Frost Damage

Frost on Strawberry

As a garden writer I have regularly mentioned frosts, but last week was the first time I have really felt the effects. 

I have been sowing winter vegetables every four weeks and while I have noticed the odd frosty morning, it has had little impact on the garden. Maybe it’s the mulch, maybe the seaweed supplement I applied to the garden, but I have noticed little, if any frost damage. That was until last week when the kids told me it had been snowing.  

Frost on Lettuce

To read the full story go to garden drum by clicking here. 

Frost on Parsley

Long time, No blog!

Hi, I am writing my first Blog for quite some time and I must apologise!
I have not been lazy, but I have been rather preoccupied ...

My husband and I bought a farm and have been busy establishing a potager, growing our own food and looking after our ever growing menagerie of farm animals!

I have also written a new book about the entire experience which will be release in November 2012!!! Very exciting. More to come about the book closer to the release date.

So what has brought me back to the computer? I have to share the absolute thrill of gathering my first dozen duck eggs! And WOW - they really are so different to chicken or even guinea fowl eggs. They are rich and completely delicious!

We purchased the ducks in summer and have been nurturing them all this time with absolutely no eggs in return. We accepted this because they were so young; however after six months, I was beginning to regret buying such young ducks. And now, all of a sudden, we are finally reaping the rewards. Did I mention that the eggs are yum?

We selected one of each of the best egg layers (khaki campbell, indian runner & peking), according to our friendly poultry expert from Longwarry, but I can't tell who is laying and who is not because all the eggs look the same!

I do know one thing ... if you like eggs, you need to get yourself a duck or three!
 

Amazing Farming Video - Back to the Start

Here is an amazing clip on the evolution of farming.

It really is a must watch.

Well Done Chipotle! Bring on Ethical farming!!

GardenDrum - the ultimate garden blog

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To find out more, click here: www.GardenDrum.com

Enjoy a Spring Garden Party!



Picture: pepperspollywogs.com



The Victorian nursery industry has just announced the launch of its Spring Garden Parties, to be held across the state commencing September 1st.

The Garden Party campaign is aimed at inspiring Victorians back into their gardens this Spring! Gardeners of all persuasions and abilities will find that their local garden centre will be the bustling centre of activities designed to re-ignite Victorian’s love for gardening.

Garden Centres in every community across Victoria are ready to add colour and enjoyment to home gardens. The industry’s message is that there are many great reasons for families and friends to enjoy their outdoor spaces.

Gardening is Victorian’s most popular recreation and working in the garden is an ideal exercise, something that many Victorians are already well aware of. Now is the perfect time to jump on the Grow Your Own bandwagon – one that you can use to bring the kids along. Get them active in the garden; the benefits will speak for themselves. Healthier outcomes for everyone, no matter how young, no matter how old!

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

• Local nurseries and garden centres are right behind the Spring Garden Party and gardeners.

• The Garden Party is all about having fun with your family and friends.

• It is aimed at inspiring Victorians back into their gardens this Spring!
• Garden Parties will be held at Garden Centres right across Victoria and will include heaps of activities, fun for the kids and even cooking demonstrations.

• And what a great place for a quiet drink at the end of a busy day. Outside, in your own garden having a drink with friends and family, it doesn’t get any better than that.

• Did you know that improving our gardens can have a powerful effect on reducing energy consumption in the home?

• By improving home gardens Victorians can have a terrific investment not just in their health, but their home value too.

Have your own Garden Party to kick off Spring.

DID YOU KNOW? The Victorian nursery industry supports over 11,500 jobs and generates well over 1.5 Billion dollars a year. It is a noted exporter into other states and is regarded as the best in Australia. Staff are typically trained professionals and retail customers in particular will always find knowledgeable and helpful people to assist them whenever they visit their local garden centre.