Home and Garden Storage

I was reading a book on companion gardening which fascinated me because it is an amazing art, centuries old. Some plants are grown in all sorts of weather and can be outside or in sheds. What’s more there are plants which when grown next to other plants can thrive and protect each other from pests. Then there are plants which can be used for their healing properties, actually most have that ability in some way or another. We can learn a lot about life and living healthy when we become aware of the power of plants and companion gardening. In this way we can maintain a healthy environment for their growth instead of using dangerous insecticides.

Vegetables, photo by Lena Ivanovic, Belgrade, Serbia, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/905039

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You haven’t heard from me as often recently because I’ve been at a loss for words. It could be because it is the festive season and there is the stress of preparing for this celebration and going to other people’s parties as well. Nevertheless, as I was waiting to pick up my grandson the other day there were cockatoos everywhere – perhaps 50 or 60 of them flying around and screeching loudly. There are people I know who have backyard aviaries with cockatoos and I must say the birds are more peaceful and willing to relate with their owners. Whereas the cockatoos around the schoolyard sound absolutely crazy as they chase each other from tree to tree.

Candy, photo by Steve Nichols, West Boxford, Mass, United States, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/865510

My friend Suzie is addicted to going to Bunnings and garden nurseries just as others are compelled to buy clothes. When we are considering what to do, her eyes light up as she suggests “popping into one or more of those shopping venues”. Fortunately she has a garage and a garden shed to cope with her addiction because she has accumulated many ‘useful’ items which take up room but which she considers vital to the upkeep of a home. Mind you she has a home in the city and one in the country as a holiday home.

Picture a 3 storey terrace home in Darlington with a small back yard. Well Barry was obsessive on weekends about repairs around the home and making things out of wood. This balanced his office work during weekdays. Previously in their suburban home they had a garage where he kept his garden tools and a garden shed that was his ‘den’ but now in the inner city the backyard shed was perfect for the terrace home. What’s more he had pulled it apart in the old place and re-assembled it in the new home. It just fit in nicely and he had it set up with all his tools. When he was there the family knew to leave him alone for his much needed space.

I saw this photo of a quaint workshop and the thought crossed my mind about how much change there has been in the makeup of workshops nowadays. You can DIY a workshop which is made out of steel and therefore waterproof and weatherproof. Windows and shelving can be installed in these workshops and there are slab floorings. And they come in different colours too. What more can you ask for?

It’s been a while since I have written about the benefit of having an aviary for the family. A pet home in the backyard that allows the whole family to share the care and enjoyment of birds as pets. Cockatoos enjoy such a safe haven, especially galas. Children show off their aviaries proudly to their friends. This is a productive activity which is not only fulfilling but also teaches youngsters about  responsibility.

One of the most interesting experiences I have ever had was enjoying an indoor spa in someone’s backyard. The shed the spa was housed in was attractive and private. We came back from horse riding sore and dirty and would shower and slip into the hot spa the size of the room built especially for it. Moments like these are hard to beat and when remembered can throw you back to how it felt then.

I spoke before about having a greenhouse and then I came across this example which showed how possible it is. A greenhouse that is installed in your backyard which keeps  plants protected from the harsh weather.  My friend Elizabeth has a  greenhouse  in her backyard and  creates small  pot plants which are sold for charity to raise funds. A greenhouse is the best.

I wrote about how we can experience Indian Summer in Spring, and here it is – one minute hot and the next cold. How can plants survive this crazy weather. I guess that’s the benefit of having a small greenhouse in the backyard. At least delicate young plants can be protected from these swings in weather. Too bad we are not plants in greenhouses so we can get through this crazy weather. Mind you I have a friend who goes surfing all year round and thoroughly enjoys it.

I was in the Rose Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens and noticed that there were very few roses in bloom. Considering that it is first week in October, then Spring is late. I remember when we had a home on sandstone cliffs, we had a small rose garden, a couple of small fruit trees and a small shed for all the tools and equipment as well as being a small workshop for my husband. The sandstone was so beautiful you could carve shapes in it like these Rockmen. At least by September our roses were all in bloom. Looks like the climate in Sydney has changed considerably.