Author: Di Baker

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“I look upon the pleasure we take in a garden as one of the most innocent delights in human life.”

The early stages of Spring in the garden this year were magnificent. The full flush of blooms I missed though, as I had to be away for several weeks. As expected, I was greeted by thousands of spent rose blooms ready to deadhead and thriving rampant weeds on my return to the garden last week. … Continue reading “I look upon the pleasure we take in a garden as one of the most innocent delights in human life.”

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“A flower is not a flower alone; A thousand thoughts invest it”

Flowers are the universal sign of happiness, love, forgiveness and condolence, and a natural way to brighten our decor and mood. They are an integral part of our lives and adored the world over; the perfect table centrepiece, lavish display in a foyer; the wedding bouquet; the remembrance wreath, or admired in beautiful gardens, estates, … Continue reading “A flower is not a flower alone; A thousand thoughts invest it”

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”The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” 

The unpredictable nature of rain has caused a few heartaches lately in rural areas where crops almost ready for harvest have been decimated from excess water. In the garden too, rain has been both a blessing and a curse. After the brilliant start of Spring this year, the roses have been ravaged by wind and … Continue reading ”The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” 

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I have never had so many good ideas day after day as when I work in the garden.

Gardening is a means by which you can attain many valuable hours of solitude without being thought of as unsociable. John Erskine Isn’t that the truth? The allure of a quiet reverie and time in solitude to think one’s own thoughts uninterrupted is often out of reach. Well, the garden is just the place to … Continue reading I have never had so many good ideas day after day as when I work in the garden.

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Just Peachy

As I worked in and around the garden last week, the colour of the peach roses took my breath away – they are the best I’ve seen so far. Crepuscule, Lady Of Shallot and Peach Profusion, are standouts. Roses in this colourway range from softest shell pink to rosé, peach, salmon, apricot and coral or … Continue reading Just Peachy

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“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”

Another week into October, and the rain has gone. This week is all about florescence, for everywhere you look, buds are unfolding, and blooms are appearing all in their quiet, natural manner. The distinct seasons in rural life have their charm, but Spring has to be the most enjoyable. It is like a party where … Continue reading “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”

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“I love being in my garden. I don’t plant a lot of exotic flora, but I do spend a lot of time outside doing manual labour. ”

Spring is on the way and the tell tale signs add vibrancy to the air but unfortunately, this week I’ve had to do a bit of a cull in the garden. It is necessary and has freed up space and allowed the best of the roses to have a bit more air and circulation around … Continue reading “I love being in my garden. I don’t plant a lot of exotic flora, but I do spend a lot of time outside doing manual labour. ”

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You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.

Contrary to my initial desire to grow roses amongst perennials in a heavily planted garden, I have decided to thin out one particular garden bed this season to be predominately only roses. The idea is a major change in my perspective and requires an enormous amount of work that I am halfway through. I was … Continue reading You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.

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”She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns”

The romance of the rose and its alluring fragrance is momentarily forgotten when a prickle imbeds your leg or fingers as you work in the garden. I say prickle, not thorn, because, despite the popularity of poetic quotes on the rose thorn, they are called prickles. The rose above is Summer Sun Rose by Kordes. … Continue reading ”She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns”

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“I like solitary pursuits, such as reading or pottering about in the garden. ”

Fortunately some of us enjoy solitary pursuits because we sure have spent some time lately secluded. Here we are again at the end of another fourteen-day self-isolation, and more lockdowns for greater Sydney. Farm life is the same anyway; life is isolated with only the necessary grocery trips into town and rare social get-togethers. Otherwise, … Continue reading “I like solitary pursuits, such as reading or pottering about in the garden. ”

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“If you think one day you will get it all done, and then you can relax, you are bound to be disappointed.”

It is June which in the southern hemisphere heralds winter. The onset of winter means early morning frosts, cool nights and some welcome rain. The roses are mostly dormant and the landscape has a blessed break from summer weeds, heat, and dust. Although, in limbo, the garden work continues with plans for Spring. In fact, … Continue reading “If you think one day you will get it all done, and then you can relax, you are bound to be disappointed.”

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“I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath..

I adore flowers in the home, particularly roses cut fresh from the garden, but I don’t find the act described as ‘flower arranging’ at all inspiring. History tells us of tight protocols around arranging flowers and set rules that applied to the craft through the decades. The phrase ‘Flower arranging’ is reminiscent of dusty church … Continue reading “I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath..