Positive people.

Most weeks when I work I encounter a customer who makes me feel positive and hopeful. Sure, they are all (generally) gardeners so that in itself is a positive activity but one person each weekend is a standout for having a positive story or otherwise encouraging outlook to gardening.
Some people have spoken to me of success in encouraging beneficial insects, or medical survival stories.
I feel hope for the future and an appreciation of how lucky I am to live when and where I do.

Planting makes me happy.

I've been rescuing a few seedlings from work lately. This morning I popped in some kangaroo paws in the little native garden outside the front window. Finally planted the native hibiscus that's been knocking about in a pot for ages by the front door; hopefully it ill do more than just flower and die, but even that would be okay.
Two little broccoli seedlings went in that Lynn shared with me. The other day I found some kale and cauliflower seedlings that the rats had nibbled some of, so they got 'rescued' and are now in biochar, organic garden heaven.

Winter uni break.

The winter break is shorter than summer, so I am managing to find enough things to do to get through the day without spending much money, which I can't help but do if I venture into town. Even though I'm not a big consumer of useless things, I can still find an excuse to buy tasty treats or a small kitchen thing or go op-shopping, so home is cheaper. Sometimes it means we have a really yummy dinner, as I spend more time on cooking.

Perth has just been through a nasty cold spell, broken for the last few nights by some good storms and rain. Finally! We have been suffering winter "dryness" (can't say drought anymore, it's dry and the rain's not coming back) and the dams are all low.

We had an owl in the garden!

It landed in the tree near us while we were looking at the moon. Awesome!!!

Soil bacteria is the new black for gardeners.

There is more and more talk recently of adding soil bacteria to increase productivity and disease resistance.
It is an interesting time in horticulture as more poisons are removed from the arsenal of biocides and more natural methods are being reintroduced. Combining traditional methods with modern technological knowledge has the capacity to increase soil and human health, stopping the need for chemical fertilisers by creating fertile soils that are more active and full of carbon.

Biochar is an example of a soil ameliorant that can increase the health of a soil by providing somewhere for bacteria to lurk about. The large surface area provides sites for cation exchange, where nutrients are held and released around the fine root hairs of plants.
Bentonite clay and humus from composted organic matter also provide sites for nutrients to stay around the plant roots and organic matter also holds water. These characteristics are important in sandy soils, especially, as nutrients and water can easily leach away without the addition of organic matter, humus, compost, manures or minerals. You don't need to use all of these products but it is important to add some form of soil enhancer to help the new plant grow.