The highs and lows of life on the farm

This summer at Bountiful has taught this city guy and gal a whole lot about life down on the farm!

On our last visit, it was great to see that our three crepe myrtle trees have put on some plush plum-coloured growth, and - drum roll please - the first of what we dream will be many flowers to come!

This variety is called Diamonds in the Dark, where the usually green foliage of the crepe myrtle is replaced by leaves that are so dark, they almost look black. 

About fifty metres away from the crepe trio, we had planted two rows of ornamental pear trees, twelve in total. When other trees seemed to struggle in the hot conditions and the smoke we've had this summer, these guys just powered on, putting on their greenery and looking a picture of health. So, imagine our despair to arrive to find every single one broken in half - most likely by hungry wallabies or kangaroos. Not just one or two of them, but all twelve. We were gutted.

These trees were being grown for their straightness, so that when they eventually reach full size, their tops will mesh with each other in a process called pleaching. Without their central trunks, all of which were taller than me, each one could now grow in a different direction. That is, of course, if they survive the mauling they've had.  

Another challenge this summer has been the ongoing drought and the close proximity of the bushfires to Bountiful. Each time we would visit, our dam seemed to have dwindled further, and the rabbits appeared determined to vent their hungry frustration by chomping around the bases of many of our trees. The resulting damage, known as ringbarking, is a potential death sentence for a baby tree - and we have lots of those babies!

All of our neighbours were facing similar challenges, with brown fields and hungry and thirsty livestock and wildlife. The saving grace was the magnificent work of our local Rural Fire Service, what heroes they were! 24/7 in some of the worst weather for fighting fires, these brave men and women soldiered on, driving faithfully past Bountiful each day on three rotating shifts to protect us all. In times of crisis, it was wonderful to feel part of a country community that really pulled together.

With love from the town.

I contacted a friend who was in the RFS in the Blue Mountains and asked what we could get for our brigade that would be helpful. Next time we went into town, we stocked up and dropped them in.

On Christmas Day we took a bunch of tinsel and stood at the top of our road, waiting for the change of shift so we could catch the trucks as they went by - I'm not sure what they thought of these crazy people waving tinsel at them as they thundered past, but if they could do their shifts on Christmas Day, the least we could do was cheer them on and say thank you.

My husband Cam, with son Andy and our daughter-in-law to be, Ruth.

And now, in what seems like no time at all, there has been amazing rainfall, and our sad looking dam is not just full but overflowing! It was such a relief to see the change.

I had planted three Daphne plants in my front garden more than a year ago, and up until recently they had thrived despite drought, wind, snow, hungry animals and even grasshoppers.

Then on our last visit, this ...

For us, this is something of what life at Bountiful is like. It's swings and roundabouts. Highs and lows. I hope a day will come when we can experience being at Bountiful full time, perhaps with a dog to chase the hungry critters out of the garden, and lots of chooks meandering around. Who knows? Living through this past summer has certainly better prepared us for the challenges of a future of caring for this place, and we've learned some very tough and expensive lessons along the way.

I need some more time to sit on the verandah at Bountiful and be captivated by the view. When the peace envelops me, all the doubts wash away.

What washes away your troubles and doubts? What pops up to bring you cheer?

Speaking of cheer, when I was looking for the song to place with this post, I came across an unexpected piece of musical joy. The song is Fire and Rain, (none better, there really is a song for every occasion!) but instead of going to the original from James Taylor, I looked for a voice that I have loved for as long as I can remember - the incomparable Marcia Hines. When I was growing up (and if I'm honest, even now as I near my 56th birthday), hers was the voice I wanted. So what little gem did I find? A gorgeous duet with Marcia and another much loved voice (but not one I necessarily want for myself 🙊) - Jimmy Barnes. I hope this treasure brings you as much joy as it did me. Music does that.

Tracey 🎵🎶

With thanks to the YouTube channel of Nocturnal Vagabond for Jimmy Barnes & Marcia Hines - 'Fire and Rain'