Squishings
It took ages. Two downloads of Great Lives and a few days worth of Farming Today programmes from the BBC. That was my aural entertainment. And for physical fun I was squishing.
Yes, the cabbages, even under a net, have come under attack.
This is my crop in the potting shed. Extra cabbage that lives in pots, and I just harvest the leaves when I want to do stir fry.
I noted a few holes in the leaves a few days ago so decided to make this my late morning Put Off Real Work chore. 
Well the first procrastination was to go to the market. I didn’t linger, but the place was heaving and everything takes just a lot longer in summer.
I even had time to snap a picture of the sign in the butchers (I was queueing for a loooonnng time) where all their meat comes from. How’s that for provenance? Right down to the name of the meat breeder and where they live.
And it’s just a wonderful place. Not only do you get to chat with the entire village in the queue, but the owners are a lovely fun young couple, and their produce is fantastic. And inexpensive compared to most places in Europe.
Needless to say Aurelie Velit, the butcher’s wife, is on my flowers list. She loves them.
So that’s my gardening or procrastinating part of the day recorded. A few hours in the potting shed accompanied by the most tremendous snortling and snoring by Artur. He is right beside me in his favourite tin pot and so pleased to hear me moving about but not pestering him. It’s not easy to purr and snore at the same time, but he manages it.
7th August 2014 @ 4:01 pm
Hi Lindy, a blast from family past.
Have just picked up a copy of The Australian House & Garden mag and caught your gorgeous story and French property!
I too am a keen gardener with similar conditions here in Perth, just don’t encounter the ‘cold’ temps you have to deal with – I also dabble in wedding flowers on the side to escape the Corporate side of life.
It was lovely to see your amazing hillside home.
Mum & Dad keep me up to date with the Sydney goss.
Warm regards
Linda
7th August 2014 @ 4:39 pm
Hi Linda, how exciting. You are my first response to the article. I didn’t even know it was out yet. I’d love to see pictures of your flowers and garden. I know so little about Perth gardening conditions. Tim Winton novels is about as close as I get. The best way is to email me at lindy@fruitfulresearch.com. That would be great. Best wishes Lindy
9th August 2014 @ 8:08 pm
Dear Lindy,
I just finished reading your article also in H & G. Its was brilliant and gave me inspiration. We are currently working overseas with an acreage property back home in Australia. Also a steep property. I while away my off days making grand plans. 🙂 Vegies and Fruit trees.
keep the photos of Artur coming, we have our own fur ball, called Bob who rules the house and we of course are his slaves.
Congratulations on your gardening achievement. jacky
9th August 2014 @ 9:25 pm
Dear Jacky, I can’t recommend more highly that book by Olivier Filippi. The Dry Gardening Handbook. If you look on http://www.abebooks.com or http://www.abebooks.co.uk you might find it. It really helped me out with so many planting ideas. Where are you planning this garden? In NSW? It’s the only state I know as my folks live in Sydney but we had a farm near Tamworth.
I’ll post pictures of Artur if you send me shots of Bob. It’s amazing how we question who is the master and who is the slave in these relationships! Best wishes Lindy (ps. you can email at lindy@fruitfulresearch.com