The Garden Curator · The Garden Curator

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Garden: A place where plants are grown for pleasure
Curator: from Latin: one who cares, from curare, to care for

Here they are! The five completed works of Austral

Here they are! The five completed works of Australian native plants will hang together to depict a walk through this stunning private garden. Hop over to stories to see each finished piece in full. They're on their way in just a few days, and having got to know them intimately over the past few months I'll miss them! They're off to a sublime home with people passionate about Australian plants. Perfect.

The garden has shed most of its jewel colour and v

The garden has shed most of its jewel colour and velvety foliage. Just like magic the frost has turned its "going out clothes" into textured tweeds, sedately weaving shades of chocolate, grey and ochre. What these threads lack in fresh colour they make up for in strong character. There's a stoicism about these seeds and pods, braving the winter elements while the more fragile foliage turns to earth. They take the punch of winter chill on the chin and keep standing triumphantly, and in doing so they are carriers of future generations of their kind.
They'll stay until the big annual cut back begins soon. Once I'd leave it until the last week in winter, but in order to get the whole garden done by spring with one pair of hands, I'm beginning earlier each year. Peeling back these winter threads is always bitter sweet - though I lament losing them, the emerging new growth beneath signals things to come!

My beautiful friend visited yesterday with her gor

My beautiful friend visited yesterday with her gorgeous daughter, a year 12 student with a final art project looming. It was so lovely to chat with these special women, to share the studio and talk through art ideas. Despite year 12 being 30 years ago for me (and now next year for my eldest son!!!), I remember it well. My major art work was a textile and painted piece depicting rural life. I laboured over it, layers and layers of textural scenes from the mountains to the outback, interestingly now an early reflection of things to come. Surprisingly it secured the top mark for Western NSW, though despite this leaning towards art I instead pursued the "sensible" option studying business at uni. No regrets as I made my dearest friends, but isn't it funny how things come full circle and plonk us firmly where we should be, if we're open to it. A forced path doesn't work, but it's incredible what pops up when we open hearts and minds to the natural unfolding.
So loved seeing you all @mareeglasson xxoo

This photo of our girls and babies was taken a whi

This photo of our girls and babies was taken a while ago by my lovely friend @samantha_mackie. I just love it. Today we've been talking about this year's crop of lambs - the ewes bellies are swelling and the babies will begin arriving in spring. It's always lovely when the first lambs appear, then as numbers grow, every evening is a chorus of frolicking babies and scolding mums.
We have two little mobs of heritage sheep, English Leicesters and Southdowns, only a bit over 100 or so in total. The numbers are a far cry from the flocks of many tens of thousands my husband deals with day to day (with a dedicated team of people), but these girls are family. Among them are poddys Dotty, Agnes and Lamington, and a swagger of strapping rams with big egos to match their bulk. Inevitably there'll be a poddy this year, and the initial enthusiasm for bottle feeding sweet littlies will be tested by late season cold snaps and frostbitten hands. The result is worth it, they're characters and certainly valued members of the clan!
PS Sam sells some gorgeous archival prints of her beautiful shots, sheep and these hills included, plus other stunning images all via her website @samantha_mackie.

There's a little nest tucked into the corner of my

There's a little nest tucked into the corner of my current commission of an Australian garden. Insects too. The most enriching garden is one which invites these creatures in, so this work depicting a walk through a beautifully considered and diverse Australian garden just wouldn't be complete without them!
Happy weekend all, I hope it's garden-filled!🌱
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Image by @madi_young

In between projects it's studio tidy time...a few

In between projects it's studio tidy time...a few minutes for a sweep up of the confetti floor, a magnet for the dropped pins, books stacked and paper and pens gathered...but mostly a lot of shuffling of the collected things. Priorities in order, check.
I doubt I could ever be a minimalist. A degree of tidy, yes, sterile no.
The garden is a bit the same. Mass planting is effective, but it's so lovely to have pockets and corners to collect and potter and play without worrying about messing things up. Places for treasures, finds and gifts. Are you a collector in home or garden? Do tell!♡

Another detail shot of my commission of native spe

Another detail shot of my commission of native species, this time delicate fine forms to contrast with the strong shapes of banskia. Off to the framer @framingmarvellous this week! Photo by @madi_young .