As Christmas is fast approaching, I've been making time to enjoy the green that surrounds us at the moment. For a long time, brown has been the predominant colour for us at this time of the year, so to see green paddocks is quite enjoyable. I decided to renew my header photograph, showing a crop of sorghum [a crop grown at this time of the year] and the ever present galahs that seem to take delight in eating the grain. They are noisy, raucous, and rather destructive birds, but part of our unique birdlife, so including them as part of my blog is probably only natural. I'm also sharing some 'new growth' that has delighted me. The little bedding begonia in the photograph above was all but broken to pieces by 'the pups' a few months ago. I came out one day to see the pot tipped over and most of the growth chewed off. It was in a sorry state. I broke all the mauled bits off, and repotted it into a much larger pot. As you can see, it is now fully recovered and flowering beautifully. I've always told my husband things need a good hard prune now and again......... However, I would much rather be the one doing the pruning!!
Unfortunately, the destruction didn't stop at the begonia. Just when you let your guard down, they decide to up and at something else. For three years I've been watching my ponytail plant grow and thrive. They made a real meal out of it one day, but I kept watering it, hoping it would recover. I've taken this photograph, so you can see the bite marks on the tuber, the sad looking top, and can understand how annoyed I was to see it. It's difficult to find somewhere to put the plants where the pups can't get at them, so I somehow have to sit them out. In the last week or so I've noticed these little nodes, so I know the plant is still alive. I have a feeling these little growths are all new ponytail plants, not a new top on the old plant. Has anyone got an opinion on that theory?? I'll keep watching them for a while, and then decide if I'm to leave it like that, or try to 'strike' each little node into a new plant...........
To finish off this post I thought it might be amusing to share this photograph of Dude. I captured him sound asleep on the back landing, and to look at him, you wouldn't think he'd be capable of doing anything naughty. Think again!!!
My thanks also for the interest in the painted paper folder. Your comments are always appreciated.
10 comments:
Linda, dude looks so sweet. I wonder what he was dreaming of.
The galahs are very pretty to look at even if they eat what you would prefer them to leave alone.
I too have a dog (Holly) who looks angelic but is destructive. Hope your damaged plants recover as well as the begonia, which looks lovely.
Last severe winter around here we all lost our cordylines, but they have all sprung into new growth now. Amazing how some things are able to recover.
I love your new header Linda, I think those pesty birds are soooooooooooooooooooo lovely and in my favorite color of pink. Wow what a recovery for your begonia. And your doggie looks sooooooooooooooooooooooo peaceful I can not imagine him being naughty. LOL Hugs Judy
I love your new header, Linda. It is fantastic although you don't like too much those noise makers. The photo is simply top!!
And Dude, oh, oh, the heat is knocking her to sleep and she seems to laugh in her dreams.
Hey Linda, love the new header, have a wonderful christmas ! all the best for the new year
michelle xxx
Great header LInda. I know what you mean about pruning for yourself. My pony tail got a crop top cut from my hubby and I despaired. Eventually a full crop of hair grew back, all is forgiven and our pony tail plant is thriving!! Happy Christmas to you xxx
Love the new header Linda, it is an amazing picture.
I think you will have lots of ponytail plantlets to grow on, mother nature has a way of compensating us for accidents that happen in gardening. The begonia look wonderful too, the pink is a lovely shade.
And Dude, how cute, maybe he's dreaming of his next meal. :)
hugs.
Love your new header too Linda, we have the Galahs at "the farm". Dude looks so cute and innocent how could you possibly say he gets up to mischief. He looks so innocent. A real cutie.
No man should ever be put in charge of pruning shears.
Gorgeous header, even if they are very destructive! I googled propagating ponytail plants and discovered that ponytail with multiple heads are very prized - so there you are, you will have a masterpiece if you can persuade the pups to leave it alone this time! Hope Christmas was lots of fun, all the best for the New Year. Cheers
Linda,I love the photo of the 'blousey' loud Galahs..and Dude..
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