have - rain is forecast, and so I should have bonfired the dead leaves.
Phormium Mess
Looking from the house, I can now see right through the Island Bed, underneath the pretty Cornus, up to the Adirondack garden seats and the Hump Garden beyond. This causes a lovely lightening of garden mood, drawing the eyes through and beyond. Yeay!
Monday 16th February
It's seriously raining, though not as nasty as what's hitting the North Island. Have been out in my little car to the library, and now am hunkered down in my cosy house. I am so happy for my garden, though.
Looking though the Island Bed
Brr... Have been for a walk outside. Coming back inside, my house felt not so cosy anymore, so I've lit the wood burner. Ridiculous for a late summer's day in mid-February in New Zealand.
Speckles
Tuesday 17th February
Last night was indeed a dark and stormy night. Went over to the cottage with the rain lashing down and the wind roaring high in the trees. Not pleasant. Found my stray cat Speckles in the cottage curled up on my bed. Aww...
Had to shut the door and window, so Speckles was too nervous to stay inside. Fair enough. A wild cat needs at least two escape routes. The rain and the wind got noisier - I almost came back to sleep in the house.
House-bound
Today I am house-bound again. But that's OK. I can make a list! I can clean the bathroom! Or read my new library book and play my piano - much better ideas.