Our neighbour wanted to replace the old timber fence so now we have a grey metal fence which meets the old timber fence of our other adjoining back neighbour. I’m not a fan of the impersonal metal fence but it does make a good backdrop for photography.
Last year the Indigofera that I planted was killed off in the frost, but it shot again from the base. This year winter was much milder so it did well and is now flowering beautifully. It looks stunning against the grey, even if I do say so myself.
When I went to the Threatened Species Awareness talk last week, I learnt that the endangered Keys Match Stick grasshopper only moves between 200 and 300 metres in its lifetime, so its habitat can be easily fragmented by urban development and metal fences which are obstacles to its movement. At least the other half of my back fence is timber. I have seen a little grasshopper that looks similar at my local park less than 200 metres away. So I hope.
My backyard is looking very sparse and hot without the critically endangered Tumut grevillea that succumbed this year. It only grows in a small area of southeastern Australia but can be bought from native nurseries for home gardens. I have two baby Tumut grevilleas which are its progeny. Only one leaf each. So tiny and an exceedingly hot summer ahead. Still, I can hope.
Life is busy. The dogs are still alive. So is my True Love. Ditto my children who are no longer children. I count myself lucky.
If you are in Canberra this Sunday, the 27th, and wondering what you can do on this cold and blustery day (a change of weather is predicted), why not join the Conservation Council walk to showcase Canberra’s western edge? Canberra’s undeveloped western edge is the next frontier for urban development. The Western Edge is iconic landscape and home to many threatened species. Someone said to me that developing it would be like putting houses all over the undeveloped areas of the Lakes District. Dumb. Anyway, I happen to know that there are vacancies available for the walk. Yep, I’m leading it with a little help from my friends. How the heck did that happen? We don’t have a defibrillator so if I keel over, at least I will die happy.
Take care, everyone. Have hope.
Kind Regards.
Tracy.
Thanks for caring for those endangered species.
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Thanks, Judy. I get a bit carried away with it at times but it helps me get out of bed in the morning.
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Wow. That grey metal fence is a whole new kind of privacy fence. But it does make a good backdrop for your photography.
The walk sounds wonderful. You will be a fabulous leader, Tracy.
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Thank you, Lois. I’m grateful that the focus won’t be on me but on the landscape. My friend, J, who is helping me, is very knowledgeable about plants and geology, so we will all enjoy it.
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You sound busy and engaed, and those endangered species round your way have a lot to be grateful for with you as their champion. So glad that grey fence is proving to be tolerable after your initial shock!
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Too busy, but I can avoid housework so am not complaining, Margaret.
Once my shrubs grow the fence should look less utilitarian.
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The gray metal fence does look rather industrial, but at least it makes a good back for flower photography. Have fun on your Conservation Council walk!
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Thank you, Liz. I will.
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You’re welcome, Tracy.
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Most colours look great in front of grey, maybe because grey is neutral.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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I agree. The shrubs will be a nice contrast. Thanks, Fab Four of Cley.
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Your pink flowers look great against the gray fence, but I understand your preference for wood. Sounds like life is moving along in a positive direction for you. I hope the trend continues!
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Hi Anne. I’m not sure about positive but I feel like I am contributing to something worthwhile. Hope you are well and trying to stay positive as well.
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I am trying to stay positive knowing my country will never be the same in my lifetime–meaning Trump’s damage.
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It’s all that most people can do. I feel for you.
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The metal fence will be warm in winter after the sun hits it so some plants may be happy. When I was pink and grey I thought of Galahs. This week I have had a pair of Galahs in the garden. Never had them here before especially as regular stop overs.
The walk sound good, have fun Tracy
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Hi Brian. I thought galahs were everywhere. I don’t get them in my garden either. They prefer to the eat the roots of my neighbours pristine lawn. They are such sweet, under-rated little parrots.
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They can be, like other parrots, quite naughty but a lawn, that deserves to be nibbled 😂
Galahs are one of the most abundant and familiar parrots occurring over most of Australia, including some offshore islands
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/galah/
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Sounds like that walk will be well worthwhile the effort. Hope you get decent weather for it.
Yes, the pink looks gorgeous in front of the grey fencing. How’s your verge growing at the moment. I remember when you planted it out. Love to see some photos of it’s progress.
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Hi Vicki. Hope you are well? Thanks for your comment. My verge is looking pretty scrappy. The previous winter I had a couple of plants die due to severe frost. Then it took a hit from rabbits. The latter have mysteriously disappeared. Maybe someone ate them. Probably have jinxed myself by saying that. Will try for some photos shortly.
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way to go on looking for the silver lining, although it’s the grey metal fence in this case.
I am glad to hear that your conservation efforts continue …
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