Andrea's Reflection Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Andrea Whitely Garden Consultant

February 7, 2024August 7, 2024

How to Help Your Garden (And You) Survive Bunnuru

Andrea Whitely stands smiling next to a flowering kangeroo paw

According to our Indigenous Noongyar culture, this season is called Bunnuru and it is the hottest time of the year. http://www.bom.gov.au/iwk/nyoongar/bunuru.shtml

The tiny birds love perching on these metal spirals while they dry off after a dive in the birdbath

During February and March here in Perth it is hot and dry with little to no chance of rain. We did have a short heavy shower last Friday night but that was a bit of a teaser, just like the thunderstorm a couple of weeks ago. In February 2024 so far we have had 0.22mm of rain in Perth, which is about the same as we had last year in 2023.

There are some things that you can do during this time to help your garden thrive and not look dry and crispy, which let’s face it is enough to make even the most positive person feel a little down and sad.

Every year the same conversations are had all over Perth, the week that the kids return to school…”Oh my God, it is so hot!!!” Well, it is and we just have to get used to it, wear fewer clothes, drink more water get a bigger fan, and embrace this lovely warm weather.

Indigenous people used to move towards the coast at this time of the year so that they could be well placed to enjoy what we now call the Fremantle Doctor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremantle_Doctor

The cool sea breeze blows from the Indian Ocean over the city in the afternoon. The afternoons are a great time to get out with the hose and water your garden by hand. I find it very meditative. It is a time when I feel very connected to my garden.

December 19, 2023July 12, 2024

Finding A Little Bit Of Peace And A Whole Bundle Of Joy-Christmas In The Garden

Again this year, I will be cooking another Christmas ham but before and after you will find me in the garden

The shops are heaving with gift ideas and I don’t know about you, but this year more than ever, it feels like every retailer is chasing me down to eke out the very last remaining dollar left on my credit card.

Does anyone actually “need” another Christmas-pine scented candle??? My inbox is exploding with buy this, buy that, last shipping opportunity before Christmas, and hey, do I want another 30% off? No, I do not, stop this nonsense. I mean how many beach towels does one person use in a single lifetime, new picnic basket anyone? Stop, just STOP!

I am getting into my garden and hoping it all goes away. Our gardens are the gift that we give to ourselves. Investing a little of your time (and your cash) in your garden each week will make you happier than you could ever imagine and enormously happier than a pine-scented candle would.

Your garden is the gift that keeps on giving, 365 days of the year. Your garden is the place that will offer you peace and joy. You can partake in an endless list of activities, and a constant source of change. Embracing a gardening life will give you a sense of purpose and offer a welcome distraction as you navigate your busy lives. The garden offers the best diversion from whatever might be on your mind. Nothing is more distracting than weeds or attempting to identify a particular pest or disease.