Weather Tuesday 30th August

It's brilliant blue skies and sunshine this morning (Wednesday), quite the opposite from yesterdays overcast day and stormy evening. Blanketing cloud didn't bring much rain yesterday, it was that in between weather, neither warm or cold, just right for gardening. Late in the afternoon the sky changed to a deep blue-purple colour on the horizon as storm clouds built up. A severe weather warning was posted, thankfully we missed the worst of hail and winds predicted. My fabulous new umbrella has been getting a good work out, loving it. The garden is verdant green again and ground wet from the few torrential downpours in the last week. Mulberries are ripening, fig birds have arrived and wait impatiently in the she oak till I move away, then they're in for a feed. Asparagus spears are starting to shoot and winter cabbages are beginning to split with the sudden rains. I am savouring these still coolish days..anticipating the spring heat that will arrive shortly.

Burrawang Tuesday 30 August (yesterday)

Yesterday was cold and overcast like a winter's day but the image shows the first signs of spring.
While we have perceptions of weather based on the actions we take to make our selves comfortable, wearing an overcoat, lighting the fire, using an umbrella, turning on the air conditioning, applying sunscreen, the plants around us let us know that the ground temperature is rising and that there have been more hours of sunshine. Nothing says spring more than buds and blossoms on bare limbs.

Weather Tuesday 23 August

Wild weather would be a fair and reasonable description of today. After torrential downpours over night, rain has continued in sporadic bursts varying between a fine mist and deluge. After a reasonable dry spell, the ground is soaked again and the local creek flowing, one sure sign of substantial rain. Winds have eased a little from yesterdays gale force southerlies that ripped leaves from trees and rattled flyscreens. I can hear rain trickling in the gutters and at the same moment a clear blue patch of sky has appeared between grey clouds. It's the kind of weather I associate with Ekka week, the last of winter, only it's come a week later than usual (unless Ekka was early this year).

Bowral Tuesday 23 August

As I can't work out how to add an image from my iPad camera roll this will have to be a venal description.
Today is the sixth day when we have had overcast conditions with brief episodes of sunshine. The conditions are mild for the last few weeks of winter with no frosts for a week and no strong winds.
it is a lovely time to be recupperating as all visitors bring me flowers from their gardens. I currently have Iris, Freesias, Daphne, King Alfred Daffodils, Magnolia and Cyclamen on the window sill.

Weather Tuesday 16 August - Willow Vale

The weather has been 'perfect' the last week, with bright sunny days and not too much wind. I am loving the sunshine and warmth outdoors. Some cool nights are persisting, but an early morning walk in the garden heats me through. It has remained dry with only occasional light showers that barely wet the ground. A bit more time is being spent watering the vegies and some fruit trees, but this is a very pleasant activity at this time of year.
Orange trees are now full of scented blossom and the buzz of bees, pepino fruits are ripening  and I'm picking turnips and cabbage...lots of winter veg soup.
I've made and heard lots of remarks about the weather lately, it's such a lovely time.

The smell of rain...

Driving in to Brisbane today a short heavy shower brought that smell of rain, (maybe it's not actually the rain that smells) or the smell of parched earth and road hit by falling rain. It's such a distinctive smell, somehow earthy and warm, quite sublime. It had me thinking about weather experiences, how ephemeral and subtle they can be, subconscious to some extent but recognisable at the same time. I love that smell of first rain drops hitting dry ground. The rain didn't last long enough to wet much so I'm thinking I'll smell it again if forecast showers arrive in the next week.

Weather Tuesday 9th August, Willow Vale

It has been a week of glorious winter sunshine with one day reaching 25 degrees, gets me thinking about spring. Tuesday was cooler with some cloud and cold winds abating the sunshine warmth. Last night temperatures dropped to below 5 degrees...it's still winter.

The mulberry tree is now smothered in fresh luminous green leaves and the start of this years crop, Yum! Winter vegies are ready for harvest, and the weed control, mulching and clearing in the garden is in full swing; before warmth and rain begin the growth explosion again.

On days without wind, the weather just now is perfect.

Burrawang Tuesday 9 August.

After a week or so of warm and sunny weather winter has returned with cold days and frosty nights.

The King Alfred Daffodils which usually flower in mid July are finally coming out and together with Narcissus and Jonquils they are bringing some colour to the frosty mornings.

Plans to work in the vege garden are once again on the back burner as working in the warm studio is a more pleasant option.

Willow Vale Tuesday 2nd August

Sunny winter days, I just love them. It feels great to stand in the sunlight and warm up, taking away any chilled feeling, like a natural heater. I'm enjoying the little bit of extra light at the end of the day too..Spring is on the way. It's been a mild week with some cool nights but glorious sun filled days, which leave me wishing I could be out in the garden all day, all week. The peach trees are in full blossom and I've been harvesting citrus by the bucket load as new blossom forms for the next seasons growth. Winds have been absent, as has rain, the ground has dried out with grass browning in patches, slow growth has been welcome with the opportunity to clear out unwanted weeds. I'm enjoying the weather a lot, it's very comfortable.

Some people I've spoken with this week have mentioned they'd like to see some rain soon, I find it interesting how quickly we like to see change in weather patterns.

Burrawang Tuesday 2 August

After several very cold wet and windy weeks and some very heavy frosts last weekend we are enjoying beautiful clear sunny winter weather with temperatures reaching the high teens in the afternoons. I have spent the last two afternoons in the garden pruning a silver pear tree.
I've been dividing my time between studio and garden and will get to work in the vege garden if this weather continues.