Lately, with the aytpically tropical afternoon storms and heat, the grass had been growing at such a rate that I couldn’t keep up with it. I had to wait until afternoon before it was dry enough to mow and by then it would be raining again.
A bout of illness which took away any energy to seize mowing opportunities sealed my decision. I needed help.
Life is a compromise and I was about to make a big one. In essence, bugger the roses, come in and eat my grass!
One late afternoon I opened all four gates into the house yard. You will not have your wallaby photos obscured by netting from now on.
Slowly they ventured in. Wallabies first. The wallaroo looked on disapprovingly from outside the fence, where he stayed. Kangaroos are coming in too, but not close yet.
Soon they were everywhere, and over the next few days some began to rest inside the yard, using the shade of buildings and trees during the day. Some were more calm than others, some staying still as I walked past, others bolting in panic.
I immediately cleaned some strategic windows so I could take photos, like this laid-back wallaby. I enjoy observing the process of familiarisation. This is a new era of living here for me — and my neighbours.
It was actually a great relief to have given up the struggle to maintain the yard in a manner for which I have no time – but I have to take deep breaths as I watch them stripping the roses!
Just leave the citrus alone please — I silently beg, hoping they appreciate the spirit of compromise under which I have done this.
Hi Peter and DWG and Carol and Gaye,
Have been on the road again, so sorry for the delay– but I can see it’s unanimous that roses count less than having the wild critters close by.
Unfortunately I got back today to find one had lain down and died – too close to the house. The smell says about a week ago. No idea why, but what do I do now?? A crematorial bonfire?
Hi there Sharyn, ‘hope you’re feeling better. I do think mowing is a lost cause at present. Robbie from the church in Laguna (that you did the feature about) has made it her life’s work to mow the cricket ground!!! She tells me she can see the grass growing behind her in the rear view mirror, so I reckon you’ve made the right decision. Pic three is fabulous, Cheers, Trev.
By the way, I hope that your health has improved.
Cheers,
Gaye
Hello Sharyn,
I empathise with your situation, as I know how much a garden can mean. At least you have your vegetable patch, which must provide you with much satisfaction and pleasure. Oh, if I could look out my front door and find a kangaroo family lounging comfortably on my grass, I would be rapt.
If you have a couple of special roses that are growing close together, perhaps you could erect a bit of netting around them to preserve them.
Kind regards,
Gaye
Sharyn,
Sad about the roses but this is a beautiful solution to the grass considering all the rain we’re having. The close relationship with the macropods will make up for it. Fingers crossed for your citrus, though.
Carol
Spirit of compromise!!! Good for the Soul!! Am sorry about the roses and just hope they are allergic to the citrus. This must be a sight to see! Love all the pics!! DWG
Hi Sharyn,
Bugger the roses indeed. This is much more fun.
P