TOURIST TUESDAY: THERESA CREEK DAY FOUR

It has taken me a long time to write this post, because I wanted to leave the last day/last post at Theresa Creek to talk about our hosts Margaret and Laurence. Yet, I find myself at a loss to adequately describe how amazing they are.

On arrival Laurence met us at the gate and Margaret was up at the farm. They showed us around, and taught us the little ins and outs, and generally made us feel extremely welcome. Not only with fresh produce of eggs and pumpkin from their farm, but homebaked lusciousness of fresh bread and a macadamia slice.

They gave us complete privacy, yet we found ourselves drawn to their farm each afternoon after our walks. Where we would stay and chat and Jarvis would play with their dog.

On our last day at the farm, we stopped by to tell them we were leaving and ended up being invited in for morning tea. Wow, Margaret can bake yummy treats!

I, we, cannot recommend this place more highly. It had everything we needed to disconnect and reconnect as a family. This is not a sponsored post in any way. I will include a link to their page, just so you are also tempted. You can find them and their farm here. 

After tearing ourselves away from the farm, we opted to take the slow scenic route home. Stopping to take photos of abandoned houses, meandering around op shops, and stopping where ever the desire took us.

This was the prefect long weekend away.

FAT GIRL WANTS TO BE A MUM, BUT HAS NO MAN IN HER LIFE

Okay, so after having chickens for almost a year I am slowly learning about them. But how do you deal with a clucky chicken? Fat Girl wants a baby.

Our Sussex had not layed an egg for almost three weeks. But she will not move out of the laying box, she sits all day on the other chocks eggs. If I pick her up to move her out, to make sure she eats or to clean the box she goes crazy, flapping her wings and clucking so loud. She will not calm down until I put her pack in on top of an egg, or eggs.

Now with no men in her life, there is no way she, or the other girls, will have fertilised eggs. I do know it is normal for them to get broody in the warmer months. 

It was hard enough to convince myself I was not having any more children, so how do I get Fat Girl to face the fact that she is not going to be a Mum?

HOW TO RAISE A CHICKEN AND BECOME THE CRAZY LADY

Do you ever think, wow I have reached a whole new level of weird? No, me neither. But I think my neighbours may think that of me after yesterday afternoon.

This is the face of a shamed lady behind bars.

Houdini (our chicken) keeps escaping. She is driving me nuts, I do not know how she is getting out. The getting out is not so much the problem, it is the fact Houdini is a greedy girls and constantly eats through my vegie patch. Plus stripped Jarvis's sunflower garden bare.

So I thought, if I got her inside their home, then chased her she would try to escape and show me her escape route.

So here is me running around the enclosure yelling "naughty Houdini". Then when she fails to show me her escape route I ground her "yelling you are grounded for the rest of the afternoon!".

After yelling at the chicken that she is grounded, like she would totally understand, I look up and see the builders all having a laugh. Well at least they can go home and tell stories about the crazy/weird lady who lived in the house behind their project.

Please tell me I am no the only one who has grounded a chicken?

One fat girl who keeps escaping to get more food.

I would love if you showed this crazy lady some love and head over to my Facebook page and give it a like for me. Links to Facebook and Instagram up on the top right of this page.

https://www.facebook.com/IliskaDreams

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN:RAINBOWS, SEEDLINGS AND HOPE

There is something about spring and the promise of new growth. The simplicity of watching a seed unfurl into a new plant. It is a celebration of reproduction, whether in plants or animals... It's an invitation to sense the simplicity of how we regenerate life – and also... where a tiny bead of potency unfurls.

Rainbows are not common and their evocative appearance can be quite magical, for even those of us who do not believe in magic. Like the new seedling I think the rainbow is associated with hope, magic and good fortune.

So I am keeping my fingers crossed that I find my pot of gold this spring. If you could find a pot of gold, what would be the magical thing you would hope for?

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: REALITY VERSUS FANTASY

Loving the warmer weather, and so is our newly planted garden. But. today was spent relocating our girls. It seems no matter how hard I try they are naughty, and will fly over into the veggie patch and chow down. They also have a bad habit of coming into the house and making themselves comfy on the rug.

