Green Thumb Shaney

Melbourne Botanical Gardens

2011-05-03T13:33:00.000+10:00

My Holiday Photos

2011-03-23T12:36:00.000+10:00

You can view them here: http://www.shaneystravels.blogspot.com/

A few photo's from my travels!

2011-03-22T12:56:00.000+10:00

Winter Wonders

2010-06-06T19:48:00.003+10:00

Been awhile since I posted to my blog, these were taken on my travels over the weekend.

Some New Bits & Pieces

2009-11-04T14:04:00.003+10:00

I love my Bird Chime, the sound is very soothing and it looks cool!

We have been doing some work out in the back yard and outdoor BBQ area. Re-Polished the table...Bought some awesome new Cane weaved hanging baskets...And a few wind chimes from the markets up at Montville.

I hope everyone is well & happy and having a great time out in the garden. See you all again soon!

Foley & Baxter

2009-09-29T14:20:00.002+10:00

Baxter

Foley

The two little chaps I am watching over until October 2nd.

Spring Fever in the Mountains Pt 2

2009-09-29T14:12:00.002+10:00

The beauty of the Land

One of the many Lakes here in The Glass House Mountains

The dam here where I am staying.

Spring Fever in the Mountains

2009-09-29T14:02:00.003+10:00

Greeting ye few but faithful readers. Time fly's when your absent!
At present I am spending 12 days up in the mountains looking after a couple of adorable little pooches, Foley & Baxter...Their Mummy is holidaying in NZ with my Sister and her family.

The captures above are pretty much the essence of spring here at Fiona's. I do love this time of year and look forward to getting home to my own garden.

Sorry!

2009-05-17T13:20:00.001+10:00

My apologies for the lack of posting lately. It seems my trusty camera has decided to go wonky on me. Will report back when I know what the hell is going on!

You Moth be Joking - What a Beauty!

2009-05-04T00:19:00.003+10:00

This gorgeous specimen is still resting on the hallway ceiling, even though I took this photo 6 hours ago!

More of Nature in Pictures

2009-04-30T08:48:00.004+10:00

These are just a few of the beautiful wild flowers, natives and shrubs that I chanced upon during my week away.

Soul Detox

2009-04-27T12:46:00.003+10:00

I have just returned from 10 days of soul searching, recuperation if I dare say. A time to find balance & harmony again in one's life. I had the most enjoyable time too. Below are just a few of the photo's I managed to snap up while I was away.
More to come soon!

What you Lookin at?

2009-04-07T21:51:00.000+10:00

Orchids Delight

2009-03-13T08:44:00.002+10:00

I have not had the time for gardening lately, what with the rain and my being busy. How ever Mum was very kind to send through this photo of her orchid out in flower.
Aren't they just about the prettiest and most amazing species!

Sent With Love

2009-03-02T09:02:00.003+10:00

How nice it was to receive these yesterday afternoon. It sure is nice to know I am loved & cherished. Thank you Nate!

After the Rain ~ A Few Droplets

2009-02-20T17:33:00.002+10:00

I am really enjoying the combination of photography and water! Still my amateur way has far to reach before I take that magic shot!

Rainfall - In Pictures

2009-02-20T17:27:00.004+10:00

As you can see vision was a little hazy across the road.

A pool of water soon formed.

This was the result of a storm that crossed our path about an hour ago! It dumped quite a bit of much needed rain on the gardens.

It Buddy well Bloomed

2009-02-20T17:24:00.001+10:00

I woke up this morning and look what made for a delightful morning ~ My Alamanda is out in flower.

Hop Along

2009-02-19T19:05:00.002+10:00

Mr Hop-a-long made it quite a task to capture a still image. He was not in the mood for giving one time to take a photo. Made me just a tad dizzy! But the end result turned out just fine!

Alamanda - In Pictures

2009-02-18T13:05:00.007+10:00

This is my 'Alamanda', as mentioned previously, given to me by my parents.

I decided to take a picture everyday to see the transformation from bud to bloom!
As you can see below it is coming along quite nicely.

Week 1

Week 2

Shredded - Tale of A Rotten Kid!

2009-02-14T18:33:00.004+10:00

These are two Ponytail (Variety) Palm Trees that were looking absolutely gorgeous, until I took them from pot to garden in the front yard. One of the feral kids next door ripped the entire foliage from both of them leaving them all but a stick in the ground.

I have since removed them from the garden and as you can see they both have some regrowth, but very different. The bottom palm seems to have a multitude of fans sprouting where as the top only a single. Needless to say we were pissed off in knowing it was one of the kids, however because we never saw them do it, we cannot point the finger of blame. The brats always stand out the front near our garden. Who else could it have been the Palm Pixies!

Just another case of feral kids being raised by equally feral parents!

Not So Fast - OK

2009-02-14T18:28:00.002+10:00

The wet weather we have been having the past few days has brought out all the lovely little slimy critters we unfortunately step on and squish! Not that I want to be the one to be so cruel, but after dark one cannot see every little thing as one walks! These guys were safely slipping around on one of the plants.

Well Blogger...it seems Google is playing up!

2009-02-13T09:58:00.003+10:00

There wont be any photo's posted today, it seems blogger is having issues. Gee I wonder if that is uncommon! I had hoped to show you the palms that I transferred out of pot into the garden. Only to have them both stripped of their foliage by the little turds (kids) next door.

I happen to have the neighbors from hell! On both sides. Fortunately though one lot were evicted and are now, no where to be seen. Much to my delight and I am sure every other person living close by. She was by far the most disgusting female I have ever had the non pleasure to meet. A drug abusing, alcoholic, potty mouthed Mother. And I feel sorry for the next lot of neighbors who encounter her feral behavior. OK let me try this upload one more time.................NO!

