A Harsh Summer 2019-20

We have experienced one of the harshest Summers on record with our beautiful Blue Mountains being severely impacted  by bushfires, followed by storms and sudden heavy rains.
 We have had to work hard to keep our gardens alive due to water restrictions, learning to recycle water in ingenious ways.
 
Our thanks must go out to the dedication of the Volunteer fire fighters and State Emergency workers.


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Storm Damage at Winmalee

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This gum tree at Winmalee was struck by lightning in the storm of 2 February 2020. It 'exploded' at the trunk, sending quite large chunks of wood metres from the tree. 

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A Miracle at Winmalee !

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A Lucky Escape 
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This blue tongued lizard? (if you know exactly what particular species it is, please contact us) survived a long period of time in a wheelie bin that had been filled by heavy rain. It was fished out and laid on the paving for the kookaburras to eat. 
After an hour it was checked to see if it had been eaten, but signs of life were noted by the movements of its flanks. It was then moved to a safer location under the camellia hedge.
After more time had passed, the lizard seemed to 'revive' and later on it had disappeared. We hoped that it hadn't been eaten by a hungry predator !!

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Return of the "Blue Tongue" lizard

Last week, with the warmer weather, the lizard returned to say "hello" and to collect the insects from around the glass doors. It is looking much healthier than the last time we saw it !

Recovery of Rhododendron

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​After the prolonged heat and lack of water, this rhododendron was doomed, until the rains of February gave it a good drink !
Now it is sending out new shoots everywhere.