So as much I wanted the girls to be able to roam the entire back yard, this is now not going to happen. With the back third of the yard still waiting for me to finish landscaping, it is a bit of a dirt patch. I am waiting until construction work is done over in the back and the back and side fences are replaced.

I have this fantasy of backyard, and chicken area. I spend ages going through the Dirt Girl World Facebook page, swooning  over other people's yards. But at the moment for a temporary measure the chicken's new area looks like this.

I know look at the top image..fantasy. next image reality :(

Fingers crossed I can build it into the yard I want. Now all I need to do is find/collect old wrought iron gates, old stain glass doors and windows to start on what I have designed. So if anyone out there knows places in Brisbane where I can find these I would love to know. 

Please note: All of the fantasy/inspiration images have been taken from the Dirt Girl World Facebook page.

35/52 2014

With the last of winter sliding behind us, today seemed the perfect day to toil the soil and prepare for Spring. All day Jarvis and I worked in the garden (Justin stayed inside to make over 200 wantons). Then as the day was almost gone, Justin, too came out to play, okay plant in the  dirt.

All day Jarvis kept repeating "me grow it". yes baby, you can help Mummum grow her garden, as I think it helps you grow as well.

Last year Jodi inspired me to pick up my camera and turn the focus inward. This year I have opted to continue with the series as I feel there are still so many family stories to be told through photos. So I will continue to Link up with Jodi  (the artist formerly known as Che & Fidel now Practising Simplicity) for the 52 Project. 

Also linking up with Bron over at Baby Space with the quote a week

EGGS SIX WAYS: STEAMED EGG CAKE

Eggs, lack of them, abundance of them, faulty, double ones. Eggs have been on my mind of late. We added two new girls to our brood, and this coupled with cold nights, our girls are not laying as well as they use to. However, eggs still feature heavy in our diet. One of Jarvis's favourite meals is "Duck Bums" his name for scrambled eggs.

So I thought I would put it out there what are your favourite recipes where eggs are the hero of the dish. I will share six of our egg dishes, starting with one Justin cooks. The recipes is his Mum's and it is one of the softest bounciest sponge cakes ever. Plus super easy to cook.

Ji Dan Gao

Ingredients

4 Eggs

1 Cup of Milk

1 1/12 cups of Flour

1/2 Cup of sugar

1 Tablespoon of oil

Utensils Needed

Mixer

Extra large saucepan

Cake tin

Wooden spoon

Baking Paper

Method

1. Gather and measure out ingredients.

2. Line cake tin with baking paper.

3. Mix eggs and sugar in mixing bowl until thick, do this on high.

4. Slowly add milk and oil.

5. Stop mixing.

6. Add flour gradually, fold though until well combined.

7. Add to cake tin.

8. Steam for 20 minutes.

Serve warm.

Justin's Mum uses a wok and a steamer to do this, but Justin has more success cooking it this way.

Okay so your turn, head over to my Facebook page and post your favourite egg recipe. I will share five more of ours here in the coming weeks.

Note: cooking and photos by Justin

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: DIRT

I am not sure of the main reason for my dedication to growing my own fruit and vegetables. Even though I have always lived in rentals, apartments and houses, I have always grown some produce, even if it just a herb garden. I know growing up Dad always had massive backyard garden, full of produce. I know when I was trying to fall pregnant I took a good look at my diet and knew the organic whole foods were the best thing for my body.  

But this week when I was out in the yard giving the garden a good weed and dig, I was reminded of one of the important reasons that I keep a garden. My Little Dirt Boy, my little farmer loves the earth so much. I think every child needs to grow up being able to play in the dirt. This is why in every veggie patch I have I also have a patch of dirt. Just for Jarvis. 

TOILET TRAINED CHICKEN AND TWO NEW GIRLS

A toilet trained chicken? And two new girls added to our brood. Hmm what do you call a collection of chickens?

