Small Steps....

YurtGirl World has been trundling along quite nicely of late! I'm learning new things all the time - often by trial and error. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to garden so close to the coast. We are all of a few hundred metres from the rugged cliffs of Hallett Cove / Marino, and as such we cop a fair beating from the ocean. We only moved here a little over 6 months ago, and have experienced possibly some of the worst storms in many years! (One even leaving us with my first insurance claim! A nice hole in the ceiling of Michelle's studio.) Having said that though, it has also been great to highlight to me what will do well in YurtGirl World, and what won't do so well. For instance, I had a grand idea of planning a veggie garden that would grow in 'pod' like arrangements in the middle what is a couch and bindi-laden lawn. Good idea in theory (and look reeeal purdy like on my sketch pad), but in reality it's too exposed. A combo of wind, sun and probably not the best prepped soil has meant that I'm not getting the lush, healthy growth I really want. (Having said that, the kohlrabi has gone crazy!) At first I was a little on the despondant side... however I've decided to not dwell too much. The plan now is to move these 'pods' closer together (3 in all) and make a bit of a predominantly native herb garden with a garden feature in the middle. The veg garden will move adjacent to the fenceline, which is easier access to the house anyway therefore easier access! I have taken to planting out 2 olive trees, and a fig. Both trees that can withstand low water, poor-ish soils and will eventually provide us with rock-n-roll fruity-noms! They will also provide an awesome backdrop to where I plan to put our newly painted outdoor setting. (See the progress shot below!)

I envisage many balmy eveninsg sitting outside on our 'Coastal Blue' (appropriate paint colour, I know) outdoor setting, eating home-cured olives and fresh figs. Small steps, and sometimes set-backs, but I keep telling myself it is ALL key learning. (Michelle will be most pleased to hear me say that!) We've been here less than a year, and already I can see progress. Just imagine next year where YurtGirl World will be... and in 5 years... and in 10...