News of the Month December 2017

News of the Month December 2017

A strange season in Tasmania, there was no spring it seemed – we went straight from a long winter into a hot summer. Some of the plants loved it, and the flowers on many of the fruiting plants indicate a great harvest.

We’ve got some garden tours booked, a book signing in Hobart on 2nd December; and another scheduled for Petrach’s in Launceston on Thursday 14th at 11am. If you’re in the Launceston area with a query, or just want a chat about wild foods – do call in.

I’m talking to Chris Wisby on ABC radio on Saturday 8th about 8:30 – have a listen in. If you missed it – here’s the link http://www.abc.net.au/radio/hobart/programs/statewideweekends/rees-campbell-final/9242882

What’s happening in the garden:

The greens are really ramping up their action – the endangered barbarea australis is providing us with beautiful peppery stir frys. The apium prostratum is so prolific this year I’ve already picked lots to dry for winter. Salt bush (atriplex cinerea) is always a winner – so easy to grow – great for steamed greens or a real treat quickly fried.

One of our native raspberries is absolutely covered with pretty pink flowers – I can’t wait for the harvest! This plant is about 1.5m high and wide, and is only in its second year.

What’s growing out there in the bush:

We had a lovely trip south and were delighted to find some  Ozothamnus obcordatus growing wild above the road near Hobart, virtually on a rockface. The plants were straggly, but they were permeating the air with the wonderful thymey scent. A great herb, perfect for seasoning a wide variety of dishes – from eggs to stews.

On our way home, we stopped off at Oatlands to see Lake Dulverton covered with Cycnogeton procerum (water ribbons) sending up great spires of green seed. It was lovely to see the swans, ducks and coots feeding on it. Cycnogeton is one of those prolific plants – easy to grow in a wading pool, where it will reward with delicious edible tubers, and green seed. Each seed spire holds enough pea-like seed for a feed for 2 people.

While down south we had lunch with Sally Wise – rapt to eat her newly grown river mint Menthe australis in home made (of course) yoghurt cheese spread on bread rolls crusted with our Feisty Tasmanian dukka. We stayed with our friend, Elizabeth, who has a great range of Tasmanian natives successfully growing in pots, including the exquisite Richea dracophylla…so we tasted some of the nectar rich blossom.

 

 

Another wonderful month!