tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post657142721475458698..comments2024-03-29T16:34:01.380+10:00Comments on down to earth: Weekend ReadingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35420601493772213412021-04-14T07:07:05.207+10:002021-04-14T07:07:05.207+10:00We planted our cool weather crops on the weekend--...We planted our cool weather crops on the weekend--peas, greens and herbs of all sorts, potatoes. I felt so recharged by working my fingers in the earth. It has been a long winter, I guess, even if we didn't get much snow. My northern heart swoons at the thought of backyard ginger! I have clipped your recipe though and will put it to use the next time our throats are bringing us down. Its sounds so bright and yummy, in addition to healthful and soothing.BLD in MThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06449967376288331137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54488834307254397742021-04-13T06:40:54.463+10:002021-04-13T06:40:54.463+10:00Yes, it will store well in the fridge. Yes, it will store well in the fridge. rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74772119564005533322021-04-12T23:09:16.615+10:002021-04-12T23:09:16.615+10:00Thank you for sharing this recipe! Should the toni...Thank you for sharing this recipe! Should the tonic be kept in the refrigerator? Katie H. https://www.blogger.com/profile/05207899491576353634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24639636729667064262021-04-12T11:06:02.190+10:002021-04-12T11:06:02.190+10:00Freezing here too this morning, Jenny. Gracie and ...Freezing here too this morning, Jenny. Gracie and I went outside at 5 am but we were soon back inside with a hot cuppa.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27549756499198648732021-04-12T11:04:54.480+10:002021-04-12T11:04:54.480+10:00We have plenty of native animals visiting us at ni...We have plenty of native animals visiting us at night - possums, bandicoots etc, but they don't cause us any problems. I don't know about animals eating the elder, I haven't seen any sick animals around.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35774894823569096052021-04-12T09:04:09.720+10:002021-04-12T09:04:09.720+10:00Good morning Rhonda, Hanno and Gracie. I didn'...Good morning Rhonda, Hanno and Gracie. I didn't realise that cane toads were in your area but I guess they're slowly moving south. So relieved Gracie is recovered from her encounter! Before we were built in here snakes were always a worry with our dogs, the joys of living on the edge of rural Australia! Our weather went from 30deg one day to 17deg the next, followed by 12 deg with hail,gail force winds and rain. It's never boring. Brought out the flannelette pajamas and soup! Have a great week gardening.JennyPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70504815683034280472021-04-12T07:50:54.035+10:002021-04-12T07:50:54.035+10:00The American elderberry is the wild species often ...The American elderberry is the wild species often found growing in old fields and meadows. It grows 10 to 12 feet tall and wide and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.Ellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06918153566288679035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67451575267799289942021-04-12T07:50:15.964+10:002021-04-12T07:50:15.964+10:00We were going to plant some but have deer in the a...We were going to plant some but have deer in the area. Here in the USA Northwest we are told this is poison to deer and we have many visit us year round. Do you have concerns for mammal wildlife there?Ellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06918153566288679035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80919314310081972502021-04-11T22:00:13.313+10:002021-04-11T22:00:13.313+10:00Hi Rhonda, it was great to see how your garden has...Hi Rhonda, it was great to see how your garden has changed over the years...changing with your needs for different stages of your lives. <br />We are emptynesters and don't grow too much on our very small urban block, just enough. <br />I have just harvested some pumpkins and planted winter vegetables.<br />Whatever grows and comes to fruition gives me lots of joy! Karen Melbournehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03281670573925460914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62757438575806783432021-04-10T10:29:25.909+10:002021-04-10T10:29:25.909+10:00I would love to have an elderberry tree. I wonder...I would love to have an elderberry tree. I wonder if they would grow here in California? It's much dryer than your area. Your tonic sounds very healing. I make a winter tea with ginger, lemon, honey, and garlic. It works so well. The daffodils and tulips are in bloom, and they make my heart sing!TheAwakenedSoulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11636961399581011120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65427771877565183442021-04-10T07:38:12.653+10:002021-04-10T07:38:12.653+10:00Hi Andrea. It's good to be surrounded by fello...Hi Andrea. It's good to be surrounded by fellow gardeners. Enjoy your gardening. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35440430300384142342021-04-10T07:37:00.250+10:002021-04-10T07:37:00.250+10:00🥰 thank you.