So the moment Jarvis woke up today he asked "Dad, blue duck". And then repeated the statement over and over. Translation: "Is Granddad coming over soon, so we can go and buy a blue chicken?". Jarvis always calls my Dad, well Dad, I guess cause I do. Justin is always Daddy. The obsession with getting a blue chicken has been strong for ages.

Lucky for the both of us Dad got here by ten am. But not so lucky for Jarvis when we got to the farm, they had thousands of chickens with so many different breeds, but no blue chickens. In the end Jarvis went into this enclosure and played for ages, then he lent down and kissed the black and white girl. So I knew she was the one for us. As Jarvis was leaving the enclosure with his new chicken, the big white girl with the black necklace followed Jarvis out, and then went and sat on Jarvis's feet. So she choose Jarvis. I forgot to ask what breed of chicken these two girls are. Does anyone know?

And to the toilet trained chicken comment. Pav, a our White Leghorn has been coming inside the house and using Tira's kitty litter to poo in. WT? Plus Tira has now slept all afternoon in the box we bought the chicken home. Yes the world is strange. Or maybe just my world. 

Our new white girl is huge, she is only six months old and look at her next to Pav and Om!

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: EXCITMENT

Am I the only one who get super excited when the first crop appears on new veggie plants? Our beans have begun to grow, just hoping that we get as many from this planting as we did last time. Though I have to admit, I have not been giving my garden as much love and attention of late. Think a day in the garden is much needed.

On a side note...our chickens now think they are house chickens.

 

Say hello to Om (Omelette), Souf (Souffle), and Pav (Pavlova) 

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: SPINACH

This week's post is dedicated to Catlin at Mother Down Under. 

Cutting from Dad's Spinach. 

I have been growing my own veggies two for almost two years, experimenting with what works and what doesn't. Always trying to incorporate a lot of what we cook with. Yet until Catlin did this post I have never thought to grow our own spinach.

Now I have not one, but two varieties. I went to Dad's and got a cutting of his climbing spinach. This I put in a pot. Then I cheated a little, and went to Bunnings and got spinach seedlings. I normally try to grow all mine from seeds. However since I planted over three weeks ago and the weather is turning cold I did not want the spinach to fall behind. It will be interesting to see which grows better.

Retail Seedling. 

This week I am asking for advice. What should I and should I not be doing to get a bumper crop? 

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: SMALL BOYS

The garden is just not for me. It is not just a place to grow organic vegetables. It is not just a place for the chickens to roam. It is Jarvis's place to play, to explore and to learn. He loves the garden. As a baby, taking him out to watch the trees would calm him down. Now as a toddler, the garden offers so much more.

Every afternoon, Jarvis wants to go up and water. Even when it is raining. 

Every experience counts! Babies and young children are learning all the time, with most learning taking place in relationships. The best place to find challenge, wonder, beauty, wisdom and pure joy is in the garden. The easiest way to do this is to provide experiences that will appeal to toddlers while allowing you to be close enough to keep an eye on things.

Jarvis enjoys digging, weeding, moving things in his wheelbarrows and watering plants.

So when we dug, and replanted, the garden for winter crops, much to Dad's dismay (he believes in planting as much as possible to produce a huge range of food) we left a Jarvis patch.

The Jarvis patch. 

Jarvis helped Dad and I dig the soil, then his favourite thing is to poke seeds into the soil. Dad is more than a little OCD like me, and we both would have liked rows of the same seeds. But Jarvis was in charge of the seeds, so this winter they have been planted with wild abandonment. I can't wait to see how and what grows.

So not only is the garden a place for Jarvis to learn and grow. But, also to Jarvis's it is a place to dig and get as muddy as possible. So I guess in my garden I am also growing a small boy. 

We have had to net the garden, the chickens think it is just for them. A wonderland of seeds and seedlings to consume. 

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: RAISED GARDEN BEDS PART ONE

Because I cannot get out in to my garden to show you what else I grow, I thought I would share some information on my favourite vegetables to grow in raised garden beds.

Also looks like I grow crazy old red haired ladies in my garden

Raised beds are a favourite among gardeners for many reasons. But for me being a renter, the soil can be altered to my needs, as I filled the beds rather than using what’s already available. The soil in these beds is not stepped on as much, which means it never becomes compacted. This allows it to drain excess water out quickly. The soil in these beds also warms more quickly in the spring, giving you a longer growing season.

