A long, record breakingly hot summer has come to an end–almost. So I’ve been out in the streets, saving eucalypt leaves that have fallen in the heat of summer, and that would be headed into the drain if there was enough rain to wash anything down a drain. I’ve taken it as a bit of a project to gather what I can, prioritising leaves destined for waterways and sewers when they could be mulching my garden instead. And that bag? Each time, I take a bag with me. I have a little stack of them that have held greasy filthy fleece and that will not be washed and re used in the kitchen–and they are being used to pick up rubbish. Because when you’re out in the neighbourhoood with gardening gloves on, you will never be better prepared for the job. And because, when you come from a colonising people and live in a colonised country, opportunities to care for this place are opportunities to take up.
Saltbush are fruiting and all kinds of native plants are seeding so it’s seed collection time too, and when what I hope is the last of the big heat passes, I’ll be planting out seedlings and taking cuttings. I’ve made a start on planting out sedge offsets into pots already (but you know, I didn’t think of taking a picture).
Adelaide has had the Fringe, the Festival and WOMAD recently and I had a dip into all of them (well, maybe not the Festival proper). I got to see Pussy Riot! And Yothu Yindi! And Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping! And so much more–but these acts in particular had me enlivened about the importance of doing things that are not expected. In places where they may not be welcomed. And yet are so important. Somehow that seems like cultural guerilla gardening to me, planting seeds where they may and may not germinate. I take my inspirations where I find them and with gratitude.
And meanwhile, I gather leaves and pick up rubbish! And since I didn’t post this draft when I wrote it… still more… and several barrow leaves of falling autumn street tree leaves too.
Local & Bespoke 