Monday, July 7, 2014

First light

I was up early the other day and decided to take a meander outside. It was crisp but not too cold, causing clouds whenever I breathed. This was the view from the verandah which greeted me. The morning's first rays of sunlight.


Facing East - click image to enlarge


Although I couldn't see any indication on the ground, we must've had a light frost, because as the sun hit the leaves of practically everything around me, there was a chorus of drips hitting other leaves and then hitting the ground. It was like living in a rainforest - a completely different environment to when the sun is up and everything is dry. For now though, there was raindrop music to listen to.


Pigeon pea caked in dew


Just off from the verandah, I saw my small vegetable bed growing leeks, cauliflower, beans, herbs, luffa, chickweed and tomatoes. None of the veg is ready to eat yet, but it was a comforting sight to greet a full bed of green, nonetheless. I have more luck growing vegetables in winter, than in summer, because the conditions are milder.


A promise of something to come


I walked down to the lower level of the backyard, and saw more sunlight breaking through to light the ground. As I'm below the house and below the street, it started to feel more like a secluded garden. The early birds were zipping between the bushes, doing their morning chores and occasionally dipping into the water we put around the yard for them and the kangaroos.


Lawn is mostly chickweed


A little bit further down from the lawn, I caught a glimpse of the native ginger I planted. It seems to have survived in this spot for several years, although I hear they don't like the frost.


Large green leaves of Native Ginger


This pocket is very close to the gully, which collects all the frost which flows down into it. Yet miraculously, my native ginger survives. One day I will work on this area more, but for now my efforts are focused on the top swale above the house (more on that in another post).


Sun is getting higher


I walked down to the gully next, which is the lowest part of our garden. It was rather beautiful and I see why the birds utilise this area a lot. It seems to be the most protected part of the garden, with plenty of trees and shrubs to hide in. There is a different kind of energy in this part of the garden to any other. There's a north and south facing slope which terminate at this gully, so all the natural energy merges here. It was a very peaceful place to watch the sun rising in the East.


Orange fungi


Making my way back to the house, I came to the footbridge David made out of felled logs. It was the first time I saw fungi growing on it - but in truth, it was the sunlight hitting the log which drew my attention to it. When I go on an early morning walk, the sun seems to direct my senses, and I can now understand why plants find the perfect spots to grow in nature. They are following the path of the sunlight too.

After admiring the fungi on the log bridge, I slowly crossed it and then looked up to see...


Our house on the hill


Our house was being bathed in the morning sunlight, and I knew that is where my next destination would be. It was nearly time for breakfast, and a warm hug from my family.


6 comments:

  1. Lovely post and photos! Morning on a bush block is just the most magical time. Quiet and still, before the world wakes up and spoils it (although we are lucky here as our neighbours are very quiet...I can't even see their houses, let alone hear any noise).

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    1. Isn't morning the best time! I don't always go out, but when I do, it never fails to surprise me how beautiful the bush is. Happy to hear you get to appreciate your landscape in the mornings too. Our neighbours aren't too noisy either (not in the mornings) but their cars on the street above us, let us know they're leaving for work.

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  2. its nice to take time to wonder & see the things we just rush past most days, i also like the quiet of the early morning.

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  3. It gets so busy doesn't it, that we forget to stop and look at everything around us. I've been stopping to pay more attention lately. I bet the mornings are getting a little brisk, where you are in the Mountains.

    Is there much growing in the vegetable garden at this time of year?

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  4. You have a lovely property. I'm happy that you were able to go outside for time in nature. Also your vegetable garden looks amazing! I often wonder if people who can only grow in winter don't actually have a potential niche market.

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  5. its pretty cool up here in the morning and it starts to get cold about 2pm, short drying time for the washing.
    spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, carrots, onions, kale, collards, beetroot, bok choy, and lettuce, not heaps but enough.

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