First real house repair

During the week just past, I found I had a blocked kitchen drain, which was driving me mad - nothing would go down.

I tried numerous methods which usually work for drains, but none was helping, so when Friday came, I rang around for a plumber. It was difficult to get anyone, but a guy who lives around the corener, Daniel KOOL, came to the rescue. Mum had to let him in as I was at work,but he did a great job, and replaced the S bend under the sink, which was apparently clogged with detritus from the neglect by previous residents.

I came home to find a new under-bit, and a cleaned surround of the sink. So grateful, otherwise I was going to go bananas given the 3 day long-weekend due to Australia Day.

Am waiting for his bill!

First flowers on new hibiscus

Gratifyingly, it's the same flower as the bigger bush I have near this one. Such pretty fresh flowers!

The bigger bush - 

And in 2016, when it was quite small...

Jacaranda #2 progress

I just love how straight and tall she is growing. I'm looking forward to sitting in her shade!

Relocated flame tree - progress

Jan 26, 2018:

Slug on my grapevine

I don't what this is - some sort of caterpillar, yes, but of which insect - I have no idea. It's huge.

Apparently it belongs to a vine-hawk moth (also called hawk moths, sphinx moths, and hornworms). It eats grape vine leaves, and the leaves on virginia creeper, which I have growing nearby. Who knew?

One of the bugs was big and reddish-brown. I threw it to the chooks. The other was green,as in my pics here.

Apparently these occur worldwide, and the adult moth is quite big. I don't think I've seen the moth. The species is SPHINGIDAE.

I read that they feed also on oleander flowers (which I have), and lantana which I don't. So, I guess I'll be seeing them again from time to time.



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Walking irises

So far in a pot, but I have ideas of them going into the side garden along the fence, when I can get some rocks to start defining this area.

25 Oct 2019 - I must have transplanted these in the front garden at some stage and they are now popping up and seem about to flower!

11 Nov 2019 - Bud about to open

Orange and zinnabar bougs + updates

Zinnabar - supposed to be a pot variety (smaller/dwarf). We shall see.

Update 24 Jan 2018 - I moved this pot to the front of the garden where there is a huge hole from the ground-out removal of a stump, and which the chookies insist on digging. I will keep it there till I get around to levelling it off and filling with dirt. I thought if I have the pot there, I will find it easier to water the boug. I reckon I'll just put it in the ground anyway, but have no time to do that at the moment. Maybe on this Friday (Jan 26 - Australia Day). I love the reds, pinks and whites in this garden (with a little touch of mauve!).

27 Nov 2018: Zinnabar died some months ago, if I recall correctly.

Temple Fire is doing well - I moved it closer to the fence at the front.