In a raised beds you can grow almost anything, but there are some that I have had much better luck with than others. My three best types of vegetables for raised beds are:

1. Leafy greens

Greens such as lettuce, spinach and bok choy grwo like crazy in raised beds. These cool weather crops need to be planted just as soon as you can get a trowel into your soil. The fact that soil in raised beds warms more quickly than the ground means you can get started earlier with these crops and get several great harvests before summer hits. Another reason that leafy greens are perfect for raised beds is they despise soggy roots. The quick draining soil in your beds means lettuces will never have to stand in the water for too long.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are heavy feeders that need nutrient-dense soil to thrive. With a raised bed you can easily customize your soil to your needs, adding in extra compost as you fill the beds. The only downside to growing tomatoes in raised beds is it’s harder for tomato cages and stakes to stand up in the loose soil. So I use long wooden stakes and ribbon from my sewing stash.

I also use a combination of the dirty hay filled with chicken poo, from the chicken coup, around the base of the tomato plant to stop it drying out too quickly and to prevent and weeds growing.

3. Beans. Beans are some of the easiest vegies to grow, which makes them ideal for beginners such as me.

But the best bit is, beans get the perfect start if they’re grown from seed, so this provides a great opportunity to teach Jarvis about sowing, germination and how seeds play their vital role as the starting blocks for our food. He loves to dig little holes and put the seeds in and cover them up. Not sure if he is old enough yet to get that all of the seeds he puts in the soil grow into the plants he loves to water. 

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: ROSEMARY

Rosemary is an easy to grow herb. This herb love a warm, very sunny spot with good soil drainage. They don’t care how hot and dry it gets, but they really thrive in alkaline soils and love lime. If your rosemary isn't looking too healthy and you know your soil is acid, apply lime and see what happens. Rosemary doesn't need much fertilising (just a bit of slow-release fertiliser once a year is enough) and doesn't like too much fertiliser. Wet, humid summers and badly drained soils can make rosemary plants unhappy.

I grew mine from a cutting of a rosemary plant the neighbours were growing as a hedge. (Thanks random neighbour who has given me years of seasoning from my favourite herb) Just take 30cm long tip cuttings in spring, summer or autumn, pop them in a pot of potting mix, and they should strike for you.

Beside tasting amazing there are many health benefits associated with Rosemary. I have copied the below from a medical journal Dad got years and years ago when he was having radium and chemo. Not sure if all is accurate, but it does sound good.

16 Health Benefits of Rosemary

Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb with needle-like leaves and pink, blue, or purple flowers. The word "rosemary" comes from the Latin words ros (meaning "dew") and marinus (meaning "sea").

It is used in many culinary dishes and is commonly used to flavor soups, sauces, and meats. In addition to being used in cooking, it has also been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments over the centuries. Studies have found that our ancestors weren't wrong in using it medicinally.

I think you'll be amazed as we were to find out just how many benefits rosemary has. Here are 16 health benefits of rosemary that'll make you want to use it on a regular basis.

Cancer Prevention
Rosemary contains carnosol which has been found in studies to be a potent anti-cancer compound. Researchers have had promising results in studies of its efficacy against breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and skin cancer. In one study, researchers gave powdered rosemary to rats for two weeks and found that it reduced the binding of the carcinogen given to the rats by 76% and significantly inhibited the formation of breast tumors.

Improved Memory
Rosemary has long been believed to have memory-enhancing properties. In 1529, an herbal book recommended taking rosemary for "weakness of the brain." Today, research has found that rosemary contains a diterpine called carnosic acid that has neuroprotective properties that researchers believe may protect against Alzheimer's disease as well as the normal memory loss that happens with aging.

Remarkably, even the smell of rosemary has been found to improve memory. Test subjects in cubicles were given essential oil of rosemary to smell and they had better quality of memory and better overall memory than the control group, though their speed of memory was slower compared to the control group.

