Oh For An Aussie Christmas Tree

Oh For An Aussie Christmas Tree

It has taken over 200 years for we Aussies to start shifting away from a European style Christmas, with its heavy roast dinners and plum puddings.  Mind you, there was a push for something more suitable leading up to  Federation, when our  national spirit was on the rise.

Read more

THE GREAT CUSTARD CUSTARD!

THE GREAT CUSTARD CUSTARD!

I once made a somewhat provocative statement on social media declaring Australia’s Foster Clarks custard powder to be superior to the UK  Bird’s brand.   It was absolutely true, but see that flag on the British product?  I should have known I was stirring up a cauldron

Read more

CORREA; THE AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FUCHSIA

CORREA; THE AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FUCHSIA

Correa was named for the Portuguese botanist Correia da Serra. Of all the native flowers in my Blue Mountain gardens, it is one of the most visited by birds. Eastern Spinebills and  New Holland Honey Eaters adore  the nectar, and so do the  bees. Pictured below is

Read more

THE BEAUTY OF THE TULIP TREE

THE BEAUTY OF THE TULIP TREE

Tulip bulbs just do not thrive in my garden.  However, I can enjoy similar blooms in spring  thanks to  the Liriodendron trees, which are actually related to magnolias. Their cup shaped flowers have led to the common name of Tulip Tree. I planted two of these trees

Read more