Spring 2016 in Oxford, North Canterbury
Catching the spring before it fades…
A low of -1 degrees Celsius overnight, but a clear blue sky this morning means now I can get the washing dried on the line! Snow on the mountains arrived as well. I could not resist taking the camera out to record the plants in the garden.
I always fight between clearing or not clearing the ‘weeds’ as clearing them disturbs everything in the flower beds. Then when the dry, hot days arrive I think the weeds would help to keep the soil moist. But I know that the strong weeds would overtake the cultivated plants. The vegetable and fruit trees and bushes are looking at their best just now. Lots of Ladybirds – hope they and the birds do a good job controlling the aphids. It is a balancing act between taking action and just observing. A new location brings a new set of conditions. I am intrigued at the different biodiversity existing in two locations 2 kilometres apart from each other. We have fewer birds and habitats for them here than at the last place. I’ve started reading my permaculture book again. Need a jungle.
There are some lovely black blue iris flowers just opening – will they make some dye?
My painting, the last image, now looks just like Spring!