a garden tour

It has been a rather strange summer her weather-wise. Rain, even a light frost and temperatures soaring into the forties. Unfortunately this erratic weather has played havoc in the garden this year. The year before last I successfully grew many vegies from seed. But it wasn't to be this year. Almost every seed I planted failed to come up, and those that did mysteriously disappeared. I think it may be to a big increase in snails in the garden.

 

Lettuce, though so successful the year before, shot straight to seed as soon as the temperature soared.

 

There might have been one or two tantrums involved.  

 

Though it has been incredibly frustrating this year, it is not all doom and gloom. Let me show you around.

This picture was taken last week, and the perpetual spinach, silverbeet and parsley have now tripled in size after the latest rains. Purchased as seedlings.

The corn seedlings have grown huge and you can see many husks developing. I'm quite excited as I've never grown corn before. Some locals plant them all around their vegie gardens as a protection against our harsh Summer weather.

Tiny tomato seedlings have been growing like crazy. About four have survived. I had one full sized tomato plant survive despite planting about 6.

Here is the back of the garden. Needing weeding. Everything there is from last year and has completely gone to seed.

Let's move onto the rest of the garden.

Two of the apple trees we planted the year before last fruited this year. Above is a Lord Lambourne. You can see some hail damage there, but they were all still edible. Actually, they were delicious.  That combination of a crisp, juicy but dry crunch that you just don't get in supermarket apples. Sweetness with a tang.

Our Leighton Green Leylandii has grown to head height. We have a few lines of them running around the boundary, mixed with privet, photinia, butterfly bush and vibernum.
On the subject of Leylandii and neighbours I read a very interesting article here.

I couldn't tell you what this is - a day lily?  Note the dead grass in the background.

Perhaps the Autumn plantings will be a little more successful that the Summer.

As each season passes, we are learning more about the micro climate on our block, which will change as plants grow. The general climate here is rather harsh and with some altitude. With drying winds and scorching sun. There are ways around it, and many seasoned local gardeners are willing to share their experiences.

It is all a learning curve.

How has your garden been growing?  Have you had a successful /unsuccessful season? Or are you in the planning stage of your garden?