Mood Elevator
The same study that found that smelling rosemary improved test subjects' quality of memory also found that their mood was significantly improved compared to the control group.

Migraine Help
Rosemary has been a popular natural migraine remedy for centuries. Boil some rosemary in a large pot of water and pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot to inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Because smelling rosemary has been found to improve memory and mood, this method may also help with memory function and put you in a better state of mind.

Pain Relief
It not only helps relieve the pain of migraines, but essential oil of rosemary can also be applied topically as a natural treatment for arthritis, sore muscles, and other joint and muscle pains.

Anti-Inflammatory
Rosemary contains two potent anti-inflammatories, carnosic acid and carnosol. One study found that these two compounds inhibited COX-2, an enzyme that causes pain and inflammation in the body. They also inhibited the production of excess nitric oxide, which also plays a role in the inflammatory process.

Immune Booster
Rosemary boosts the immune system thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Because it is healing in so many ways, it boosts the overall health of the body.

Antibacterial
Studies have found that rosemary has powerful antibacterial properties against H. pylori (the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers) and Staph infections.

Digestive Health
Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem. It also helps to prevent foodborne illnesses when ingested with foods such as meat or eggs.

Hair Growth
There is a possibility that rosemary may stimulate hair growth. One study found that people with alopecia, a disorder that causes the hair to fall out, had significant hair regrowth after rubbing rosemary, lavender, thyme, and cedarwood into their scalps for seven months. However, it is not clear whether it was the rosemary or the other herbs that caused the regrowth.

Better Circulation
Essential oil of rosemary is often applied topically as a natural remedy for poor circulation, though there have been no studies to prove this effect.

Fresh Breath
Rosemary can be used as a natural mouthwash and is said to work very well. To make the mouthwash, steep fresh rosemary in a pint of heated water. Strain it and use it as a mouth rinse as often as you like. It will keep in the fridge if covered.

Diuretic Properties
Rosemary is a mild diuretic, which means that it can help get rid of bloating and water retention in the body. When rosemary is used regularly, it may help in the increase of urine flow and help the kidneys function at optimal levels to help get rid of excess water in the body.

Respiratory Health
Rosemary is a great natural remedy for respiratory problems. Breathing in the scent of the essential oil may help with congestion due to colds, allergies, respiratory infections, and the flu. You may also boil fresh rosemary in a pot of water, place it in a bowl, and breathe in the steam to help clear the lungs and throat. This will also help with any sinus or head pain associated with respiratory conditions.

Liver Detoxification
Rosemary has been used to treat liver problems for hundreds of years. Hippocrates prescribed it for this purpose. One study found that rosemary extract reduces cirrhosis in rats given thioacetamide, a toxic compound that is toxic to the liver. It also prevented liver damage from tetrachloride in rats and mice.

Anti-Aging
Rosemary is a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin creams because it helps reduce puffiness, stimulates cell regeneration, increases firmness, and improves overall skin tone. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and increases blood flow to the skin.
Precautions
For the most part, rosemary is considered safe with no side effects. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of rosemary because it may lead to uterine contractions and miscarriage. People with high blood pressure should not take rosemary because it may raise blood pressure.

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: ONION CHIVES

Chives are members of the lily family grown for their leaves and flowers. Both onion and garlic chives are grown and used in a similar fashion. Some gardeners use onion and garlic chives as a perennial edging or border plant in a flower border or an herb garden. I have mine growing with all of my other herbs in pots. Great for renters and for the option to move them around to chase the seasonal sun.

Onion chives are grown for their leaves and rosy purple flowers with a mild onion flavor.

Garlic chives also known as Chinese chives, are grown for their mildly garlic-flavored leaves and pretty white flowers. The leaves are flat, not hollow like those of onion chives

Chive plants grow in clumps. When the clumps get too large after a few years, they can be divided in early spring.

Chives prefer full sun, but plants also grow in partial shade, especially in the warmer climates such as we have here in Brisbane.

To be honest I just stuck my seedling in the pots, water it occasionally and hope for the best. It has survived three years this way.

