Looking back at this photo, taken in November this year, it hardly seems possible that the mountains were so blue and the trees so healthy looking just a month ago.
During December Canberra has had strong hot winds, and no rain….it is a bone dry brown city.
Although Canberra is not directly affected by bush fires at the moment, there are many bushfires (large and small) burning across the country, most contained…..for the time being.
Depending on the winds, the grey clouds of smoke from nearby bush fires creep through the city most afternoons.
It was heartwarming to look back through photos and see this lovely King Parrot in spring, eating happily in our plum tree.
In November we also had a new group of Galahs coming to the birdbaths every morning.
Since this early start to a very hot summer, we keep the birdbaths full, and put little pebbles in the smaller bowls, to help the bees and and other insects land on the pebbles, before drinking. All need shade, and water is paramount.
Paul was due to go to conference in Auckland, New Zealand, in early December.
We were somewhat apprehensive about leaving home during these uncertain times, however, we took all the precautions we could before we left, and also had someone to come and water the garden.
Looking at the above map you can see we are closer to New Zealand than to many parts of Australia. The map below shows that it only takes three hours to get to New Zealand from our region.
Despite our proximity to New Zealand, it is a very different country to Australia. New Zealand is lush and green with an abundance of water.
After leaving our smoke-filled city, we landed in New Zealand, and as we got off the plane we were almost blinded by the light and the greenery everywhere!
Water…water everywhere..
New Zealand is full of friendly people, magnificent scenery, National Parks, and wonderful gardens..
I intend writing a few posts on New Zealand after Christmas….but spoiler alert..
The pretty little French town of Akaroa on the South Island is a delight to visit…..
….and I have a few tempting photos of an incredible garden which will just take your breath away, Fisherman’s Bay Garden…
Jill Simpson, a keen gardener, has, with the help of her husband Richard, created a garden along the rugged and dramatic coastline of the Banks Peninsula. (New Zealand’s South Island)
In more recent times she was influenced by the new perennial movement in the UK and Europe, and the Prairie style in the US.
The garden has something for everyone…and to think they are at the Southern tip of the Banks Peninsula and are exposed to the winds from the Antarctic…..there is no excuse for the rest of us!
This is a garden that will make you want to jump onto the next flight to New Zealand, and if you can’t do that, well, at least you can read my blog posts early next year on this garden and more..
Meanwhile, back home, it has been a very tough week for most of Australia. Record high temperatures, fires and smoke in almost every state. Thank goodness the temperatures are due to drop next week…and hopefully in time for Christmas.
I know what Australians would love most for Christmas……… rain!
Many thanks for reading my blog today, and during the year. I enjoy writing about green spaces, and I love reading blogs from all over the world….a little slice of life from other people, who may be far away, but share ideas and ideals…. how similar we all are despite our differences.
Season’s greeting to you all, and may Christmas and the New Year, bring peace, harmony and some common sense to the world in 2020.
Copyright: Geraldine Mackey: All Rights Reserved.