Adrift in the Garden

The pansies on my patio are peeping over the top of their pots and there's signs of new growth on the rose bushes, I'm thinking spring, spring, spring. Yesterday Alex, a great nephew (great in both senses of the word) came round to help with the heavy work in the garden. He happily lopped trees, and cut back the jungle then offered to come over on the weekend to sort out the shed. See I wasn't exaggerating when I said he's a great, great-nephew. 

This weekend I'm off to the nursery.  When it comes to produce I haven't had a lot of success. I live near the beach on what was formerly a sand dune. Besides the poor soil plants have to withstand the salt and strong winds off the Indian Ocean so tomato seedlings, chillis and silverbeet are top of my seaside shopping list. 

Last year I rather neglected the garden, mainly because I was editing "Salvation Jane". As a result it was less productive than ever. Not a single lemon on the lemon tree and with the mandarin it was the same story. The grapefruit did have five fruit but two dropped off. Three grapefruit not a big reward considering how much water and fertilizer I invested in their growth. Hey ho!  There's blossom on the lemon tree.

I've always had a garden, but I've never been as interested in it as I am now. I never miss the breakfast garden show on Curtin FM on Saturday, I'm an avid fan of the ABC's gardening show-- and I've even taken out a subscription to "Home and Garden" . I seem to be turning into my mother.  

On the subject of family, my daughter tells me  I don't socialize enough she suggested I should start a weight class-- doesn't she know me at all? I can't think of anything I'd like less. I'm perfectly happy pottering about in the sunshine, with my little dog at my heels. Does that mean I'm anti-social?  Writers are often portrayed as shy recluses.  My favourite things to do are all solitary  occupations so perhaps I fit the stereotype.  

Right now I'm taking a break from writing-- this is the first time for six years that I haven't had a story on the go. Feels very strange-- like something's missing. I don't think I've got writer's block. I'm just having a break... a little break.