Week 1 December 2000: This week we had some time off from “grovelling in the gravel” (or gardening as it is known to some people). Headed north along the New England Highway to Tenterfield (200 kms away). Firstly visited a wholesale native plant nursery, west of Tenterfield. They propagate many native plants. A wide range of native plants surrounds the complex. These plants form a classic Aussie hedgerow and bulges at the seams with native birds.
The following day we visited Bald Rock National Park and Boonoo Boonoo National Park. Bald Rock is the largest granite rock in Australia. We walked to the summit and were inspired by the 360-degree panorama. Boonoo Boonoo National Park has a 210-metre waterfall, which may be viewed from a sturdy National Park’s lookout platform. Both Parks are the home of many interesting and rare native plants. A tall mint bush, known as Prostanthera species B is found in both Parks. Aromatic foliage and large white flowers are characteristics of the species. Another mint bush is found in Boonoo Boonoo. Prostanthera nivea is a tall open shrub and this week was covered with pure white flowers. Plants were growing amongst granite boulders. Phebalium ambiens (Rutaceae family) was growing near the summit of Bald Rock. This tall shrub has unusual, broad, stem-clasping aromatic leaves. Clusters of white flowers appear in early spring.
31 millimetres of rain, at Yallaroo when we were away. This will help to maintain soil moisture.
Trouble with our house water. A leak in the pipe that carries water from our pump to the house. As the pipe is buried one metre deep we decided to run a new line. This involved digging a trench across our access road and wriggling under the house to make new connections. Some of the joys of country living. There is always some new, character building challenge. Don’t get us wrong, we wouldn’t swap life at Yallaroo for life in town.
We are thinking about the purchase of a digital camera to capture flower and scenery images for the web page. We would like to hear from anyone with info about suitable models.