DECK THE BOUGHS….LEURA CHIC v OLD SCHOOL BLACKHEATH

DECK THE BOUGHS....LEURA CHIC v OLD SCHOOL BLACKHEATH

Here in the Blue Mountains the boughs of Leura’s main street avenue of cherry trees have been decorated for Christmas in a unique manner. Admittedly the seasonal creations have created some controversy, but I love them. They seem to suit Leura’s trendy, boutique shops and are quirky

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BANKSIA SERRATA; WEIRD AND WONDERFUL!

BANKSIA SERRATA; WEIRD AND WONDERFUL!

Specimens  of  of the Australian native Banksia serrata  were  collected by Sir Joseph Banks in  1770 and later named for him. They are funny, gnarled trees that look ancient long before their time (rather like weather beaten Australian gardeners). Serrata refers to the  tough, saw edged  leaves; Their knobbled

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ODE TO THE GUM LEAF

ODE TO THE GUM LEAF

How wonderful a gum leaf is. More on gum leaf playing further down, but meanwhile, look how beautiful the leaves can be; We Australians have an almost spiritual connection to gum leaves.  Expats can be reduced to tears by a whiff of their aroma.  Campers in the

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THE GENTLE GENIUS OF MAY GIBBS

THE  GENTLE GENIUS OF MAY GIBBS

A DAY OUT FOR EDITOR DES (THAT’S ME) Well one day my guardian Pauline Conolly took me to Sydney as a special treat. Now  she loves  going to the State Library, but I don’t  (boooooring!!) I was  pretty p…..d off when we ended up there (sorry, I

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BORONIA – HEART STOPPER, HEART BREAKER!

BORONIA - HEART STOPPER, HEART BREAKER!

BORONIA Because the fragrance of your deeds, Has sweetened a sad soul’s doom, And ministered to many needs, I send you Boronia blooms.     Ella McFadyen  1906 I confess there is an element of nostalgia in my love of the tiny brown cups of   fragrant Boronia megastigma. I

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