🥰 thank you.<br />rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21964563692450086892021-04-10T07:35:49.365+10:002021-04-10T07:35:49.365+10:00Welcome back, Esther. You're probably the one ...Welcome back, Esther. You're probably the one who steers the ship and therefore your family really need you and your abilities, especially during Covid. Take time out for yourself, it will make you and your home life stronger and more resilient.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46232702123639254282021-04-10T07:23:43.160+10:002021-04-10T07:23:43.160+10:00Well that's good, Jo! Elder trees are lovely a...Well that's good, Jo! Elder trees are lovely and they grow fast. I'm glad I could help you solve your mystery. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8796607645942958052021-04-10T07:22:13.042+10:002021-04-10T07:22:13.042+10:00Yes, I'll write something on the wellbeing tha...Yes, I'll write something on the wellbeing that gardening brings. I love the idea of having a fire when it's cold. This is one thing Hanno and I disagree on. He is dead against open fire because of the pollution and I love them. Such is life. Good luck with your pickling - beetroots are one of the easy ones so you're starting at the right place.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32033005296075714032021-04-10T07:19:30.386+10:002021-04-10T07:19:30.386+10:00Thanks Penny. It's good to know you've had...Thanks Penny. It's good to know you've had your vaccinations, hopefully ours are not far away. xx<br />rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72229895867875337252021-04-10T06:51:41.722+10:002021-04-10T06:51:41.722+10:00Hello Kate,
I live in Armidale with temps as low ...Hello Kate,<br /><br />I live in Armidale with temps as low as minus 13 and heavy frosts and this year I have successfully grown ginger! A friend told me to grow it in a pot, started in spring, and just move the pot to your warmest most protected area before the first frost. I'll be bringing mine onto the verandah. The ginger took quite a while to sprout but the plants are now big and thriving. <br /><br />Also new to me is the fact that ginger freezes well. It saves a lot of money and wastage. I just grate it frozen on the microplane grater, it's very easy.<br /><br />MadeleineAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02087754649715622558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54919825550021593782021-04-10T01:33:39.325+10:002021-04-10T01:33:39.325+10:00Yes, I'm the same way, Rhonda. My place isn&#...Yes, I'm the same way, Rhonda. My place isn't as manicured as yours but it does my heart & soul good to be outside, digging in the earth with my hands. Enjoy your time outside. We are kindred spirits and I will be thinking of you as I'm outside too. :) ~Andrea xoxo The Feminine Energyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02145843258211481300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26895631749648826562021-04-10T01:15:11.946+10:002021-04-10T01:15:11.946+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I am living in France and we are compla...Hi Rhonda,<br />I am living in France and we are complaining about the very slow vaccination campaign. <br />Unfortunately, I can see that the situation in Australia is worse than ours.<br />Thank you for all your shares about simple life.<br />Have a great week-end.<br />CatherineCatherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07620260725174628565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77167888170904972312021-04-09T23:52:23.235+10:002021-04-09T23:52:23.235+10:00It's been a while since I've visited, but ...It's been a while since I've visited, but it was so nice to come back and read the posts. It was a nice to be reminded that I don't have to have a magazine perfect home and that taking care of my family is more important. As our family of 5 is in the midst of COVID, I took a minute while reading your posts to remember that taking care of myself is just as important as being the family caretaker. It felt like such a weight off my shoulders to see your photos and hear about the plants and garden. For that I thank you!Esther L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07917223575032401551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47367575847640236712021-04-09T20:53:46.218+10:002021-04-09T20:53:46.218+10:00Hi Rhonda - Just a quick message of Thanks. About ...Hi Rhonda - Just a quick message of Thanks. About a month ago I had a little Strawberry Tart at a trendy little cafe. The little Strawberry Tarts were decorated with the cutest little edible flowers. The search then began and I was really tempted to email you for advice if you knew what the little flower was. Well I can’t stop smiling - I’m almost sure that it is the little Elderflower and not only that but you kindly provided the link to purchase one! Yay! Thankyou so much. All of your recipes, books, advice, Photos, Insta etc are truely appreciated. Kindest regards - Very Happy Girl - Jo 😁🙏<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47076167328712912882021-04-09T19:44:52.245+10:002021-04-09T19:44:52.245+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I love the idea of having tonics on han...Hi Rhonda,<br />I love the idea of having tonics on hand to help our immune systems along when we’re not feeling well. I may give your ginger and lemon one a go during these school holidays.<br /><br />Please do write a post about how gardening benefits your mental health. It is definitely a non negotiable part of my life and essential to my wellbeing. I’ll be picking some beetroot tomorrow and attempt to pickle them for the first time!<br /><br />Enjoy the cooler weather. We’re definitely enjoying the cooler weather here in Melbourne. It may be time to light the first fire soon! Take care, JadeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-306525968510208442021-04-09T18:57:35.746+10:002021-04-09T18:57:35.746+10:00Hi Rhonda, yes please for the importance of garden...Hi Rhonda, yes please for the importance of gardens post. I just wanted to say how lovely it is on a Friday when I remember there will probably be a blog post from you. Such a a good read with a cup of coffee first thing. Thank you for making so much effort, and for all your posts over the years. We’ve had our first vaccinations now, so I hope that you have yours very soon, although I do realise the urgency in the U.K. is slightly different to Australia. Enjoy your weekend. PennyL in Dorset xPenelope P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01867211542630495981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50042860939815215752021-04-09T18:03:12.085+10:002021-04-09T18:03:12.085+10:00Sage tea! I haven't tried that but I have fres...Sage tea! I haven't tried that but I have fresh sage growing so I will. Thanks Madeleine. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43165252118157170992021-04-09T18:02:13.738+10:002021-04-09T18:02:13.738+10:00Good grief!! That's incredible. If I wasn'...Good grief!! That's incredible. If I wasn't growing ginger, Kate, I'd probably use good quality dried ginger powder.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.com