Bees baby, bees.

To bee or not to bee, I can't decide. Though a decision might be getting closer.

I've been a member of the Southern Beekeepers Assn for a couple of years now though I've only attended a few meetings.

But now, with my new job, more spare time and some spare money, I'm beginning to think it's time to take the plunge and get myself a hive or two.

I do feel there is a great responsibility to the bees in keeping bees. I want to be sure they can look after themselves if I go away for any period of time. I'd also like to gain enough knowledge in beekeeping to be aware of any encroaching problems or needs the bees might have.

The the time I have spent with the other members of the Southern Beekeepers Assn. thay have always been very friendly and helpful so I feel sure I wont be left in the dark at any stage.

I'll go to the next Southern Beekeepers meeting and see if I can make some positive steps in the direction on having a hive or two.
...to bee continued....

Twinkle 'Yellow Fantacy.'

Once I'd melted the ice from the windscreen we, my daughter and I, had a nice, uneventful, run down the hill into Brissy.

Still fairly cool when we arrived at the Mt. Coot-tha Botanic gardens.

We made our way to the John Oxley District Orchid Society Inc. Orchid show only to find that we didn't have any cash and they didn't have any electronic means of taking our money. So back to the car to find an ATM and then back to the show.

This was our first Orchid show so I've no idea if it was big, small, good or bad but I did enjoy the Orchids they had on display.

We also sat in on an Orchid potting lesson and got to ask a few questions about some pressing orchid issues like, why is that one smaller than this one and will this live in Toowoomba? All of which they were happy to answer for us. They were very friendly and helpful.

Also you don't go to an Orchid show and walk away empty handed so I bought two booklets, one for beginners and one on Cattleyas, some plant labels and a pen.

I also bought my self an Orchid called Twinkle 'Yellow Fantacy.'

My Orchid adventure may only just be beginning because the Toowoomba Orchid Society is holding their show this coming weekend too and I thing I'll have to attend.

Yellow Fantasy

Cheers for now,

Stewart.

Posted by My Veggie Garden on Saturday, 18 July 2015

Busy weekend ahead

Busy weekend ahead but not in the veggie garden.

Tomorrow I'm heading to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens with my daughter, Elysha, to visit the John Oxley District Orchid Society Inc's Orchid show. for their displays of hybrid species and native orchids. Cultural advice from very knowledgeable growers available along with potting demonstrations. Plants, growing requirements and floral arrangements on sale.

Then on Sunday it's a little more local for a visit to the 2015 Toowoomba Toowoomba Hospice Camellia and Flower Show. 
Which starts on Saturday and continues on the Sunday.

With features like these below I'd be crazy not to go.

	Inspirational Speakers
	Camellia Hall and Competitions
	Camellia Plants for Sale
	Qld Early Ford V8 Club Display (Saturday Only)
	Local & Regional Plant Nurseries & Growers
	Fruit Trees
	Salvias, Geraniums, Native Plants
	Perennial Plants  & Herbs
	Flower & Vegetable Seedlings & Other Plants
	Toowoomba Floral Art Group
	Jewellery
	Millinery Demonstration/Workshop
	Toowoomba Hospice Craft and Baked Goods Stall
	Multi-Draw Raffle - Chance to win BBQ
	Toowoomba Choral Society
	Great Entertainment
	Local Produce and Products
	Wilsonton Lions Club BBQ Stall
	Tea and Specialty Coffee (Cappuccino, Latte etc.)
	Plus More

Cheers, and I might see you out there,

Stewart.


 

Gardening in a polluted paradise

Here's an interesting by the American Society of Agronomy on growing veggies in/on contaminated/polluted soil.

It's called Gardening in a polluted paradise and it came to me via The Queensland Gardening Pages newsletter.

They say, Green thumbs, do not fret. Pockets of soil in urban areas are still available for the increasingly popular practice of urban gardening.

And while the proximity of these soils to pollution and industry can increase levels of contamination by harmful compounds, some scientists have found that the risks associated with gardening in these soils may not be as high as first thought. Read more here.

Might have to rethink making tattie tyres again.

Some amazing things.

Just got back from the Qld Garden Expo​ and of all the amazing things to see and plants to look at three things really caught my attention.
1/ Garden Sharp. Lawn and garden tool sharpener. I've already used it on my secateurs http://www.accusharp.com.au/subcategory/1/
2/ easyclip. from http://gre8gadgets.com/  Here's a video link that shows some of its uses. https://youtu.be/j8oDNGfQYXo
3/ And last but not least, PVC connectors for making all kinds of things. I've been looking for a product like this for years but haven't been able to find any until now. http://www.klevercages.com.au/

Cheers.

Stewart