It has been raining since last night and I am not complaining. There is no need to water the garden for at least a week, I hope. There are spots in the garden that are not quite wet and I know this when I am digging to put in new plants. These areas I would have to water by hand. My violets must be loving the rain. They are beginning to bloom and I hope to be able to pick the flowers for the house. A small vase of violets can brighten up a gloomy, wintry day. I have been spreading the violets in semi shady areas since late summer. Those too exposed to the sun had withered and I know not to replant the violets in those areas. They enjoy dappled sunlight and they look brilliant when the sun's rays fall on them. I usually have my vase of violets near a window to bring out the gem like quality in the sunshine.
Violets spread easily and can be a nuisance but they are easy to pull out to feed the compost bin. From now till late spring they will be flowering. Teach your children or grandchildren to pick the flowers if you find kneeling impossible. I help the violet patch along with the occasional seaweed watering.
My one capsicum plant and numerous chilli bushes are laden with green fruits. I hope they will eventually ripen. From past experience I know they will take their time ripening during these cold dull days. I can use them green but they are at their best when fully ripened. To enjoy chillies you need the fire in them. They will shrivel up in the cold but will send up fresh shoots when it warms up in spring. I wait till mid winter brfore pruning my chilli bushes and that is the time when I will pick the last of the unripe fruits. They will go into my pickles or curries, usually looking pale, without the fire in them.
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