However, here are some "instructions" on how to grow and care for your chives: Set out plants in early spring in soil amended with plenty of compost or a good slow-release fertilizer, placing them 8 to 12 inches apart. For fast growth, plant in rich, well-drained soil. (Plants are tough enough to withstand poor soil, but just won’t grow fast.) Be sure that the soil drains well. They need little care other than watering until well-rooted. It is recommended you harvest often, and fertilize every 3 or 4 weeks with a liquid plant food. Although the flowers are nice, the plants produce more leaves if you pinch off the flower buds.

If your plant starts to struggle, such as mine is just starting to, cut the plants back to the ground. They will come back in spring. I just cannot bring myself to do this as I cook with this herb several times a week.

You can begin harvesting leaves as soon as they are big enough to clip and use. Cut from the outside of the clump, about 1/2 inch above soil level, always leaving plenty to restore energy to the plant. Although fresh is best, you can store extra for winter use by chopping and freezing the leaves, or you can also preserve them in herb butters, oils, and vinegars, where they blend well with parsley and tarragon.

Not much of a food stylist, so Jarvis helped with the photography. He thought my images needed a bit of yellow car to complete the look. 

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: CORIANDER

Yes, this is just a pot of dirt. 

I have tried everything to grow coriander, as I love cooking with it. Tira also loves coriander. But, she ALWAYS uses it as a toilet!

I have tried netting and other things, but she always works around them. Bloody cat. Any hints? I really want this herb in my garden as I love cooking with it.

I also cannot grow parsley, which is interesting as coriander is a Chinese parsley. 

This is what I want my coriander to look like! Note this image is not mine it was taken from Mark's Veg Plot

WHAT I GROWN IN MY GARDEN: CHILLIES

Chillies are the hot fruits of a range of capsicum species that originally came from the warm northern regions of South America. When chillies are harvested, the chilli juice can be highly irritating to the skin and especially to the eyes, so care needs to be taken. Wearing latex gloves when picking them will prevent the juice from getting on the skin.

This is the extent on my knowledge on chilli plants. This has been totally pot luck that this plant is growing. Justin asked why I wasn't growing chilli, so I bought a seedling when we moved in here, and the plant has thrived with no love, care, and or knowledge.

I water it rarely, it is in the full sun, and Tira likes to sleep around it (She is a strange cat). But this seedling has grown into a full blown plant. The older it gets the hotter the chillies are. Oh, and a couple of weeks ago it had beautiful violet flowers on it.

So anyone got any suggestions or knowledge on chilli plants?

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: BASIL

Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a seasoning herb for many different types of foods. There are more than 60 varieties of basil, all of which differ somewhat in appearance and taste. While the taste of sweet basil is bright and pungent, other varieties also offer unique tastes: lemon basil, anise basil and cinnamon basil all have flavors that subtly reflect their name. 

Basil now grows in many regions throughout the world, but it was first native to India, Asia and Africa. It is prominently featured in varied cuisines throughout the world including Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian. The name "basil" is derived from the old Greek word basilikohn, which means "royal," reflecting that ancient culture's attitudes towards an herb that they held to be very noble and sacred. The tradition of reverence of basil has continued in other cultures. In India, basil was cherished as an icon of hospitality, while in Italy, it was a symbol of love.

My main tips for growing basil are:

Well-drained soil is good soil for basil. If you grow yours in containers like I do, the container itself needs to have good drainage holes.

Keep the temperature fairly warm with lots of sunlight (at least six hours a day). Basil likes warmer temperatures, so move your pots to take advantage of the sun.

Fertilize the soil about once a month. Organic or slow-release fertilizers (like compost tea) are best for basil. Just don't fertilize it when it is cold.

Water often in hot weather. I watered once a day when the temperatures got really hot this summer. But in more normal conditions, I water every other day or so. Check your soil to make sure it isn't getting dry either way.

Prune! Then prune it some more! Pruning leads to more basil. Start pruning the top leaves at around six inches tall and continue to prune as it gets bushier. Also, pinch off any flowers that you see so they don't go to seed. That will lead to bland and sparse plants.

