Cooper’s day out

Posted on September 26, 2015 by kathy

A few months ago, Michael realised his long held dream of owning a Mini Cooper S. It was love at first sight – for both of us!

We took her out one gorgeous, sunny August day and found ourselves at Boat Harbour Beach.

A glorious spot to sit and watch the view while sipping a beverage. Unfortunately, the beachfront café, Harvest & Cater, was closed for the winter break. We shall have to return soon https://www.facebook.com/HarvestandCater

We meandered our way through the beautiful countryside of Flowerdale and discovered the quaint tea rooms at the lobster ponds. Cooper stayed outside to admire the view

while we enjoyed hot chocolate (with three marshmallows!) overlooking the valley in cosy comfort.

The unique reclaimed timber table gave us ideas for future projects

With the top down, we continued along the winding country road to Moorleah, taking in more magnificent vistas before making our way home.

We’re looking forward to more outings with Cooper.

lunch with Mary

Posted on September 23, 2015 by kathy

Last Sunday, we had an invitation to lunch at the home of a friend. The location shall remain a well guarded secret other than to say, clinging in seclusion to the cliff face of Table Cape, it is a most spectacular setting. After a heart starter coffee, we wandered down to the private beach, only accessible for a few hours a day at low tide. Across rolling green pasture,

edging a large dam, we were entertained by the “pobblebonk” of the banjo frogs.

The descending track to the beach teased us with glimpses of our destination.

Absolute tranquility surrounded us as we clambered over rocks

discovering the crystal clear pools

and the surprises of red anemones,

the flotsam brought in with the tide to the rim of the perfect sand.

After lunch, we explored the beautifully tended garden

then sat together in the summer house, lost in thought as the mesmerising mist drew in across the sea.

All too soon, it was time to leave and bearing a small posy of English primrose we returned to our own reality.

Thank you, Mary, for a wonderful day.

bulbs, blossom & blooms

Posted on September 17, 2015 by kathy

We have four distinct seasons in Tasmania and each one brings something new to the garden. Our first spring was filled with surprises as the bulbs we hadn’t planted reared their beautiful heads. I always believed bulbs were hard work, having to lift and store them every year. I am pleased to discover, if they are ignored, the reward is greater with the passage of time. The daffodils are a fine example, giving a glorious display this year

The German iris ‘Florentina’ and Hyacinth appear in unexpected places

The delicate scent of Daphne heralds the oncoming spring; the Helleborus and snowbells are early to bloom

One of the most amazing revelations were the huge clumps of Cymbidium orchids thriving without any protection from the elements. I had always thought they needed nurturing in a protected environment to even consider blooming

The birds and bees love the Grevillea

The fruit trees are blossoming

The lilies are my favourite, so elegant and simple

The Waratah completes the early spring garden

There is much more awaiting with the shifting of the season…..

in the beginning…..

Posted on September 13, 2015 by kathy

While holidaying in Tasmania in December 2007, we realised it was the place we wanted to call home. Almost a year later, we bid farewell to friends and family and made the big move overseas – from South Australia. After renting for five months in the least prestigious suburb of Launceston, we found our ideal property amongst the green rolling hills of the beautiful northwest

Secretly stashed away from the road with the only neighbours a few paddocks away, it was almost too good to be true

The view from the front windows overlook our fifty acres of pristine rainforest, across to farmland on the other side of the valley, where poppies and potato crops create an ever-changing palette