Maidenhair Rehab

Ferns are awesome - there's something decidedly prehistoric about them that is just delightful. If I had to pick a (fern) favourite, it will have to be the Maidenhair Fern. More specifically Adiantum raddianum with its lush fronds of delicate green leaflets. Up until recently though, I have been terrible with Maidenhair Ferns - I think the record was …

New year, more books

A new year is a great time for fresh beginnings. Leading up to a new year, most people fastidiously (or even offhandishly - there are no rules) map out things they want to accomplish in the new year. Personally, I think this is a great idea. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people. I have never set a …

My First Terrarium

I'm not in a very creative place at the moment, so I thought I will tell you about my little terrarium project from a few months ago. I love cacti and succulents - there are some unusual and cute specimens and a huge variety. And they're super easy to care for. As they are extremely popular these days, …

Fernery Wanderings

I knew that the Auckland Domain had Fernery, but I haven't been able to find it for the life of me. That is, until yesterday when I was just about to leave, after a visit to the Winter Garden.  It's tucked away adjacent to the Winter Gardens, I can't believe I hadn't noticed the entrance …

The God of Small Things

This book just brought me out of the reading slump. One thing's for sure though. I shouldn't have attempted to read this as a 14 year old, all those years ago. Summary I find it really difficult to summarise the plot. After much thought, I have decided that this is the story of how things can …

Pottering about with Chillies

It's the height of summer in this part of the world and perfect conditions for growing chillies. This year I'm attempting to grow quite a few varieties of chilli, mostly from seed: Cayenne Chilli Jalapeño Capsicum Manzano and A mishmash of others from saved seeds which we didn't bother to label! They're all in various …

Hello

I dabble - a lot. And I claim to be too busy. This blog is an attempt to record and be consistent with my dabblings. And to hopefully create some content that might be useful to others on the interwebz. Here I will post my musings about the books I read, gardening misadventures and maybe …