We have three large Cordyline Australis trees in our garden. This one is in what we call the Palm Bed from the days when we didn’t know the name of the tree.
Especially when beset by the fiercely blustering winds we are still experiencing, these antipodean arboreal specimens shed their leaves littering the garden with powerfully woody material more suitable for the Efford Recycling Centre than for our compost so that is where we take them. I tackled these in two stints each in excess of an hour – one in the morning and one after a good lunchtime rest, including dozing over The Antiques Road Show.
Their concentrations are on the beds containing them and the adjacent paths.
I couldn’t quite reach every piece on the West Bed, but, by sitting on the bench visible in the second picture in this gallery and stretching across with a grabber I did clear the Cryptomeria Bed.
I cleared the Brick Path;
the gravel path beside the tree in the first picture above;
and the footpath leading into its eponymous bed.
They filled four bags which I added to the growing pile for the next dump run.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s wholesome shepherd’s pie (always better on the second day); potato slices roasted in olive oil; pure white cauliflower; crunchy carrots; and firm broccoli – vegetables fresh from Ferndene Farm Shop are always in perfect, full flavoured, condition. I drank Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
Love your name Antipodean arboreal. An Australian wine sounds like the perfect choice for such a day.
Well done for spotting the wine link, Pat. Thank you very much
The plant does look a bit like a palm frond but I’ve never seen those here. The pie sounds so good! 😊
From prior pictures of your garden, I thought the Cordyline Australis was a palm tree.
So did we 🙂
A productive day.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
There is always something to do in the yard.
A tidy bit of gardening Derrick!
Thanks very much, Kim
With gardening, like housework, there is always something waiting on us to do. 🙂 GREAT work done, Derrick! You prettied up the paths! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
PS…So many great words/titles in this post! “Cordyline Australis”, “Antipodean arboreal”, ” Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon”, etc., are all fun to say! Ha!
Thanks very much, Carolyn XX
Sounds like Australia Day!
I think your gales were stronger than ours Derrick.
Thank you very much, Sue. I’m pleased you spited the wine
That looks like a tree that I am happy not to have in the garden. Four bags!
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
They create quite a mess 🙁
Thank you very much, Rosaliene. It will be the copper beech next
Yes, those Cordyline Australis trees shed lots of light big woody leaves, and you’ve certainly done well cleaning up after the gusty weather, Derrick …
Thank you very much, Ivor
Your garden has such wonderful diversity! I was wondering about these palm trees after seeing them in a previous post.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
The arrival of unexpected visitors yesterday reminded me that it is time for me to clear our front path of fallen leaves and sticks blown down during the recent string winds. It is an unenviable task.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Anne.
The brick path looks beautiful. Lovely garden you have.
Thank you very much, Kritika
Welcome 🙂
You had a productive day! I didn’t spot it till I read the comments, but good link with the wine! 🙂
Thanks again, merril
We call them cabbage tree here, and they are as messy, but I still find them beautiful
Thanks you so much, Sylvie
Seems there is always work to be done in your garden, Derrick, but the end results are stunning and well worth the effort.
Thank you so much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Impressive trees! Well worth the clean up?
Thanks very much, Laurie
Wow, it sounds like you’ve put in quite a bit of effort tackling those Cordyline Australis trees! I can imagine how those winds can make a mess of the garden. It’s great that you’re managing to keep everything tidy, even if you couldn’t reach every piece.
Your dinner sounds delicious! Jackie’s shepherd’s pie must have been a comforting reward after all that hard work. I love how you’re making the most of fresh produce from Ferndene Farm Shop—it really makes a difference in flavor. What are your favorite ways to enjoy those veggies?
Lightly boiled as a side dish – leftovers stored for winter soups. Thanks very much Ilze
Wow I thought that plant was something way different to the actual one.
Thank you very much, Gary
I am glad to hear you are feeling better and getting out and about for some gardening, Derrick. That is good news! Jackie’s delicious meal sounds like a perfect end to the day.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Your brick path looks like it goes on forever. I’ve always enjoyed paths through gardens, especially informal ones. They create a sense of mystery and promise as to what might be on the other side.
Thank you very much, Alys. A good description