Week 4 November 2000: Out with the mower this week. No mowing for the last few months due to winter and lack of rain. Since the late spring rains grass and weeds are growing rapidly. At present a large area is mowed north of the house. In time this area will decrease as more garden beds are developed. Originally this area was a large sheep camp where the animals sheltered at night. A nightly congregation of several hundred sheep tends to build up the nitrogen level in the soil and a proliferation of noxious and obnoxious weeds including Stinging Nettles. Five years of regular mowing has reduced weed numbers and species and increased native grasses, including Stipa, and herbaceous perennials including Ajuga australis.
Plenty of butterflies around the garden especially Caper Whites, Meadow Argus and Monarchs. Myoporum floribundum and Westringias are high on their “must visit” sites. Everlasting Daisies are also popular.
Saw a Brown Bittern near our Big Dam the other day. This is another bird species to add to our Yallaroo list.
Moved a couple of Soft Tree Ferns. We have a number of Dicksonia antarctica growing on the eastern side of our patio. The two specimens moved were in an exposed position that tended to dry out in summer.
Yallaroo is home to many stumps and logs that are remnants of the time when indiscriminate clearing took place. This week we moved some into a garden bed. We feel that their sculptural shape adds interest to the native garden. Lizards rest on them to soak up the sun and Blue Wrens perch on them before diving into the undergrowth in search of insects.
Potted on a number of struck cuttings from our propagating bench. Mainly Grevilleas, Callistemons and Correas. Theses cuttings should be ready for planting in autumn.