Waiting for rain

The sea is like a mirror today, after yesterday's grit-swirling black southeaster - almost unheard of at this time of year when our thoughts are turning to a change of wind direction and some rain to soothe the dessicated lawns and yellowing leaves. Forecasts of rain for this week have diminished to cloudy conditions, and we can only hope that it is not going to be one of those dry winters that keep us looking anxiously at the levels of the dams.

I remember a particularly bad year way back in the late 60s when water levels were so low that water restrictions were introduced for the first time. Bathwater had to be shared in the family and a hose used to empty the final product out through the window and into the garden. Not a drop was to be wasted and watering of gardens from a primary source was strictly controlled. Many plants didn't survive that summer and waterwise became the name of the game, something which remains uppermost in our minds when planning our gardens to this day.
If I weren't fortunate enough to have a plentiful supply of underground water, I doubt whether there would be lawns in my landscaping (I use that word loosely, as I pretty much let anything that can gain a foothold in this poor soil grow unfettered!). As it is, flowerbeds are non-existent and colour is restricted to a few potted petunias. I rely heavily on the easy-to-manage clivias, bromeliads and agapanthus and just have to make sure the trees provide sufficient shade through judicious pruning.
This last week's record-breaking temperatures put paid to the spinach, and the worms ate the last of the kale, so I will be reserving their water for the newly planted bougainvillea. I trust it will become a thing of beauty to enjoy forever!