Keep insects away. If pests are bugging your plants, I've heard using liquid seaweed as a fertilizer will help.

Basil not only tastes amazing it also has health benefits. The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin andvicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage. In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth.

The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase. Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.

As pretty as the Basil flowers are, PRUNE them!

WHAT I GROW IN MY GARDEN: ALOE VERA

One of my first steps in becoming a gardener was to establish a herb garden on my old veranda. Dad gave me a heap of old plastic pots he had in the shed and I got dirt and seedlings from my local garden centre.

At first, it was all hit and miss, I had no idea what I was doing. I think I killed all of the first lot with over attention, too much water and too much pruning. But now I feel I have got it down pat. All I need to do now is expand on my collection.

Aloe Vera, though technically not a herb, is one of my favourites. With last week's burnt arm proving how good it is to have a pot of aloe on hand.

Aloe should be planted where there is the most sun in the garden. Or grown in a pot, and moved seasonally to take advantage of the sun. Aloe vera love the heat and hate cold, wet, and frosts so if your area is prone to cold and wet winters only grow in pots as aloe roots may rot off during their dormant period.

Aloe Vera is really quite an incredible plant. It is a succulent plant and part of the lily family (Liliaceae), the same family that garlic and onions belong to. Different parts of the plant are used for different effects on the body and Aloe Vera has both internal and external applications.

I am yet to use the plant for internal benefits so I won't comment on those however, externally I love this plant.

Because of aloe’s well-known healing properties for the skin, aloe is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry. It is a known vulnerary, (meaning it helps heal wounds) and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. It’s feels especially good to cut a stem of aloe, place it in the fridge and rub it on sun burnt skin – the immediate soothing effect feels like an absolute lifesaver. Aloe is also an antipruritic: A substance that relieves or prevents itching. Aloe Vera is an astringent: which causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.

Due to aloe’s high water content (over 99% water) it is a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Aloe increases the elasticity of the skin making it more flexible through collagen and elastin repair. Aloe is an emollient, helping to soften and soothe the skin. It helps supply oxygen to the skin cells, increasing the strength and synthesis of skin tissue and induces improved blood flow to the skin through capillary dilation.

Aloe is disinfectant, anti-biotic, anti-microbial, germicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-viral: yes I learnt most of these ones though google. But after using aloe for years on burns, cuts and abrasions, I know this natural option is better on my skin, and my kids than any product I can buy at a chemist.

 This plant is only three months old, and look how many new suckers it has grown!

BECOMING A GARDENER

Not having my own home in years and years I did not know what it was like to tend to the soil. To have the desire to establish and grow a garden. When Justin, Tamika and I moved into our first home together, when I was six months pregnant with Jarvis, I faced an overgrown unmanageable yard that was basically inaccessible.

In the two years we lived at Burn Street I fought that yard, I fought... until I leant to yield. It was then I learnt how to become a gardener.

When we moved into this house the backyard was just a large dirt strip. In the three and a half months we have lived here I have been working with the earth to grow a sustainable garden. One that is aesthetically pleasing, yet more importantly, one that provides us with food.

Each time I plant, I learn new things. New things about food I have not grown before. New things about old favourites. But more importantly new things about myself.

I have landscaped this yard with the knowledge it is a rental and one day we will have to move. But I also plant it for the now, knowing it provides a haven for Jarvis and food for our bellies.

Anyone can do this. Yes, even renters. Obviously I have go to the furthest point a renter can go, but most, if not all of my food can also be grown in large tubs or containers.

My financial outlay has been minimal in regards to the food side of the garden. Bar for seeds, seedlings and a few wooden stakes, all has been scourged and recycled.

The image you see below may not be the most interesting image. But for me it is the highlight of my garden. Grass clippings dried and used as bedding in the chicken pen. Then when the pen is cleaned out each morning the clippings, and poo, go onto the garden bed as mulch. Mulch that keep the soil moist, the weeds at bay and the poo nourished the dirt. Which in turn then will grow tomatoes.

You do not need much 'stuff' to grow a garden, just the desire. Oh and chicken poo helps as well!