sunbirds
Dear Ciara,
What a productive day! Despite a fair few days of—let’s be honest—low moods, I finally found my spark again and completed a thorough tidy-up of the garden. It was long overdue, and I am feeling very proud of myself.
Hot and bright with a slight breeze, it was the perfect day to work outside. I began the morning with a refreshing slow-flow yoga class, before returning home with gratitude swirling in my belly. I often forget to be grateful for things—especially where I live—so let me practise some gratitude for you now. My home is a place where blue-breasted sunbirds dart between towering red shampoo ginger, where native stingless bees and dragonflies hover around the swimming pool. Where citrus trees are swollen with fruit, and where geckos clamber up the walls of Queenslanders, barking for attention. The environment here never ceases to astound me. Tell me, Ciara, what are you grateful for today?
I sprinkled some new compost and mulch on all my garden beds, hoping it will refresh and revitalise them, before giving them a thorough water. Replaced the soil in my vinca pot. Removed all the dead sunflowers and replaced them with new seedlings. Potted up the cat’s whiskers plant, some elephant ears I’ve been neglecting, and a new jade plant The Organist recently purchased. We were also recently given an aloe vera plant, which I have now dressed nicely in a colourful pot. I’ve never had success growing these down south, but maybe they’ll do better in this tropical climate?
I have had a camellia for a while, which I bought for The Organist on Valentine’s Day. Camellias struggle up here—it is far too warm and humid—yet in my arrogance, I purchased one. It has survived this entire time, but never really thrived. I have decided to bring it inside to a light part of the house, in the hopes that a slightly cooler, indoors environment will do it some good.
The song for today is:
Sky, Open for Us – Jace Cameron
I’ve told you about this album time and time again, but it is seriously one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. Perfect for lazing by the pool, soaking up the sun. Give it a listen next time the sun is streaming through your balcony windows, filling your living room with light, glorious light!
Love,
The Gardener