Climbing the walls - ficus #2

This ficus creeper took so long to become established - I actually thought it was going to die for a while there.

Then suddenly, it 'took', and even better, suddenly, it began to climb the wall behind it, which is the reason I bought it in the first place. I can't seem to find the 'traditional' or 'normal' ficus - the green one which used to be everywhere. I can only see these 'frosty' ones which have the white around the edge of the leaves (which this one is, above).

I love the ficus - they cover up ugly garden spots. I'm glad this is finally growing a bit more. Not sure how well it will do, or how high it will get.

I did make a request at my local nursery about this and some other plants - had a call from them today to say the 'normal' ficus are being cultivated and should be ready in about a month. She will give me a call then, and I will make sure I get about 4 of them, to spread all over the place! (walls and fences).

Update 3 Oct 2016:

This particular 'frosty' ficus still isn't doing so well. They seem to prefer being in the ground. I'm going to feed it a bit more then find a place in the garden for it, on a wall or something.

This is a new Buddha statue that I bought this year. Well priced from Nexus News at Riverlink.

Update: 4 Sept 2017:

I sold the Buddha in August 2017. Decided it was not my look after all.

The little ficus has responded well to waterings of Thrive fertiliser and is growing much better now.

More sunshine in this position too. Perhaps that makes a difference?

I mowed the back lawn

There - much more tidy, although I'm thinking hard about something with which to cover the staircase. I'd like to section off that area with lattice walls (and support posts).

In the meantime, the lawn is mowed! Bottoms up, girls!

Lady Beijing

Bought at Panjiayuan Market in Beijing, 2008. Went there with my friend Vicki Bellwood (now lives in the UK), where she bought the same lady, mirror image. We have half of the pair each. Nice memory.

Ivy

Not growing very well. Not sure why, when it has had blood and bone, horse poo, plenty of water. I guess it IS situated in crap soil, so maybe that's it?

To be continued.

Ye old mower

Sanli. Bought in 2011 from Griffiths Mowers, Booval.

It's been a great old stick, though the catcher now is showing signs of wear and is splitting in the 'bowl' catchment area base.

The toggle on the pull-start broke earlier this year and we had that fixed and a general overhaul. $188 later....

I mowed the front lawn

It's so pleasingly neat when the lawn is tidy. Shame about the telegraph poles. Perhaps they won't be so noticeable when the trees are up.

I look forward to making that front verandah an 'indoor room', when that awful stripey railing stuff is removed and lattice goes up (between the posts).

Flit #7 - Flit goes wild

This morning I took Flit to her new carer, Ivan, at Woodend. It's best for her to be with her own, out of danger of my cats.

It looks like a lovely place where she can learn to be a figbird, with others of her kind. It's bit run-down (I'm guessing this guy hasn't a lot of money), but I bet the birdies don't care.

Flit with his new carer, Ivan (below). He says she will fatten up on corn and peas, which sounds great.

Flit says goodbye and thanks.

I love you Flit, and I miss your little chirps already.