Try again tomorrow~!

Gecko ..Tale of a Threesome

2009-02-12T10:52:00.002+10:00

The other night I caught a couple of Gecko's doin the nasty! It was not until I switched the light on I noticed a peeping tom, wanting to get in on the action.
I am always finding Gecko eggs in the window sills. They can be quite a nuisance and were the reason my Parents air conditioner crapped itself. There is definitely no shortage of these little critters!

What You Looking At Grasshopper!

2009-02-11T12:13:00.001+10:00

Standing out the front having my morning coffee this little chap jumped onto the landing.
When I got close for the photo, he was shaking as though frightened by me, an unknown creature moving into his personal space. I thought he was cute!

Centipede Me

2009-02-10T22:46:00.002+10:00

I was outside ripping up the weeds in the garden bed, down the side of the house. When this creepy little bugger wriggled out from the dirt and over my toe.. He then lodged himself in the brick work. I manage to get him to turn around so I could grab a top & tail shot.
Not the most attractive of bugs!

Your Host

2009-02-09T20:55:00.001+10:00

Took this today, figured it was time to put an updated photo out there! Well for those that new of my old blog(s)

The Rainbow Lorrikeet

2009-02-09T15:28:00.002+10:00

Found mainly along the eastern seaboard or as you can see in my back yard!
They love sun seeds and honey/bread. They spent all afternoon in the back tree quietly whistling away.

Tragic Loss at the hands of an Arsonist

2009-02-09T10:05:00.004+10:00

Photo taken by Richard Naudi

My heart felt sympathies go out to the families and friends of the 108+ victims in what is now known as the worst disaster in Australian history.
108 + Deceased
750 homes burned to the ground
330,000 hectares burned
More lives are likely to be lost as the fires continue to burn out of control.
Please take a moment and spare a thought for these people.

Bugs...Spiders...Storms

2009-02-08T22:04:00.003+10:00

Storm 11 December 2008

St Andrews Cross Spider, known for it's silky cross pattern on the web. It is meant to attract the light thus attracting insects.

A very horny grub, taking an afternoon siesta!

Allo~~~~~Alamanda

2009-02-08T12:02:00.001+10:00

The potted plant you see here is my Alamanda . My parents gave it to me when it was just a mere sprout. I am very excited to say it is budding and will soon have some beautiful flowers for me to snap up and add here. Will keep you posted (so to speak)

P.s The background is the back yard, there are many different types of Tree's & Shrubs that run all the way along the fence line. It gives off a forest feel and would be even more ideal if there were not noisy kids on both sides to ruin the tranquility of the scene.

Another Mystery Plant

2009-02-07T20:33:00.002+10:00

This gorgeous shrub grows just out side my bedroom window. I had actually cut it right back to ground level last year and this spring it...well...sprung! LOL
I have no idea what it is called but the color and elegant pose is very striking to the naked eye!
Plant enthusiasts are welcome to help me identify any of the plants that remain unknown to me by name.

Pigs Face it is!>>> More like Pigs Ass!

2009-02-07T13:24:00.002+10:00

Carpobrotus Rossii - PIG FACE

Apparently these very pretty coastal creepers are meant to resemble that of a Pigs Face. I was told one would need a very good imagination too be able to see the resemblance. I guess after all these years of my thinking I was able to conjure up just about anything in my mind. I really am quite boring!
They are found quite readily along the beaches here in Australia, though we only have 4 species out of the possible 26+ Don't you think they are just the prettiest thing on the beach! Other than me of course! :P

Wasp on Earth is that?

2009-02-07T12:53:00.002+10:00

At first I thought this was part of the plant. How similar in color they were. I have been stung by many wasps in my life time thus far! It beats getting bitten by a spider! :P

Native Mystery (Only to Me)

2009-02-06T18:27:00.002+10:00

Being the amateur that I am! I have struggled to find the Name of this native that grows so elegantly in the front yard! I can find similar species, but I am not about to bullshit my way through and just forget about it. Anyone out there in the garden world know what this beauty is?

Australia is to me!

2009-02-06T15:35:00.006+10:00

Australia

I live in the Southern part of Queensland. (see arrow) While it is summer here and quite warm, we certainly don't get the heat like many of the other states here in Aussieland! I know my pals down south hit the 44.4C (112 F) mark for a few days!
Rainfall in my area has been minimal over the past few years so it would be unforgiving of me to suggest I reside on verdant land. Ironic though that just up North many country towns have recently been flood declared due to several Cyclones.
With the water restrictions in place we are unable to use a hose to water plants or gardens, we are not allowed to wash cars, hose pathways. So it is very difficult to establish and maintain a Garden of any kind. But I refuse to leave my potted plants to die!

A Random Snap Shot!
The Kookaburra! Quite a charming character the way they laugh! This chap was sitting on the clothes line last week.

Serial Pest

2009-02-06T14:33:00.001+10:00

This little fella is considered a pest, although I am not one to know the species of a bird. I did appreciate that he was far from camera shy and even returned a little later for more posing.

Bzzzz.... All in a Day Work!

2009-02-06T14:03:00.002+10:00

Since the Jasmine Bush started flowering a few weeks ago the Bee's have been quite actively working away creating just one of natures miracles (so says I hehe)
Fortunately I never got stung, though one did land in my hair!

A Short Welcome

2009-02-06T13:57:00.003+10:00

G'Day all,

I have decided to showcase some of my amateur work here in Shaney's Backyard.
Although I don't consider myself a professional by any means, it is still nice to receive feed back and or get some hints & tips from other fellow Gardener's & Photography enthusiasts.

So please feel free to let me know if you too have a passion for the garden or photography and I will add you to my link list!

Thank you and look forward to hearing from you!