05/08/2026
While our cool mornings are persisting, Nature is sending out signals that we will be moving seasons soon!
Photo 1: Our Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea) are putting up new spikes! They usually start coming into flower in August/September. Interestingly, the north-facing side of the spike flowers first, before progressing around to the southern side. We tend to have wetter years when there is a big flowering, so will be keeping a close eye on these, with the forecast now officially stating we are in an El Niño weather pattern.
Photo 2: Some of our gums trees are also starting to come out in bud and flowering. The flowers in the photo are from the narrow-leaf Ironbark tree (Eucalyptus Crebra ). The majority of our property is basalt country with narrow leaf ironbark but we do have some areas of silver-leaf Ironbark as well (Eucalyptus Melanophloia ).
Photo 3 and 4: If you look closely you can see a galah high up in this old dead gum. I was watching this bird and its mate flying to a nearby trees to rip off leaves and twigs and bringing them back to line the hollow for their nest! I’ll be keeping an eye on them and hopefully will see some fledglings later in the year!
I also accidentally stepped on something when walking through some long grass the other day - we both made quick get-aways in opposite directions so I’m choosing to think it was a hare, and not anything more slithery!!! 🐍
We hope you’re enjoying the weather, wherever you are today!
